Berkeley Heights

Researchers are evaluating whether combining pelabresib with ruxolitinib improves clinical outcomes compared to ruxolitinib alone in adults with primary myelofibrosis PMF, post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis PPV-MF, or post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis PET-MF who have not previously been treated with Janus kinase JAK inhibitors. This Phase 3 trial focuses on participants with intermediate or high-risk disease and assesses symptom burden and spleen size among other clinical measures. Participants begin with a screening period lasting up to 28 days to confirm eligibility and complete baseline tests. During the treatment phase, they are randomly assigned to receive either pelabresib orally once daily for 14 days of each 21-day cycle plus continuous ruxolitinib twice daily, or a matching placebo plus ruxolitinib. Treatment continues until unacceptable side effects, disease progression, or withdrawal. After treatment, a 30-day safety follow-up monitors for late side effects. Participants who have not experienced disease progression enter an efficacy follow-up with visits every 12 weeks for ongoing assessments including spleen imaging, lab tests, and bone marrow biopsies. Those with progression or new therapy start survival follow-up visits every 12 weeks, which may be remote, to monitor overall survival and disease status. The study includes comprehensive symptom scoring and spleen response evaluations over approximately three years.

Researchers are evaluating how to best recommend chemotherapy for patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or Stage III colon cancer based on the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA ctDNA after surgery. This Phase IIIII trial explores whether ctDNA status can help guide decisions about the need for adjuvant chemotherapy and identify the optimal chemotherapy regimen for those at high risk of recurrence. Circulating tumor DNA is a promising biomarker that may detect microscopic residual cancer cells that traditional methods might miss. Participants are assigned to groups based on their ctDNA results after surgery. Those without detectable ctDNA ctDNA- may undergo serial monitoring without treatment or receive different chemotherapy regimens such as mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX for 3 to 6 months. Patients with detectable ctDNA ctDNA who have a higher risk of recurrence are randomized to receive either standard chemotherapy regimens like mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX for 6 months or a more intensive regimen called mFOLFIRINOX for 6 months. Central ctDNA testing is performed using the Signatera test to guide these assignments. During the study, participants have blood samples collected for ctDNA testing and undergo imaging scans to check for cancer recurrence. Researchers assess disease-free survival, overall survival, and chemotherapy compliance over several years. The study includes monitoring for safety and treatment effects, with follow-up planned for up to 5 years after randomization. Participants health status, laboratory tests, and tumor markers are regularly evaluated throughout the treatment and follow-up periods.

Researchers are evaluating two digital mindfulness-based interventions to improve mental health and well-being in younger breast cancer survivors who have elevated depressive symptoms. This phase III randomized trial focuses on women diagnosed at or before age 50, who completed primary cancer treatments at least six months earlier. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of live instructor-led sessions via Zoom and a self-paced app-based program, exploring which approach best supports psychological health in this population. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups the live online mindfulness sessions MAPs LO conducted weekly for 6 weeks via Zoom, the MAPs App delivering the same content in shorter sessions over 6 weeks, or a meditation-only control group accessing guided audio meditations. Both English and Spanish speakers can participate in the live online and meditation groups, while the app is only available in English. Tablets and internet hotspots are provided if needed. All groups have access to the UCLA MARC mindfulness meditation app throughout the 6-month follow-up. During the study, participants will attend weekly sessions for the live group or engage with app content at home, with usage tracked to measure intervention dose. Researchers will assess depressive symptoms shortly after the intervention and again up to 6 months later, along with fatigue symptoms. They will also investigate factors influencing intervention effects, such as baseline distress and social determinants, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the programs. The total study duration includes a 6-week intervention period plus follow-up assessments out to 6 months.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of taking olaparib for one year compared to two years, with or without the addition of bevacizumab, in patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer that has specific genetic mutations BRCA 12 or a deficiency in homologous recombination. This phase III trial aims to determine if shorter treatment with olaparib is not worse than longer treatment and to study survival, disease progression, toxicity, and other outcomes. The study also explores genetic markers that might predict treatment response. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the first group, patients take olaparib orally twice daily for up to two years and may receive bevacizumab intravenously every 21 days for up to one year. In the second group, patients receive olaparib twice daily for up to one year and may also receive bevacizumab on the same schedule. Both groups undergo blood sample collection and imaging scans such as CT or MRI during the study treatment period. After finishing treatment, participants are followed up every three months for two years and then every six months for another three years to monitor health and disease status. Researchers assess progression-free survival based on tumor scans and survival over up to five years. Side effects, including risks of certain blood disorders and secondary cancers, are tracked. The total participation duration may extend over several years, including treatment and long-term follow-up.