University of Texas Medical Branch

Objectives: This protocol addresses the first phase of a larger project funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to help heavy smokers make informed decisions about lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT). A separate IRB protocol will be submitted for the larger, comparative study. In this initial development phase, our prototype patient decision aid will be updated to reflect current guidelines about lung cancer screening. The updated aid will then be pilot-tested in a new sample of patients. In addition, several of the study measures will be refined and further developed in preparation for the larger study. The specific aims of the measures and decision aid development phase of this project are as follows: Update the aid to reflect current screening guidelines and refine the aid via cognitive testing with patients/smokers; and pilot test the updated aid for acceptability with patients/smokers. Modify our current measure of lung cancer knowledge, conduct cognitive testing of the new measure with patients/smokers, and evaluate the reliability of the new measure in a sample patients/smokers.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2014

open study

The objective of this study is to explore the perception of pain during intravitreal injection related to the distance of the entry site from the limbus.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

The study hypothesis is that BCG naïve non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated with intravesical Gemcitabine + Docetaxel (GEMDOCE) will result in a non-inferior event-free survival (EFS) compared to standard treatment with intravesical BCG. The purpose of this study is to test whether Gemcitabine + Docetaxel is a better or worse treatment than the usual BCG therapy approach. The primary objective of this study is to determine the event free survival (EFS) of BCG-naïve high grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients treated with intravesical BCG vs Gemcitabine + Docetaxel. Secondary objectives are as follows: to compare changes in cancer-specific and bladder cancer-specific QOL from baseline to treatment between BCG-naïve high grade NMIBC patients receiving BCG and GEMDOCE, to determine the cystectomy free survival (CFS) of BCG-naïve high grade NMIBC patients treated with intravesical BCG vs GEMDOCE, to determine the progression free survival (PFS) of BCG-naïve high grade NMIBC patients treated with intravesical BCG vs GEMDOCE, and to determine the safety and toxicity of BCG-naïve high grade NMIBC patients treated with intravesical BCG vs GEMDOCE.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

The goal of this study is to conduct a randomized pilot multi-arm clinical trial comparing a standard course of physical therapist provided pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to pharmacologic therapy for the treatment of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) or Overactive Bladder (OAB) in older women at high risk of falling. The central hypotheses for this project are i) a randomized pilot multi-arm clinical trial comparing PFMT to drug treatment for UUI or OAB in older women at high risk of falling is feasible; and ii) treatment approach can influence both UI and fall related outcomes in this patient population. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Is a multi-arm clinical trial comparing PFMT to drug treatment for UUI or OAB in older women at high risk of falling feasible? and 2) How does treatment approach influence both OAB and fall related outcomes in this patient population? Women (16 per arm) 60 years and older with UUI or OAB who screen positive for high fall risk will be randomized to one of three standard of care treatment arms and followed for six months. The three treatment arms are i) a 12-week structured behaviorally based pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) intervention administered by physical therapists in the clinic; ii) a 12-week course of the beta-3 agonist, Mirabegron; and iii) a 12-week course of the antimuscarinic, Trospium Chloride. Researchers will compare study feasibility and OAB symptom related outcomes across the three groups to see if a larger clinical trial is warranted.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2023

open study

This international multi-center registry is used to collect existing information and outcomes for patients undergoing an operation for treatment of injuries to the brain including the blockage of blood flow to an area of the brain, an abnormal ballooning of an artery, abnormal tangling of blood vessels, abnormal formation of blood vessels, tearing of vein, and bleeding in the brain. This information is used to help predict outcomes that undergo an operation for treatment of the above-listed brain injuries. Additionally, the information is used to compare techniques and devices' effects on technical and clinical outcomes.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Sep 2019

open study

The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a walking and balance training program designed to safely challenge and improve walking performance and balance in relation to walking speed, strength, endurance, and balance after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim and primary hypothesis of this research project is: Aim) Test and implement a new personalized intervention strategy, in addition to usual and customary care at an inpatient rehabilitation clinic, to improve patient outcomes with secondary conditions associated with impaired balance and walking that typically occur post brain injury. After validation of the locomotor Battery of tests, we will implement a personalized training strategy for individuals based on their battery profile. Hypothesis) Individuals training with this individualized protocol will demonstrate improved walking and balance outcomes and those with lesser pre-intervention impairment will improve at a greater rate than those with greater pre-intervention impairment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

The purpose of the study is to determine the feasibility of nutritional interventions designed to help older patients maintain physical function after being in the hospital. We will test the feasibility and effect of nutritional interventions with whey protein, collagen or placebo on functional recovery from hospitalization in community dwelling older adults.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2019

open study

This study will test the effects of a social media game on the physical activity of older adult women. The game will consist of playful weekly challenges that require sharing photographs on a private social media group and also wearing an activity monitor to track steps. Participants will be randomized to this game group or to receive the activity monitor only.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2019

open study

The use of imaging is increasing in clinical practice, either for diagnosis or intervention. In these imaging processes, contrast medium (CM) is widely used. However, CM administration can induce contrast-induced nephropathy (CI-AKI). CI-AKI is the third most common cause of renal insufficiency, and its incidence varies from 2% to 50% depending on patient risk factors; in addition, studies have shown that CI-AKI occurs in 2% to 25% of patients undergoing coronary intervention. CI-AKI is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing coronary angiography or other diagnostic contrast studies. We assessed the latest promising evidence on the ability of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) to reduce the incidence of CI-AKI in patients undergoing Coronary Angiogram (CA) or diagnostic contrast studies such as CT angiogram, while at the same time being a non-invasive, low cost, easy, and safe method with absence of adverse effects. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results. The aim of this study is to minimize the incidence of CI-AKI at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). If found to be an effective method, RIPC would help minimize the incidence of CI-AKI in all institutions across the globe, who would adopt this intervention. The primary objective: i) reduce the rise in creatinine to < 0.5 mg/dL post-CA in moderate to high risk patients and ii) reduce the incidence of renal replacement therapy post-CA in moderate to high risk patients; iii) we also aim to establish that RIPC is safe and effective. We hypothesize that the use of RIPC, when added to standard medical therapy (pre-and post-CA hydration), will mitigate the effects of contrast on the renal vasculature and lessen the incidence of CI-AKI in moderate to high risk patients at the University of Texas Medical Branch. The use of iodinated contrast to visually enhance target vasculature is a widely used diagnostic technique that is performed daily at UTMB, and around the world, for the diagnosis and management of a variety of conditions. A common complication of this procedure is acute kidney injury (AKI), generally referred to as contrast-induced nephropathy (CI-AKI). This complication can range from an isolated rise in serum creatinine to severe renal dysfunction necessitating renal replacement therapy. The incidence of CI-AKI has been reported as approximately 2-50%, depending upon the definition and sensitivity of assay employed to assess GFR in the hospital setting. In addition, CI-AKI is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. If proven to be beneficial, RIPC will bring about a reduction in incidence of CI-AKI, and thus help to reduce hospitalization and mortality from renal etiology following a given contrast procedure.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2021

open study

The objective of the study is to compare supplementation with vitamin D at 800 IU/day to usual care for the first 28 days after birth with respect to 25 (OH) vitamin D levels and indicators of likely or plausible effects of vitamin D supplementation on the function or structure of the lung, bones, immune system, and brain in extremely premature (EP) infants who are <28 weeks gestational age (GA) or <1000 grams of birth weight (BW). The study results will be analyzed as intention to treat Bayesian analyses (Frequentist analyses will also be performed).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2023

open study

The primary objectives of the study are to evaluate the efficacy of BIIB059 (litifilimab) compared with placebo in reducing skin disease activity measured by the Cutaneous Lupus Activity of Physician's Global Assessment-Revised (CLA-IGA-R) score [Parts A and B (US)] and the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index Activity (CLASI-A) score [Part B (ROW)] in participants with active SCLE and/or CCLE with or without systemic manifestations and refractory and/or intolerant to antimalarials. The secondary objectives of the study are to evaluate the efficacy of BIIB059 in reducing SCLE and/or CCLE disease activity by CLA-IGA-R, CLASI-A; to evaluate additional efficacy parameters of BIIB059 in reducing SCLE and/or CCLE disease activity; safety; tolerability; and immunogenicity of BIIB059 [Parts A and B].

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2022

open study

This Phase III Trial evaluates whether breast conservation surgery and endocrine therapy results in a non-inferior rate of invasive or non-invasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) compared to breast conservation with breast radiation and endocrine therapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2021

open study

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare a 2-dose and 3-dose series of 9vHPV vaccine among 27-45-year-old females to assess if 2 doses elicit a noninferior immune response. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to either the 2-dose group or the 3-dose group and asked to provide 4 blood samples over a period of 12 months. All 2-dose participants will be offered a 3rd dose after the final blood draw,12 months after their initial vaccination.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

The purpose for this study is to determine if the study drug baricitinib is effective and safe in hospitalized pediatric participants with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) and to confirm the dose.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2021

open study

This research trial studies biomarkers in tumor tissue samples from patients with newly diagnosed neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma. Studying samples of tumor tissue from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors identify and learn more about biomarkers related to cancer.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Nov 2000

open study

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects on low risk breast cancer receiving usual care that includes regional radiation therapy, with receiving no regional radiation therapy. Researchers want to see if not giving this type of radiation treatment works as well at preventing breast cancer from coming back.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2018

open study

This phase II trial tests whether ZEN003694 (ZEN-3694) in combination with talazoparib works to shrink tumors in patients with solid tumors that are unlikely to be cured or controlled with treatment and that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Another aim of this study is to find out if, and how, patients' genes influence their response to this specific drug combination. For this part of the study, investigators will run tests using samples of patients' tumor tissue and blood that will be collected during the study. ZEN-3694 is an inhibitor of a family of proteins called the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET). It may prevent the growth of tumor cells that overproduce BET protein. Talazoparib is an inhibitor of PARP, an enzyme that helps repair deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) when it becomes damaged. Blocking PARP may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy. Genes are pieces of the DNA code that individuals inherit from their parents. Some genes work to protect against cancer by correcting damage that can occur in the DNA when cells divide. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two examples of these types of genes, and they are called tumor-suppressor genes. For example, if a person has a mutation in a BRCA1/2 gene they have a greatly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer because their cells may no longer be able to completely repair damaged DNA. It is the accumulation of DNA damage which causes a cell to change into a cancerous cell. Other genes are also involved in this process, and these are called DNA damage repair genes. The KRAS mutation is a change in a protein in normal cells. Normally KRAS serves as an information hub for signals in the cell that lead to cell growth, but when there is a mutation in KRAS it signals too much and cells grow without being told to, which causes cancer. Combination therapy with ZEN-3694 and talazoparib may be effective at slowing or stopping tumor growth in patients with advanced cancer.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

The FLEX Registry will be implemented to operate as a large-scale, population based, prospective registry. All patients with stage I to III breast cancer who receive MammaPrint® and BluePrint testing on a primary breast tumor are eligible for entry into the FLEX Registry, which is intended to enable additional study arms at low incremental effort and cost. FLEX Registry will utilize an adaptive design, where additional targeted substudies and arms can be added after the initial study is opened.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Apr 2017

open study

The purpose of this investigation is to better understand the wound microbiome in burn wounds and the role it plays in outcomes and complications related to treatment.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Nov 2022

open study

This is a combined retrospective and prospective, longitudinal, observational meta-cohort of individuals who will enter the cohort with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection and at varying stages before and after infection. Individuals with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection and with or without Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) symptoms will be followed to identify risk factors and occurrence of PASC. This study will be conducted in the United States and subjects will be recruited through inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings. Study data including age, demographics, social determinants of health, medical history, vaccination history, details of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, overall health and physical function, and PASC symptom screen will be reported by subjects or collected from the electronic health record using a case report form at specified intervals. Biologic specimens will be collected at specified intervals, with some tests performed in local clinical laboratories and others performed by centralized research centers or banked in the Biospecimen Repository. Advanced clinical examinations and radiologic examinations will be performed at local study sites with cross-site standardization.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2021

open study

The purpose of this study is to compare operative time, patient reported outcomes, surgical complications, and surgical outcomes between the tunneling versus dissection technique during robotic assisted sacrocolpopexy (RA SCP).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2023

open study

The purpose of the study is to find out how a stimulation device worn on the ear works. This device is thought to stimulate nerves in the area around the ear to change the signals in the brain. The device has been shown to reduce pain and to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. The investigator will also investigate changes in the way each participant perceive sensations of pressure and heat. The participant will be asked to reduce the amount of pain medication that they take. Then, the participant will spend several days and nights in the Clinical Research Center at UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch) in Galveston. During that time, the participant will be monitored for withdrawal symptoms and will receive either active (e.g., "real") brain stimulation or sham (e.g., "fake") brain stimulation for two days (four hours each day). At two times over the course of the study (before and after ear stimulation treatment), the participant will complete questionnaires about their pain score and how they are feeling, sensory testing, and will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their brain. The investigator will collect the following information from the participant's medical record: age, gender, medication history, medical diagnoses, recent vital signs, past doctor visits or hospital stays, and results of urine drug tests. Participation in this study will last approximately four days, and the participant will stay in the Clinical Research Center.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2023

open study

This is a mechanistic, controlled, open-label, single-site study to evaluate the effects of RG-RV16 inoculation on airway mucosal gene expression and airway remodeling in 25 healthy controls (HC), in 25 allergic rhinitis subjects (AR) with cat dander allergy, and in 25 allergic asthmatic subjects (AA) with cat dander allergy. Three groups (HC, AR, and AA) will undergo screening to establish clinical history, will undergo pulmonary function testing (spirometry), and will have blood drawn for clinical characterization (IgE, , ImmunoCAP, CBC and differential), and for assessing the presence of existing neutralizing antibody against RV16. Only those who meet criteria will be permitted to continue into the interventional and run-out phases of the study.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2023

open study

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and/or sarcopenia at admission to the hospital in older adults.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2015

open study

Abdominal closure with antibacterial-coated sutures has been shown to reduce wound infections after a number of surgical procedures, but none of the previous trials included cesarean delivery. Our objective is to determine whether use of antibacterial-coated sutures reduces surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean delivery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2018

open study