Berlin

Researchers are studying adults newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or non-small cell lung cancer who are planning to receive systemic cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The study aims to understand how cannabis and cannabinoid use relates to cancer-related symptoms over one year. This observational research includes patients treated in community oncology clinics and is sponsored by Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Participants complete surveys and allow medical record reviews throughout the study. The study tracks cannabis and cannabinoid use as well as perceived benefits, harms, and adverse effects monthly for 12 months following enrollment. An optional sub-study is available at select sites for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving specific chemotherapy with ICIs. During the study, participants fill out monthly surveys about their symptoms and cannabis use. Researchers also review medical records to assess cancer-related symptoms and treatment progress. The main measure is cancer-related symptoms assessed monthly for up to one year. Secondary measures include cannabis use patterns and adverse effects. Participation involves ongoing survey completion and record review, with the total study duration lasting 12 months post-enrollment.

Researchers are evaluating whether adding chemotherapy to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab improves overall survival compared to pembrolizumab alone in older adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stages IIIB-IV. This phase III trial focuses on patients aged 70 and above with tumors expressing PD-L1 at 1-49% and without certain genetic mutations. The study aims to assess survival, progression-free survival, response rates, toxicity, and quality of life in this vulnerable population. Participants are randomized into two groups. One group receives pembrolizumab intravenously every 21 days for four cycles, followed by maintenance pembrolizumab every 21 or 42 days for up to two years. The other group receives pembrolizumab plus a chemotherapy regimen chosen by the investigator, given intravenously on specific schedules repeating every 21 days for four cycles, followed by the same pembrolizumab maintenance. Imaging with MRI, CT, and/or PET scans is performed at baseline and throughout the trial. During the trial, patients undergo regular evaluations including imaging studies, laboratory tests, and quality of life questionnaires. Follow-up visits occur every three months for up to two years after treatment and then every six months up to five years. Researchers measure overall survival, disease progression, treatment response, adverse events, and patient-reported quality of life. The study also explores safety, tolerability, geriatric assessments, and correlations between gut microbes and outcomes.

Researchers are collecting blood and tissue samples from patients with and without cancer to evaluate tests that might help detect cancer early. This observational study aims to create a blinded reference set of blood samples from both cancer and non-cancer patients to validate blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests. The study also assesses test performance at the time of initial cancer diagnosis by tumor type and clinical stage. Participants complete a questionnaire at the start of the study and provide blood samples at registration and again 12 months later. Patients diagnosed with cancer may also provide tissue samples at these same time points. The study collects samples to support the development and validation of early detection assays, with no treatment interventions involved. During the study, participants fill out questionnaires and provide blood and possibly tissue samples. Researchers follow up with participants one year after study completion. The main outcome is the creation of a blinded reference set of blood samples to test early cancer detection methods. The study monitors test performance based on cancer type and stage, with all evaluations completed within one year of enrollment.

Researchers are evaluating how to best recommend chemotherapy for patients with colon cancer based on the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after surgery. This Phase II/III trial focuses on patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or Stage III colon adenocarcinoma who have undergone tumor removal. The study aims to use ctDNA status to better predict the risk of cancer recurrence and guide decisions about adjuvant chemotherapy. Participants will be assigned to different treatment groups based on their ctDNA status after surgery. Patients without detectable ctDNA will undergo serial ctDNA monitoring without immediate treatment or receive standard chemotherapy regimens such as mFOLFOX6 or CAPOX for varying durations. Patients with detectable ctDNA will receive either standard chemotherapy or intensified regimens like mFOLFIRINOX. Treatments involve intravenous and oral chemotherapy drugs given over several cycles spanning weeks to months. Throughout the study, participants will have ctDNA testing using the Signatera test and be monitored for disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence up to five years after randomization. Safety and treatment adherence will also be tracked. Regular imaging and laboratory tests will assess disease status and organ function. The study may include re-randomization for patients who develop positive ctDNA during monitoring. Total involvement may last several years with follow-up for long-term outcomes.

Researchers are comparing two treatment approaches for patients with stage II to IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that can be surgically removed. The study evaluates whether giving standard therapy both before and after surgery (perioperative) is more effective than giving it only after surgery (adjuvant). The trial is phase III and aims to understand which approach leads to better survival and fewer complications in patients with resectable lung cancer. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. In the first group, patients have surgery within 28 days of joining the study, followed by up to four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy and up to one year of immunotherapy if the cancer does not progress or cause unacceptable side effects. In the second group, patients receive chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy before surgery, then undergo surgery, and continue immunotherapy after surgery for up to one year under similar conditions. Throughout the study, patients may have CT scans, and possibly MRI or PET/CT scans at the start. During the trial, researchers will monitor patients closely over time, including follow-up visits every six months for up to 10 years after treatment ends. They will assess outcomes such as survival without events like cancer recurrence or progression, overall survival, rates of surgery and complete tumor removal, side effects leading to treatment stops or hospitalizations, and the body's response to treatment. This comprehensive monitoring helps evaluate the benefits and risks of each treatment approach.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of the Cost Communication and Financial Navigation (CostCOM) program on how well cancer patients stick to their treatment plans and manage financial stress. Many people with cancer face financial difficulties due to high out-of-pocket costs and changes in employment or insurance, which can cause delays or interruptions in care and lower quality of life. This study compares CostCOM with enhanced usual care to see if it helps reduce financial hardship and improve care adherence and patient satisfaction. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives a brochure about financial navigation services from the Patient Advocate Foundation. The other group receives standard financial care plus CostCOM financial counseling sessions lasting about an hour, given within 30 days of enrollment and again at 3, 6, and 12 months. Non-patient participants, such as providers or coordinators, may take part in surveys and interviews to share their experiences with the CostCOM program. Patients will be followed for 12 months after completing the intervention. During this time, they will complete surveys about their adherence to cancer care, financial hardship, worry, quality of life, and satisfaction with care at several points. Researchers will also assess the accuracy of cost estimates given to patients and explore neighborhood characteristics. The study includes interviews and surveys with non-patient participants conducted 15 to 39 months after the first patient enrollment.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two digital mindfulness-based interventions for younger breast cancer survivors who experience elevated depressive symptoms. This phase III clinical trial focuses on women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger who have completed their primary cancer treatments at least six months prior. The study aims to identify which digital mindfulness approach best improves mental health and well-being, while exploring factors that influence intervention benefits and cost-effectiveness. The study includes three groups: one attends live, instructor-led mindfulness sessions via Zoom once a week for six weeks; another uses a self-paced mindfulness app with structured lessons and exercises over six weeks; and a control group accesses guided audio mindfulness meditations. Participants without digital devices or internet access will be provided with tablets and hotspots. Both English and Spanish speakers are included in live and audio meditation groups, while the app group includes English speakers only. All groups have access to the mindfulness app for up to six months. Participants will attend sessions or use digital tools over six weeks, with daily home practice encouraged. Researchers will assess depressive symptoms shortly after the intervention and up to six months later, along with fatigue symptoms. Use of mindfulness materials and session attendance will be tracked to measure engagement. The study also collects information on emotion regulation, demographic factors, and social determinants of health to understand how these influence outcomes. Participation lasts approximately six months, with ongoing access to mindfulness resources during follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating whether adding adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) to ovarian function suppression (OFS) plus endocrine therapy (ET) improves invasive breast cancer-free survival in premenopausal women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This Phase III trial focuses on patients with specific 21-gene recurrence scores and aims to clarify the best treatment approach for younger women, who face higher risks despite current therapies. The study addresses the uncertainty about the role of ovarian suppression combined with chemotherapy versus ovarian suppression alone in this patient group. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: one receiving ovarian function suppression with an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years, and the other receiving adjuvant chemotherapy followed by the same ovarian suppression and aromatase inhibitor regimen. The choice of drugs and dosing schedules for the aromatase inhibitor and GnRH agonist are determined by the investigators, with common options including monthly or every-three-months administration of agents like goserelin, leuprolide, or triptorelin. Endocrine therapy may continue beyond five years at the investigator’s discretion, and bilateral oophorectomy can substitute for ovarian suppression if preferred. Throughout the trial, participants will be closely monitored over 11 years for outcomes including invasive breast cancer-free survival, overall survival, distant recurrence-free interval, and breast cancer-free interval. Evaluations of menopausal symptoms and pain during aromatase inhibitor therapy will be conducted one year after randomization. The study involves regular assessments and follow-up to track the effectiveness and impact of the treatments on patients’ health and quality of life.

Researchers are studying the effects of social and genetic factors on the health outcomes of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors who had Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This observational study aims to understand how these factors influence disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life in this group, which faces unique risks compared to older or childhood cancer patients. The study also explores how gene expression changes might mediate these effects and considers the impact of race, gender identity, and location. Participants will complete questionnaires about their health-related quality of life and provide blood samples at the start of the study and then at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. These activities will help researchers gather information on social-environmental risk factors, individual resilience, and biological changes. The study does not involve any treatment but focuses on monitoring and collecting data over two years. During the study, participants will be asked to complete quality of life questionnaires and give blood samples multiple times. Researchers will track disease-free survival, overall survival, and any other health complications up to two years. The study includes careful monitoring of participants' health status and aims to provide insights that could help improve care for young cancer survivors. Participation requires internet access and the ability to complete forms in English, with informed consent obtained from each participant or their representative.

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.