Baraboo

Researchers are collecting blood and tissue samples from people with and without cancer to help evaluate new tests that could detect cancer early. This study aims to create a set of blinded blood samples from both cancer and non-cancer patients to validate these tests, focusing on multiple cancer types and stages. The goal is to improve early cancer detection through laboratory research. Participants complete a questionnaire at the start and provide blood samples at registration and again 12 months later. Those diagnosed with cancer may also have tissue samples collected at these times. The study includes patients with various cancer types and stages, as well as individuals without cancer, with some allowing enrollment before full cancer confirmation under specific conditions. During the study, researchers review the collected samples and questionnaire data to assess test performance by tumor type and clinical stage at diagnosis. Participants are followed for one year after completing the study. Key measurements include the provision of a blinded reference set of cancer versus non-cancer blood samples to support future clinical trials focused on blood-based multi-cancer early detection.

Researchers are studying how certain factors like age, gender, other medical conditions, and the type of immunotherapy affect whether patients with malignant solid tumors develop mild or serious side effects from immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. This observational study aims to develop and validate a model that predicts severe immune-related side effects during the first year of immunotherapy, while also assessing quality of life and adverse events over 12 months. The study is sponsored by the SWOG Cancer Research Network and includes translational medicine goals such as evaluating cytokine levels as predictors and establishing a tissue and blood sample repository. Participants will provide a tissue sample at the start of their routine cancer treatment and complete questionnaires at multiple time points at treatment start, and weeks 4, 12, 24, and 52. They may also provide optional blood samples during the study. This design allows researchers to monitor immune-related side effects and patient-reported outcomes over time. During the study, participants will complete various questionnaires to report their quality of life, cognitive function, and side effects. Blood and tissue samples will be analyzed to explore predictive markers of toxicity. Researchers will track the occurrence of severe immune-related side effects over 52 weeks and assess changes in patient-reported outcomes. The study includes ongoing monitoring and data collection, with participation lasting approximately one year from treatment start.

Researchers are evaluating a text-based program designed to help rural cancer survivors who smoke to quit smoking. This phase III trial compares an eight-week scheduled gradual reduction SGR intervention delivered via personalized text messages combined with the National Cancer Institutes Smokefree.TXT service to a control group receiving a smoking cessation booklet. The study aims to assess how effective these approaches are in achieving biochemically validated smoking cessation six months after quitting, as well as their impact on quality of life. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group follows a personalized eight-week gradual reduction schedule, supported by cessation messages sent by text for 12 weeks. The second group receives the NCI Clearing the Air booklet to assist in planning gradual smoking cessation. After completing the interventions, participants are followed for a total of six months post-quit date to evaluate outcomes. During the study, participants will provide urine samples and complete questionnaires to measure smoking status and quality of life at baseline, 30 days, and six months after quitting. The research team uses biochemical validation to confirm smoking cessation. Participants must have texting capability on a cell phone or smartphone and be able to read and speak English. The total participation includes the intervention period plus follow-up to monitor smoking cessation and quality of life changes.

Researchers are evaluating a combination therapy approach for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are not intended for early autologous transplantation. This phase III trial compares a four-drug combination including daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone to a three-drug combination of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. The study aims to determine whether adding bortezomib improves overall survival and progression-free survival, examining minimal residual disease status and patient-reported outcomes related to neuropathy and quality of life. All participants first receive standard induction therapy with daratumumab administered subcutaneously on scheduled days, oral lenalidomide daily for 21 days per cycle, and oral dexamethasone on specific days, repeated every 28 days for 9 cycles. After induction, patients are randomized to either receive consolidation with bortezomib plus daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone followed by maintenance with daratumumab and lenalidomide, or consolidation with daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone followed by the same maintenance regimen. Consolidation cycles repeat every 28 days for 9 cycles, and maintenance cycles repeat every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Participants undergo regular monitoring including imaging with PETCT scans, bone marrow biopsies for minimal residual disease assessment, and laboratory tests throughout induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases. Patient-reported outcomes on neuropathy and quality of life are collected, alongside safety monitoring for adverse events. After completing study treatment, participants are followed every 3 months for up to 2 years, then every 6 months up to 5 years, and annually up to 15 years to evaluate long-term outcomes and survival.