Fergus Falls

Researchers are evaluating the incidence of colorectal cancer in people aged 45 to 70 who have 1 to 2 non-advanced adenomas, which are small precancerous polyps without high-risk features. The study compares outcomes between those who have surveillance colonoscopies every 5 years versus every 10 years. This is important because current guidelines recommend follow-up colonoscopy but lack clear evidence on the best timing for patients with non-advanced adenomas. Participants will undergo colonoscopies at either 5 and 10 years or just at 10 years after their initial qualifying colonoscopy. All colonoscopies, including any unscheduled ones, will follow standard quality procedures and preparation instructions. The initial colonoscopy must have fully visualized the cecum and completely removed all polyps. Sessile serrated polyps without advanced features are also included as non-advanced adenomas. During the trial, researchers will monitor participants through colonoscopy exams and collect data on the incidence of colorectal cancer over a 10-year period. The main measurement is the rate of colorectal cancer occurrence. The study also includes assessments to ensure adherence to colonoscopy quality standards and will follow participants long term to observe safety and effectiveness of the surveillance intervals.

Researchers are evaluating how well inotuzumab ozogamicin works when combined with frontline chemotherapy in treating young adults aged 18 to 39 years who have newly diagnosed B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This Phase III trial aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of adding inotuzumab ozogamicin, a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer cells, to a pediatric-inspired chemotherapy regimen called CALGB 10403. The study also explores the impact of this combination on survival, minimal residual disease, genetic factors, treatment side effects, and medication adherence. Participants begin with remission induction therapy that includes oral allopurinol, intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy drugs such as daunorubicin, vincristine, dexamethasone, pegylated L-asparaginase, and methotrexate, along with bone marrow tests. Those who respond to induction are randomized to one of two groups: one receives standard chemotherapy courses including consolidation, maintenance, and intensification phases, while the other receives inotuzumab ozogamicin infusions in addition to the same chemotherapy regimen. Treatments are given by mouth, intravenous, subcutaneous, or intrathecal routes on specific days over several courses lasting up to three years for maintenance therapy. Throughout the study, participants undergo regular bone marrow biopsies, blood tests, and biomarker analyses to monitor disease status and treatment effects. Researchers assess event-free survival, disease-free survival, overall survival, treatment toxicity, genetic markers, and medication adherence using electronic monitoring. After treatment ends, patients are followed monthly for the first year, then less frequently up to ten years to track long-term outcomes and safety.

Researchers are evaluating the Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2), a comprehensive multi-institutional resource developed by the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. This resource collects and manages standardized, multi-dimensional, and longitudinal data and biospecimens from adult cancer patients, those at high risk, and normal controls. iCaRe2 includes data from a wide geographic area covering many small and rural hospitals and cancer centers, supporting studies on cancer risk factors, development, progression, and strategies for prevention, screening, early detection, and personalized treatment. iCaRe2 is a web-based, secure, HIPAA-compliant registry that integrates multiple specialized cancer collaborative registries covering a broad range of cancers such as pancreatic, breast, thyroid, thoracic, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, leukemia, gynecological, sarcoma, melanoma, and more. The system allows participating centers to contribute data and biospecimens like tumor samples, germ line DNA, serum, urine, and plasma. This flexible "confederation model" enables centers with different expertise and resources to collaborate on diverse research projects through a common platform. Participants include adult individuals aged 19 and older who have a cancer diagnosis or history, are at risk for cancer, have suspicious clinical findings, or have no history of cancer (normal controls). Data collection includes demographic, clinical, and biospecimen information. The registry supports multi-dimensional data mining and sharing to advance cancer research. The primary outcome is the ongoing development and implementation of this web-based cancer collaborative registry, with long-term data collection and collaboration planned over many years.

Researchers are investigating treatments for patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma in this phase III trial. The study compares the effects of lenalidomide and dexamethasone given with or without daratumumab. These drugs work in different ways to stop tumor growth, and the combination with daratumumab, an immunotherapy, may better interfere with tumor cell growth and spread. The trial aims to assess overall survival, progression-free survival, treatment safety, and quality of life among participants. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives daratumumab intravenously on specific days across up to 24 cycles, combined with daily oral lenalidomide for 21 days and oral dexamethasone on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 for 12 cycles. The other group receives only lenalidomide and dexamethasone on the same schedule for up to 24 cycles. Treatment continues every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging scans, and patient questionnaires to monitor treatment effects and quality of life. Researchers track overall survival for up to 15 years, evaluate minimal residual disease, and monitor medication adherence and adverse events. Follow-up visits occur every 3, 6, or 12 months after treatment ends to continue monitoring health outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating a screening and multi-sub-study randomized phase II/III trial called Lung-MAP, designed for patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer. The trial aims to establish a genomic screening method to assign patients to biomarker-driven or non-matched sub-studies. Depending on the cancer biomarker type, participants may receive new targeted cancer therapies or combinations compared to standard care, with the goal of approving new treatments. An optional ancillary study explores patient and physician attitudes about returning genetic findings related to germline mutations. The study involves testing patient specimens to determine eligibility for various sub-studies under the Lung-MAP protocol. Patients undergo screening to analyze tumor tissue and blood samples for biomarkers including PD-L1 and c-MET. Those requiring a fresh biopsy also submit blood for circulating tumor DNA testing. Sub-study assignment depends on the molecular profile results. This screening process includes both patients progressing after prior therapy and those pre-screened before progression on current treatment. Participants provide informed consent and tumor tissue that meets quality standards for testing. Researchers collect clinical data including smoking history and performance status. Outcomes focus on screening success, such as adequate tissue submission and matching to biomarker-driven sub-studies, tracked for up to three years. The study also monitors patient and physician knowledge and preferences regarding genomic findings. Participation duration varies based on screening and sub-study assignment.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of radiation therapy with or without the chemotherapy drug cisplatin in patients with stage III-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have had surgery to remove their tumors. This phase II trial aims to understand if adding cisplatin to radiation therapy improves disease-free survival, especially considering the role of p53 mutations in the cancer cells. The study also investigates toxicities and potential genomic factors that might influence treatment outcomes. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) alone once daily, five days a week for six weeks. The other group receives the same radiation treatment combined with weekly intravenous cisplatin over one to two hours, also for six weeks. Treatment continues as long as there is no disease progression or unacceptable side effects. During the study, participants undergo regular follow-ups every six months for three years and then yearly for seven more years to monitor for cancer recurrence or new tumors. Researchers assess disease-free survival, tracking the time from randomization until cancer returns, a second tumor develops, or death. Additional laboratory tests and biomarker analyses are performed to understand genetic changes and treatment effects. Safety and toxicities are closely monitored throughout the study period.

This phase II clinical trial investigates how well the combination of ramucirumab with paclitaxel compares to the FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen in treating patients with advanced or treatment-resistant small bowel adenocarcinoma. Ramucirumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to block VEGFR-2, potentially limiting blood vessel growth to tumors and slowing cancer spread. Chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel, leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and irinotecan work by killing tumor cells or stopping their growth and spread, aiming to improve survival in this patient population. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. In the first group, patients receive ramucirumab intravenously on days 1 and 15, combined with paclitaxel given intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 in 28-day treatment cycles. The second group receives the FOLFIRI regimen, which includes irinotecan and leucovorin intravenously on days 1 and 15, plus fluorouracil given as a bolus and continuous infusion over days 1-3 and 15-17, also in 28-day cycles. Treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. During the study, patients undergo regular assessments including tumor scans and blood tests to track cancer progression and response. Follow-up visits occur every 8 weeks during treatment and then every 6 months for up to three years after disease progression. Researchers measure progression-free survival, overall survival, tumor response rate, and treatment safety. They also collect tissue and blood samples for future research. The study aims to identify which treatment offers better control of cancer growth and improved patient outcomes.

Researchers are studying patients with metastatic HER-2-positive breast cancer who are receiving trastuzumab-based treatments to understand the risk of heart problems related to their cancer therapy. The study includes two groups: one large observational group of patients already taking beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs alongside their cancer treatment, and a smaller randomized group comparing patients who receive carvedilol, a heart medication, to those who do not. The trial aims to assess how often heart issues occur and whether carvedilol can help prevent heart damage from chemotherapy. It also investigates biomarkers and heart function measures as predictors of cardiac risk. In the randomized part, patients not already on beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs are assigned to receive carvedilol twice daily or no additional treatment for up to 108 weeks, with treatment cycles repeated every 12 weeks if there is no disease progression or unacceptable side effects. Patients already taking these heart medications join the observational cohort and are monitored for up to 108 weeks without any change in their therapy. The study collects blood samples and performs regular heart imaging to evaluate heart function and strain. Participants will have regular echocardiograms every 12 weeks to monitor heart function, with both local and central readings compared. Blood samples are collected for biomarker analysis, and patient health status is assessed throughout the study. The main outcome measured is the time until any heart dysfunction is first detected, followed for up to 108 weeks. The study also tracks interruptions in cancer therapy due to heart problems and explores genetic and plasma markers that might predict heart risk. Participants are followed closely for safety and treatment effects during the entire study period.

Researchers are evaluating whether adding pembrolizumab, a type of immunotherapy, to usual chemotherapy improves outcomes in patients with stage IIA, IIB, IIIA, or IIIB non-small cell lung cancer that has been removed by surgery. Pembrolizumab may help the immune system attack cancer cells and prevent tumor growth. Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, pemetrexed, carboplatin, gemcitabine hydrochloride, and paclitaxel work by stopping tumor cells from growing and spreading. This phase III trial compares disease-free survival between different treatment approaches involving pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. In Arm B, patients receive four cycles of chemotherapy followed by pembrolizumab given intravenously every 21 days for up to 17 cycles or every 6 weeks for 16 cycles. In Arm C, patients receive chemotherapy combined with pembrolizumab during the initial four cycles, followed by pembrolizumab alone for up to 13 cycles every 21 days or 12 cycles every 6 weeks. Chemotherapy regimens include various platinum doublets chosen by the treating physician. Arm A was closed as of February 2022. Patients may also undergo tests such as echocardiograms, MRIs, CT scans, and blood sample collections during the trial. Throughout the study, participants are monitored with regular assessments including imaging and blood tests. Follow-up visits occur 6 weeks after treatment, then every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months for years 2-4, and annually up to 10 years after randomization. Researchers measure disease-free survival, overall survival, adverse events, drug discontinuation rates, and patient quality of life using questionnaires. The study also explores outcomes based on tumor markers like PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden.

Researchers are evaluating the combination of cabozantinib, nivolumab, and ipilimumab to treat patients with rare genitourinary tumors that have spread from their original location to other parts of the body. This phase II trial aims to measure how effective this combination is by looking at tumor response rates and survival outcomes. The study also assesses safety and supports tissue banking and clinical follow-up to better understand these rare cancers, including specific evaluation for patients with bone-only disease. Participants receive cabozantinib orally once daily during the first four cycles on a 21-day schedule and then continuously on a 28-day schedule for subsequent cycles. Nivolumab and ipilimumab are given intravenously on day 1 of cycles 1 to 4, followed by nivolumab alone on day 1 of later cycles. Treatment continues for up to 2 years unless the disease progresses or side effects become unacceptable. Patients may undergo several imaging tests such as CT, MRI, bone scans, PET/CT, and echocardiography throughout the study. During the trial, patients provide blood and urine samples regularly and undergo imaging to monitor disease status and treatment effects. Researchers track tumor response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and clinical benefit rates. After finishing treatment, participants are followed every two months for up to five years to observe long-term outcomes and safety.