Christiansburg

Researchers are evaluating Pumitamig compared to Durvalumab in people with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have completed platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy without disease progression. This phase 3, randomized study aims to compare these treatments in participants with good performance status after prior therapy. The trial is sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and focuses on progression-free survival as the main outcome. Participants will receive either Pumitamig or Durvalumab at specified doses on certain days as part of the study treatment. The study is open-label, meaning both the researchers and participants know which treatment is given. Treatment will follow completion of at least two cycles of platinum-based chemoradiation with a radiation dose of at least 54 Gy and no disease progression after that therapy. Throughout the study, participants will be regularly monitored with scans and assessed for progression-free survival by blinded independent central review using standard criteria. Other outcomes include overall survival, objective response, disease control rate, and duration of response, observed for up to approximately nine years. Safety and disease status will be closely followed to evaluate the treatments over time.

Researchers are evaluating the outcomes of two treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication (LSS with NC) in Medicare beneficiaries. This observational study compares the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, occurring within 24 months after receiving either the MILD procedure or Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD). The study uses Medicare claims data starting from patients treated on or after January 1, 2017, and continues enrollment until the sponsor stops it. The study groups include Medicare patients who underwent the MILD procedure, which involves a partial decompression performed under fluoroscopic image guidance through the removal of tissue and bone at the symptomatic spinal level. The control group consists of Medicare patients treated with Interspinous Process Decompression during the same enrollment period. Both groups are monitored for reoperation and harms for 24 months following their initial treatment. Participants are included based on Medicare claims with the study's NCT number, which automatically enrolls them without requiring prior consent. Researchers will analyze Medicare claims data to track surgical or minimally invasive interventions and any complications related to the initial procedure over two years. The study does not involve direct patient visits or interventions and is exempt from Institutional Review Board oversight. The total follow-up duration for outcome measurement is 24 months after the index procedure.

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 children's 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 program's 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.