Nashville

Researchers are investigating the use of zirconium Zr89 panitumumab with PET/CT scans to improve the diagnosis of metastatic spread in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This phase I clinical trial aims to determine how well this investigational imaging agent detects unclear metastatic lesions compared to standard imaging methods. Zirconium Zr89 panitumumab contains a radiolabeled anti-EGFR antibody, which targets a protein commonly found in higher amounts in these cancers. Participants will receive intravenous infusions of panitumumab and zirconium Zr89 panitumumab, followed by PET/CT imaging within 1 to 5 days after the infusion. The study will compare these results with those from standard imaging techniques like MRI, CT, and 18F-FDG PET/CT. The goal is to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the new imaging agent in detecting metastatic lesions. Additionally, researchers will track how often biopsies or other interventions are performed based on imaging findings. During the study, participants will undergo standard care evaluations, including blood tests to check hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, and kidney function. Researchers will review electronic health records and monitor the safety and accuracy of the imaging tests over up to 7 years. The primary outcomes are the sensitivity and specificity of zirconium Zr89 panitumumab for detecting metastatic lesions. This long-term follow-up will help determine the potential role of this imaging agent in managing head and neck cancer.

Researchers are evaluating (Z)-endoxifen as a potential treatment for premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and HER2-negative breast cancer. This phase 2 open-label study includes two parts: a pharmacokinetic (PK) phase to understand how the body processes the drug and a treatment phase to assess the drug's effects on tumor growth. The study aims to see if (Z)-endoxifen can slow or stop tumor growth by measuring changes in a biomarker called Ki-67. Participants are premenopausal women who meet specific cancer and health criteria. Participants in the PK part will take (Z)-endoxifen capsules daily at varying doses (20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg). Some will also receive a monthly injection of goserelin, a drug that temporarily stops estrogen production in the ovaries. The treatment cohort will receive both (Z)-endoxifen and goserelin. Tumor tissue samples will be collected by breast biopsy after about 4 weeks to assess the Ki-67 biomarker. Participants showing tumor response may continue treatment for up to 24 weeks or until they undergo surgery. Throughout the study, participants will have blood draws to measure drug levels and tumor markers, breast biopsies, imaging scans, and safety assessments. The main outcomes include measuring (Z)-endoxifen levels after 4 weeks, the rate of Ki-67 reduction, and tumor response after 24 weeks. Study participation lasts up to 6 months, including treatment, surgery, and a follow-up visit one month after surgery.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of 2-Hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) on improving HDL cholesterol function and reducing modifications of HDL and LDL in people with heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). This Phase 2 study aims to better understand how 2-HOBA may influence cholesterol metabolism in this group. Participants will receive either 2-HOBA or a placebo taken orally as three 250 mg tablets three times a day for 6 weeks. The study compares the effects of 2-HOBA to placebo during this treatment period to assess its impact on HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and related measures. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations starting at baseline and continuing through week 6, focusing on changes in HDL cholesterol function. The primary outcome measured is the increase in HDL cholesterol efflux capacity from baseline to week 6. Safety and other health parameters will also be monitored throughout the treatment period.

Researchers are investigating the safety and effects of 4D-150 gene therapy in adults aged 50 and older with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are already receiving anti-VEGF treatment and have shown a clinical response. This Phase 1/2 trial includes dose-escalation and randomized, controlled, masked expansion phases, aiming to evaluate 4D-150 administered by intravitreal injection in one eye, with additional substudies assessing dosing in the second eye and vector shedding. Participants will receive a one-time dose of 4D-150 by injection into the study eye, followed by monthly assessments for 24 months to monitor safety and effectiveness. Those who receive 4D-150 will then enter a long-term follow-up period up to 5 years to assess ongoing safety and the duration of treatment effects. Substudies include one for contralateral eye dosing and another to characterize vector shedding, with participants monitored regularly for safety through one year and continuing long-term follow-up through year 5. Throughout the study, participants will undergo tests of visual and retinal function and structure, with assessments performed monthly initially and safety monitored for up to five years. Researchers will track treatment-emergent adverse events, serious adverse events, and any significant changes in safety parameters. Participants must comply with study procedures and visits, and males receiving 4D-150 will be advised to use barrier methods during intercourse for six months to prevent fluid transmission.

Alpha-synucleinopathies are age-related brain disorders marked by the buildup of alpha-synuclein in nerve cells, leading to conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. These diseases affect both central and peripheral nervous systems. Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF) affects only the peripheral autonomic system and is considered a risk factor for developing central synucleinopathies. This research aims to find biomarkers, particularly related to dopamine production, that can predict the progression from PAF to these central nervous system diseases.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of litifilimab (BIIB059), a monoclonal antibody, in adults with active subacute or chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Participants have active skin symptoms of CLE that have not improved with antimalarial therapy or had difficulties continuing that treatment. The study focuses on reducing skin disease activity using several scores including CLA-IGA-R and CLASI, while also assessing safety, immune response, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either litifilimab or a placebo injection under the skin every four weeks during a 24-week double-blind period where neither participants nor researchers know which treatment is given. After this, all participants will receive litifilimab injections every four weeks for an additional 28 weeks. Those who complete the treatment may join a long-term extension study or enter a follow-up safety period lasting up to 24 weeks. Total participation may last up to 80 weeks. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor skin disease activity using the CLA-IGA-R erythema score and the CLASI-A activity score to see how many participants improve. They will also assess safety, tolerability, immune system effects, and participants' quality of life using questionnaires. These evaluations occur regularly during both treatment periods and follow-up to understand the impact of litifilimab on CLE symptoms and overall health.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of tenapanor in adults with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in this 26-week phase 3 study. The study is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving multiple centers. It aims to compare three doses of tenapanor (5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg taken twice daily) against a placebo, with a focus on improving spontaneous bowel movements. Participants will first undergo a 2-week screening where their eligibility is assessed through medical history, physical exams, lab tests, ECG, and self-reported constipation symptoms using an electronic diary (eDiary). Eligible patients will then be randomly assigned to receive one of the three doses of tenapanor or placebo twice daily for 26 weeks. During this treatment period, patients will continue daily and weekly symptom reporting via the eDiary and attend regular safety visits at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 26. After completing the 26-week treatment, patients enter a 4-week treatment-free safety follow-up period to monitor any adverse events. A final visit occurs at the end of this follow-up to assess safety. The main outcome measured is the durable complete spontaneous bowel movements response over 12 weeks. Overall, the study involves careful monitoring of symptoms, safety, and treatment effects over approximately 32 weeks.

Researchers are investigating new treatments for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), a type of lung cancer that has spread within or beyond the lungs. This trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of combining two study medicines, gocatamig and ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), with or without standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Gocatamig is a T-cell engager therapy that helps the immune system target cancer cells, while I-DXd is an antibody drug conjugate designed to deliver cancer-killing agents directly to tumor cells. Participants will receive different treatment combinations based on the study part and arm to which they are assigned. Treatments include intravenous administration of gocatamig, I-DXd, atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide. Rescue medications may be given as needed to manage side effects such as cytokine release syndrome or infusion reactions. Participants may be assigned to various treatment groups either per investigator choice or randomized, with some receiving maintenance treatments after initial induction therapy. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for safety, including the occurrence of adverse events and dose-limiting toxicities, for up to about 58 months. Researchers will also assess tumor response by measuring cancer size changes. Other evaluations include biopsies, imaging scans, and clinical assessments to determine how well participants tolerate the treatments and how their cancer responds. The total duration of participation and follow-up will vary depending on the study phase and treatment arm.

Researchers are evaluating a new treatment called ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study compares I-DXd to chemotherapy to see if it helps people live longer overall and live longer without their cancer worsening. It is a Phase 3, open-label trial focused on patients who have progressed on prior therapies and have evidence of metastatic disease. Participants receive either I-DXd through an intravenous infusion every 3 weeks or docetaxel chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks. Prednisone tablets are also given daily as part of the treatment plan. Before each I-DXd dose, premedication is provided to help prevent nausea and vomiting using a combination of drugs such as corticosteroids and anti-nausea medicines. Treatment continues until disease progression, unacceptable side effects, or other reasons to stop. During the study, researchers monitor overall survival and how long patients live without their cancer progressing, for up to about 36 months. Participants undergo tumor tissue collection, scans, and assessments to track disease status and side effects. Safety is closely watched throughout treatment. The study includes men aged 18 and older with confirmed prostate cancer and metastatic disease who have previously received certain hormone therapies but no prior taxane chemotherapy for mCRPC.

Researchers are looking for new medicines to prevent HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1) infection. The goals of this study are to learn: * If taking MK-8527 once a month works to prevent HIV-1 infection as well as or better than a standard (usual) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken once a day * About the safety of MK-8527 and if people tolerate it