Texarkana

Researchers are studying the Caris Biorepository, a project designed to collect and store high-quality biological specimens and related clinical data to support research aimed at advancing precision medicine and improving patient care. This observational study focuses on gathering samples and information from various sources, including healthy individuals and cancer patients, to help understand disease treatments and clinical outcomes. The biorepository includes samples from different donor groups, such as those with no disease, treatment-nave patients with new solid tumors, individuals at higher risk for cancer, patients with advanced cancer, and those with a history of cancer but no active disease. The project aims to maintain molecular integrity and clinical relevance of these specimens while providing access to researchers and collaborators for drug development, clinical trials, and healthcare policy enhancements. Participants provide informed consent and contribute biological samples and clinical data that are securely stored and shared for research purposes. The study measures include ensuring specimen quality and relevance over 35 years and facilitating specimen release for testing. Laboratory testing will be conducted throughout the study duration. The project supports long-term research collaboration and aims to impact patient outcomes and treatment practices over time.

Researchers are comparing the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, in Medicare beneficiaries treated with the MILD procedure versus those treated with interspinous process decompression IPD for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. This observational study uses Medicare claims data to follow patients for 24 months after their initial procedure starting from January 1, 2017. The purpose is to evaluate outcomes between these two types of procedures without requiring prior patient enrollment or consent. The study includes two groups patients who received MILD, which is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression performed under fluoroscopic guidance through a dorsal approach to the spine, and patients who received IPD, a different device-based decompression procedure. Data on reoperations and complications will be collected for both groups over a 24-month follow-up period using Medicare claims. Enrollment continues until the sponsor decides to stop. Participants involvement is passive as the study uses existing Medicare claims data. Researchers will monitor rates of harms related to the initial procedure and subsequent surgical or minimally invasive interventions over two years. No direct patient visits or interventions are conducted, and the study is exempt from institutional review board oversight. The total study duration extends to December 2026, covering cases treated since early 2017.