Christiansburg

Researchers are evaluating Pumitamig compared to Durvalumab in adults with unresectable stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer NSCLC who have completed concurrent chemoradiation therapy. This phase 3 study aims to assess which treatment better controls cancer progression and improves survival outcomes in this patient population. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either Pumitamig or Durvalumab at specified doses on designated days. Both treatments are administered following at least two cycles of platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a radiation dose of at least 54 Gy. The study focuses on patients who have no progressive disease after this initial treatment and have good performance status. Throughout the trial, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival and other outcomes such as overall survival, objective response, disease control rate, and duration of response over several years. Assessments include imaging reviewed by independent central reviewers and investigators according to standardized criteria. The study involves regular evaluations to track cancer status and safety, with follow-up extending up to approximately nine years to understand long-term effects.

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.

Researchers are evaluating a digital health program called weSIPsmarter to reduce sugary drink consumption among preschool-aged children and their parents in rural areas. The study focuses on families involved in rural Head Start programs in Appalachia and the southern Black Belt, aiming to improve health behaviors and prevent chronic conditions related to high sugary drink intake. This trial addresses a gap in interventions designed for rural communities and young children aged 2 to 5 years. The study randomly assigns 12 rural Head Start programs to either the weSIPsmarter intervention or a control group called weLearn2Read. The weSIPsmarter program includes interactive behavioral components such as self-monitoring of beverage intake and parenting practices, goal setting, a resource help line, and water vouchers for families concerned about tap water quality. Participants in this group complete six learning modules, track daily sugary drink consumption, and parents also record daily weight. The control group completes six educational modules focused on reading readiness and receives childrens books and optional reminders. Participants, which are parent-child pairs from the Head Start programs, will be assessed at the start, after 9 weeks, and again at 12 months. Measurements include sugary drink intake, weight, height, body mass index, diet quality, and parent health literacy. Researchers will also study parent engagement, the programs reach, and how well it is adopted and maintained by the Head Start centers. Total participation spans over one year, with focus on both reducing sugary drink use and sustaining healthier behaviors over time.