17 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
This study evaluates the cell and biomarkers associated with the aggressive behavior of cancer.
This study will evaluate obesity-mediated mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis in minority populations.
The purpose of this study is to study the impact of Western lifestyle, including moderate alcohol consumption and delayed eating patterns on studying individuals' susceptibility to colorectal cancer. This study aims to increase our ability to identify individuals at risk for colorectal cancer in the future. Each subject will experience four conditions (each for one week in duration with a week +/- 2 days wash-out in between): (1) "right-time eating" / no alcohol, (2) "right-time eating" / with alcohol, (3) "delayed-eating" / no alcohol, (4) "delayed-eating" / with alcohol. The order of experiments will be randomized \[concealed randomization\]. All subjects will undergo unprepped sigmoidoscopy after each week of intervention. In Aim 2, all subjects will have an option to undergo a 24h circadian assessment in the Biological Rhythms Research Lab after each week of intervention. The Investigator will assess (i) central circadian rhythms by collecting hourly salivary samples for melatonin assays and (ii) peripheral rhythm in the intestinal tract by buccal swabs once every 2h (12 time points) as well as by rectal sampling twice (every 12 hr). For Aim 3, sigmoidoscopy without sedation will be used to obtain colonic samples as the safe method compared to colonoscopy, which has some small but finite risks associated with the procedure (e.g, bleeding or perforation) as well as sedation.
This is a research study for patients who currently have or previously had an H. pylori infection or who have gastric or esophageal cancer and who plan to undergo an endoscopy as part of their care. The purpose of this study is to find out how and why H. pylori infections can cause progression to gastric cancer and if it's possible for intervention prior to this progression.
In the United States, overweight (BMI \> 25 but \< 30 Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI \> 30Kg/m2) are increasing at epidemic rates. A significant association exists between being overweight or obese and breast cancer recurrence and survival. However, evidence continues to accumulate indicating that achieving or maintaining a healthy weight for height (Body Mass Index, BMI, 18.5-25Kg/m2) is associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer and with a decrease in breast cancer associated mortality. Despite this, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials exploring this association and how the process of fat loss or being successful in actually reaching a healthy weight for height differentially affects biomarkers for cancer recurrence. Many dietary approaches for weight loss are currently available to the public, and each purports to offer advantages. However, there is little scientific evidence to indicate how these dietary approaches, some of which vary markedly in the foods that they limit or exclude, affect biomarkers for breast cancer risk. In particular, it is not know whether the critical factor in relation to weight and breast cancer is simply weight loss (negative energy balance), irrespective of the manner in which it is achieved, or if certain dietary approaches affect breast cancer risk biomarkers more favorably than others. Published data from our laboratory suggest that dietary pattern does matter, and therefore the goal of this study is to investigate the effects of two popular weight loss dietary approaches that differ in the extent to which they limit carbohydrate or fat consumption (with effects on dietary glycemic load) compared to a usual care group on prognostic markers for cancer recurrence in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. The investigators hypothesize that in addition to the anticipated effects of fat loss on circulating levels of bioavailable sex steroid hormones, that the effects of excess fat on breast cancer prognosis can be attributed to three interrelated metabolic processes that affect cancer progression: altered glucose metabolism, chronic inflammation and excessive cellular oxidation.
The primary aim of this study is to determine if mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 result in different precancerous pathways to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as suggested in our validated mouse model. Genomic DNA will be isolated on normal tissue obtained from patients who underwent pancreatic resection for PDAC, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) or mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). Tissue will be examined for the three most common founder mutations in Ashkenazi Jews. In the cases in which BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are found, heterozygote normal and abnormal tissue will be examined to look for mutations in the other BRCA1 or BRCA2 allele. The interaction between other cancer causing genes with BRCA1/2 will also be evaluated by comparing the sequences of the other genes in pre-cancerous lesions. We hypothesize that BRCA1- and BRCA2-mediated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progresses through the PanIN route, as seen in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 murine models of pancreatic cancer. We further hypothesize that BRCA1 mutations may enable an additional pre- neoplastic pathway through MCN, and that IPMN may embody yet another pre- neoplastic pathway.
The purposes of this study are the following: 1. To further characterize and quantify both CSF-1 and colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) expression from additional tumor specimens, specifically, tumors of high grade and from metastatic sites. 2. To assay using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) sandwich monoclonal antibody methodology, CSF-1 expression in the peritoneal fluid and blood from patients with endometrial adenocarcinomas. 3. Using immunohistochemistry, to evaluate the presence of staining for CSF-1 and CSF-1R from additional patients with endometrial adenocarcinomas, especially of high grades and from metastatic sites. 4. To determine the extent of cytokine, specifically CSF-1, but also interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), production, in endometrial carcinoma cells in primary cell culture. 5. To determine the responsiveness of epithelial cells on estrogen and antiestrogen binding, to determine if CSF-1 production is mediated, in these cells, by estrogen receptor binding, or alternative pathways of intracellular/cell-cell signal transduction. 6. The ultimate objective of these experiments is to characterize CSF-1 expression from benign and tumor cells in order to identify steps in the CSF-1 activated signalling pathways that may represent potential targets for therapy.
This clinical trial evaluates a nutritional intervention called Cooking for Your Health in Southern New Mexico for improving diet quality and knowledge related to nutrition and cancer prevention among individuals living in the Southern region of New Mexico. New Mexico border communities have high rates of cancer and obesity, both exacerbated by poor diet quality. Traditional Mexican diets are high in fruit, vegetables, and fiber, but are intensive to prepare and not practical for many families living in New Mexico now. Vegetable oils, such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils, are commonly used in cooking within the regional New Mexican community because they are inexpensive and readily available; however, they may not be as healthy as other options. Interventions focused on teaching proper cooking techniques and raising awareness about nutritious foods have shown positive behavior changes, including greater preference for healthier foods, increased confidence in food preparation and cooking a balanced meal, and higher vegetable variety and availability in the home. This study may help identify effective and culturally relevant real-world strategies to improve knowledge, skills, behaviors, and access to resources to improve nutrient intake, with the long-term goal of decreasing cancer risk and chronic disease risk in southern New Mexican communities.
The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a naturally occurring clay substance (ACCS100) in reducing harmful effects of aflatoxin exposure (a carcinogen) and fumonisin (a cancer promoter). This clay substance contains of a variety of minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. UPSN and similar aluminosilicate minerals have been regularly used as dietary supplements by humans and animals, and the safety of this naturally occurring clay substance has been tested in clinical trials. The FDA treats such minerals or nutritional supplements as a drug when tested for potential of lessening the likelihood of disease (i.e., potential for mitigating disease). This study involves the use of an investigational drug called Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate (ACCS100). "Investigational" means that the "drug" has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food \& Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing harmful effects mycotoxin exposure in humans.
This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and the potential harm reduction of switching to potentially lower risk, oral nicotine pouches in adult smokers. Part One of this study aims to assess the interest of current smokers in switching to an e-cigarette device (i.e. JUUL) compared to alternative non-combustible tobacco products (i.e. smokeless tobacco/snus) and/or medicinal nicotine via survey. Part Two will consist of a pilot study of 30 non-treatment seeking adult smokers to investigate within-person changes in smoking behavior as a result of switching to different concentrations of oral nicotine pouch products (i.e. ZYN, 3mg and 6mg nicotine concentration). Additionally, by measuring bio-markers of tobacco exposure from baseline, this will allow the study to assess the potential for harm reduction in switching from cigarettes to oral nicotine pouches.
Background: Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer among men in the U.S. Researchers want to study blood, tissue, and fluid samples of people with prostate cancer. This will help them understand any changes in cells and genes. These changes might lead to the development and progression of prostate cancer. Researchers think the study could lead to new treatments. Objective: To understand the changes in cells and genes that lead to the development and progression of prostate cancer. This could lead to new treatments. Eligibility: Men ages 18 and older who have or are suspected to have prostate cancer Design: Participants will be screened with physical exam and medical history. Participants will send tissue blocks of their tumor, if possible. If not, they will provide unstained slides of tumor tissue. Participants may provide samples of blood, urine, saliva, and prostate secretions. Participants may have imaging tests. They will lie in a machine that takes pictures of their body. These tests include: MRI of the prostate CT of the abdomen and pelvis Chest x-ray Participants may need a biopsy or surgery for treatment of their cancer. If so, researchers will collect tissue. Participants may answer questions about their prostate cancer and quality of life. Participants may have follow-up visits or other treatments. They may have follow-up phone calls every few months.
This transmission pilot study is a prospective study to determine feasibility of enrolling female partners into an international transmission study. Companion study to MCC-13930.
Background: * Endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. * Currently, there are no markers (components of blood and tissue that determine who might be at risk for developing cancer) for endometrial cancer. Objectives: -To see if women who are undergoing hysterectomy are willing to provide blood and tissue samples to help doctors identify markers that would indicate increased risk for developing endometrial cancer. Eligibility: -Women between 35 and 54 years of age who will undergo hysterectomy for a non-cancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, abnormal uterine bleeding, and others at Magee-Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn. Design: * Patients' medical records are reviewed and patients complete a questionnaire including information on race and ethnic background, education, marital status, family history, height, weight, pregnancy history, smoking history, medication history, history about menstrual periods and menopausal symptoms. * Patients provide blood and urine samples before surgery. * A sample of fat tissue is removed during surgery in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. * Tissue samples from the removed uterus (and ovaries if the ovaries are also removed) are collected and analyzed for markers for endometrial cancer.
The purpose of this research study is to determine the genetic changes and immunologic changes that are involved in the development and progression of bronchogenic lung cancer.
The study is a prospective, single-arm, non-randomized, unblinded trial to determine the safety and efficacy of MRI guided focal laser ablation of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. All subjects meeting the inclusion exclusion criteria and are enrolled will undergo a MRI guided focal laser ablation procedure. The primary aim of the study is to study the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
The purpose of this study is to correlate pathological features from specimens in order to determine if this new molecular diagnostic technique can be used to detect risk of skin cancer.
The overall hypothesis is that the combination of a low dose of the antiestrogen Raloxifene with omega-3 fatty acids will exert a synergistic breast cancer chemopreventive effect due to the crosstalk of their downstream cellular effects leading to decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of premalignant mammary cells. Based on the investigators hypothesis that upregulation of functional estrogen receptors in the premalignant lesions is also responsible for the development of hormone independent tumors, the investigators postulate that the combination of antiestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids will reduce the development of both hormone-dependent and -independent tumors. At present, there are no known interventions able to decrease the development of hormone-independent tumors, which are more prevalent, more aggressive, leading to the patient's demise. In addition, the investigators postulate that this approach will be safe since it will combine a lower and hence a less toxic dose of Raloxifene with the administration of omega-3 fatty acids which are known to have health benefits, i.e., reduction in cardiovascular risk, beyond their possible chemo preventive effect in breast cancer.