Clinical Trials

There is an increased risk of diastolic heart failure in post menopausal women. Estrogen plays a positive role in regulating molecular pathways in heart remodeling. Such pathways may work through purinergic signaling and its downstream effects on the heart's mitochondrial metabolism and angiogenic response to stress. Loss of estrogen functionality in post menopausal women may account for the increased risk of diastolic heart failure. The investigators will explore said pathways using cardiac tissue obtained from patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

This research study is evaluating the use of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) as a method of detecting early signs of damage to the heart that can be associated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

To determine if Mind Body Syndrome (MBS) therapy will reduce or eliminate pain in patients suffering from chronic pain syndromes without organic etiology.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether administration of a pectoral nerve blocks (Pecs I and II) with 0.25% bupivacaine are more effective as compared to placebo to provide analgesia for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement in cardiac electrophysiology lab

In this randomized controlled trial; differences in overall stress, burnout and wellbeing will be assessed for employees of a company participating in Inner Engineering Online, an online mind-body course that incorporates both meditation and yoga.

The study will be conducted in two phases, where in participants will be advised to practice meditation or read books.

This study will compare stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a bridging strategy for patients with HCC undergoing liver transplantation. We propose that SBRT will be associated with longer time intervals between initial treatment and the need for retreatment, compared to TACE, as a "bridge" to liver transplantation in subjects with HCC.

High-dose interleukin 2 (Proleukin, Novartis) (IL-2) is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer and is a standard treatment of this disease. At the present time, IL-2 is the only therapy for kidney cancer that can produce a remission of disease that lasts after treatment is completed. However, most patients who receive IL-2 do not benefit and all patients experience potentially dangerous side effects.

Recent research has suggested that certain patients may respond better to IL-2 than others. The Cytokine Working Group is currently conducting a clinical trial that aims to identify and confirm this research and narrow the application of IL-2 to those patients most likely to benefit.

The study is designed to investigate the impact of three nights of sleep restricted to 4 hours per night, on the processing and regulation of emotional information compared to Insomnia Disorder and control. The investigators will address and attempt to answer two questions.

(i) How do three nights of reduced sleep or a diagnosis of Insomnia Disorder affect the processing and regulation of emotional information compared to typical, undisturbed sleep? (ii) What overlapping and distinct neural mechanisms are engaged and associated with behavioral effects when attempting to process and regulate emotions in a sleep restricted state or with a clinical diagnosis of Insomnia Disorder? This study will investigate sleep's role in emotion processing and regulation. The findings will help further understanding of the role of sleep in healthy emotional functioning.

The primary aim of the study is to assess the mobility dose in neurocritical care patients with ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage and its effects on discharge disposition and patient outcomes. The investigators hypothesize that patients' mobilization dose in the intensive care unit (ICU) predicts discharge disposition, 90 day Barthel Index and other outcomes like muscle wasting (expressed as decrease in rectus femoris cross sectional area (RF-CSA) in the paretic and non-paretic limb measured by bedside ultrasound), and ICU length of stay (LOS).

CyberKnife Based Radiosurgery is a way to deliver large doses of radiation very accurately to a tumor. The ability of this technology to minimize radiation dose to organs adjacent to the target tumor allows a high dose to be delivered to the tumor, thus potentially increasing the efficacy of radiation treatment. Currently, radiosurgery is commonly used for brain metastases, Stage I lung cancer, spine tumors, and localized prostate cancer. The purpose of this protocol is to evaluate the role of Radiosurgery for the treatment of clinically localized primary renal cell carcinoma.

The purpose of this general screening protocol is to facilitate recruitment into studies conducted at the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research (CVVR) or Division of Infectious Diseases at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This general screening protocol will help to determine the eligibility of potential volunteers for any vaccine or therapeutic trials open for recruitment or soon to be opened.

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent prescribed to prevent organ rejection in post transplant patients, in combination with other immunosuppressants. In post-kidney transplant patients, tacrolimus blood trough(peak) level must be monitored frequently, and dose adjustments must be made as necessary to keep trough level within a very narrow target range.

High tacrolimus intra-patient variability(IPV) can be a marker of medication non-adherence. The presence of medication non-adherence could be due to multiple factors e.g. Forgetfulness, misunderstanding or miscommunication due to language barrier etc. Our hypothesis is using QR code technology along with extended release Tacrolimus medication will reduce tacrolimus IPV fluctuation.

The SAFE-PAD Study aims to evaluate the long-term safety of paclitaxel-coated devices compared with non-paclitaxel-coated devices for femoropopliteal artery revascularization among a broad, real-world population of patients with peripheral artery disease. This multi-year analysis aims to create an ongoing mechanism to evaluate the safety of paclitaxel-coated devices in real world practice. The null hypothesis is that the paclitaxel-coated devices are associated with an increase in mortality relative to the non-drug-coated devices beyond an acceptable magnitude (i.e. the non-inferiority margin), and the alternative hypothesis is that paclitaxel-coated devices are not associated with an increase in mortality relative to the non-drug-coated devices beyond the non-inferiority margin.

This research is being done to evaluate the feasibility of the AveCure Flexible Microwave destruction of tissue (Ablation) Probe for the treatment of malignant central airway obstruction using a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing and removing tissue (bronchoscopic).

The name of the intervention being used in this research study is:

AveCure Flexible Microwave Ablation Probe (handheld, surgical device that delivers microwave energy via flexible probe tip)

To further understand the impact of acute sleep deprivation and recovery sleep on the processing of emotional information the investigators will address and attempt to answer three questions, (i) how both undisturbed sleep and sleep deprivation affect the processing and retrieval of emotional information, (ii) what neural and psychophysiological mechanisms are associated with these behavioral effects, and (iii) to explore the ability of recovery sleep to reverse the effects of sleep deprivation. Together, these studies will provide a greater breadth and depth of knowledge concerning sleep's role in emotion processing and regulation. Given the growing societal tendency to view sleep as unproductive-foregoing it to lengthen work days and increase social opportunities- such knowledge would be of practical importance for understanding the role of sleep in healthy emotional functioning, particular for individuals experiencing periods of increased stress and emotional distress (e.g., new parents, hospital staff, or combat troops).

This study is looking at a breast cancer screening technique, restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), as a possible alternative to the breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) used by most healthcare professionals.

The technique involved in this study is:

-Restriction Spectrum Imaging (RSI)

This randomized, parallel-design trial will evaluate specific clinical and physiological effects of whole blueberries in adults 70 years of age or older.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether administration of a non-centrally acting muscle relaxants will improve the Overall Benefit of Analgesia Score (OBAS), and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores in patients undergoing lumbar fusion.

The purpose of this early study is to compare the clinical results of the new Conduit Interbody device to the traditional Concorde Bullet Device. The primary objective is to explore the rates and reasons for re-operation between both constructs at 2 years.

This research study is evaluating the effect (good and bad) of a dendritic cell/tumor fusion vaccine in combination with the laboratory made agents GM-CSF and imiquimod on the participants immune system. Another purpose of this study is to determine the type and severity of any side effects associated with this new study vaccine. We will also be evaluating what effect the vaccine has on the participants cancer. Dendritic cell vaccines have already been tested in clinical trials involving participants with many different types of cancer. Dendritic cells are powerful immune-stimulating cells that are normally found in small amounts in the body and are responsible for immune responses against "foreign" substances that enter the body.

This study aims to assess the impact of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya on human relationships in terms of overall well-being associations with interpersonal and relational outcomes.

Specific aims include:

To quantitatively assess the impact of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya on measures of relationship quality, interpersonal mindfulness, and overall well-being

To qualitatively explore the experience and the general Social and Relational impact of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya on participants.

The object of this non-randomized, prospective study is to assess the effectiveness of ablative fractional 2940 nm laser treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Aim 1: To assess physical and histological changes related to vulvar lichen sclerosus before and after laser treatment.

Aim 2: To evaluate participant satisfaction for laser treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus.

The results of this study will determine whether fractional 2940 nm laser is an effective treatment option for lichen sclerosus, particularly for those participants not eligible for high-dose topical steroids or who have failed prior treatment with topical steroids.

Hemispatial neglect is a disorder where the patient has difficulty attending to objects and information in the left side of space, which occurs following strokes to the right side of the brain. This project is designed to help us understand how optokinetic stimulation treats the symptoms of hemispatial neglect.

The primary purpose of this trial is to test the feasibility of implementing a meditation program in the perioperative period.

This study investigates the efficacy of secukinumab in necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD).

The purpose of this study is to monitor fracture risk associated with bone tumors in cancer patients.

Previous studies from our lab have suggested that it is possible to compute the mechanical strength of bones with tumors using computed tomography (CT) scans, which are like three-dimensional X-ray pictures of the affected bones.

The next step in determining the usefulness of this type of strength analysis is to see if we can accurately predict who is at risk for bone fracture and which patients are at high risk of fractures.

This non-invasive analysis may help physicians determine the best treatment to reduce the risk of an impending bone fracture in the future.

This research is studying a new investigative imaging instrument called a nonlinear microscope (NLM). A nonlinear microscope can produce images similar to an ordinary pathologist's microscope, but without first processing tissue to make slides. This study will determine if a NLM can be used to evaluate tissue during lumpectomy surgery for breast cancer in order to reduce the probability that standard pathologic examination of the specimen after the end of the operation will find close or positive margins, thus possibly requiring the patient to have additional breast surgery.

This study is a pilot clinical trial to assess the feasibility of implementing a group-psychotherapy intervention to modify emotional stress (e.g., anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress) following ICU hospitalization

The goal of this pilot study is to obtain preliminary data on the magnitude of the treatment effect of IVIG on the neuropathic pain and neuropathy severity associated with treatment induced neuropathy (TIND).

The investigators hypothesize that immune globulin, administered intravenously (IVIG), will reduce the pain associated with treatment induced neuropathy and reduce the neuropathy severity.

Treatment induced neuropathy in diabetes, is an iatrogenic complications of diabetes. The preliminary data will be used to power a larger treatment trial, and to aid the understanding of the mitigating factors in the treatment response.

The investigators are studying the use of an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for measuring blood flow into brain tumors. This technique does not use radioactive tracers, and it can provide high quality images that can be obtained in a standard MRI scanner.

The long-term goal of this proposal is to provide a pre-treatment evaluation that can assist in the rational selection of patients to undergo appropriate and definitive therapy for prostate cancer. In so doing, it may be possible to further improve the numbers and percentage of cancer patients who receive effective therapy that will cure the disease and maximize their quality of life following therapy.

Aim 1: To evaluate the accuracy of T2W MRI, DCE-MRI and their combined data for staging prostate cancer.

Aim 2: To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in determining tumor volume in the prostate gland.

Aim 3: To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in grading prostate cancer.

Overview of study. This is an observational study that is intended to provide the first in-human data using EIT as a biomarker of muscle health in neuromuscular conditions. We will seek patients with neurological disorders (both neuromuscular and other neurological conditions) as well as healthy subjects for study. EIT measurements will be performed on appendicular muscles (in the upper and lower extremities) depending on the condition, both at rest and with contraction. EIT measurements will be repeated on an intermittent basis to assess repeatability as well disease progression or improvement over time.

This is an unblinded pilot study to investigate the technical feasibility of using an electrical impedance tomography device for noninvasive pulmonary function monitoring in ALS patients. The study will enroll patients with ALS in one cohort and healthy volunteers in a second cohort that will both undergo EIT imaging with the investigational device prior to and while performing a standard PFT procedure.

This study is evaluating the use of two painless, non-invasive technologies in the assessment of muscle health over time in both healthy volunteers and patients who have diseases that affect the nervous system.

This is a randomized, controlled trial designed to investigate whether the use of virtual reality immersive relaxation during hand/arm operations can allow for a relaxing operating room experience for patients while potentially reducing anesthesia requirements.

Simple meditation and EEG changes

This study is to determine the tolerability and efficacy of an accelerated schedule of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for treating symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

The main purpose of this study is to learn how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) helps improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These 'negative symptoms' include anhedonia (the inability to enjoy things), low motivation, and decreased facial expression.

TMS is a noninvasive way of stimulating the brain. TMS uses a magnetic field to cause changes in activity in the brain. The magnetic field is produced by a coil that is held next to the scalp. In this study we will be stimulating the brain to learn more about how TMS may improve these symptoms from schizophrenia.

Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) offers the most optimal survival and quality of life benefit for those with late-stage chronic kidney disease. However, minorities, especially blacks, are much less likely to receive LDKT than whites. Given the shortage of deceased donor organs, interventions expanding access to LDKT are needed, particularly for minority patients. House Calls (HC), an educational intervention developed by this study's PI has been shown to be an effective program for raising rates of live donation, especially for black patients. While the HC program has shown outstanding results, participant feedback suggested that follow-up may provide even more benefits. Previous research suggests that peer mentorship (PM) from former or current patients with ESRD may be effective in raising rates of living donation. As such, peer mentorship programs may act as an effective follow-up for HC participants. This study will examine the impact of the HC intervention combined with the peer mentorship program of the National Kidney Foundation on rates of live donor kidney transplantation.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of offering reimbursement for living donor lost wages on the rate of live donor kidney transplantation.

This is a pilot study evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a non-pharmacological, mind-body intervention to improve sleep quality, including a preliminary evaluation of neurophysiological signals. The study involves 4 weeks of guided mind-body practice at home using a smartphone app during bedtime and pre/post in-lab sleep study visits.

This study will compare stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a bridging strategy for patients with HCC undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. We propose that SBRT will be associated with longer time intervals between initial treatment and the need for retreatment, compared to TACE, as a "bridge" to orthotopic liver transplantation.

The study objective is to characterize the shift in the diversity and abundance of the skin microbial community at baseline and in response to Altreno monotherapy as compared to benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% leave-on gel monotherapy in acne patients.

This is a randomized controlled trial with a mixed method design to determine the impact of coaching on self-perceived medical errors, burnout, and resilience. The study team developed a novel coaching curriculum based in principles of positive psychology and self-reflection with the hypothesis that the coaching intervention will lead to decreased medical errors, decreased burnout, and increased resilience in trainee and faculty participants. Resident and fellow trainees as well as faculty members were recruited across departments and randomized to coaching or control. Faculty in the coaching arm were trained in coaching techniques and paired with a trainee coachee. Survey results as well as focus groups will be used to analyze the impact of the coaching program as compared to standard mentorship (control).

Guidelines recommend not screening adults with <10-year life expectancy for cancer; however, primary care physicians feel uncomfortable talking to older adults about prognosis. The investigators aim to determine whether providing PCPs with scripts on patient prognosis and older adults with information on their prognosis would be useful when recommending stopping cancer screening.

Transrectal prostate biopsy is a commonly performed ambulatory procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer. Prostate biopsy are associated with pain or anxiety. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is a well-known inhaled anesthetic which is frequently used in dental offices and for pediatric procedures to alleviate a patient's anxiety and pain. This study seeks to determine whether administration of nitrous oxide at the time of prostate biopsy will improve a patient's experience of care.

The purpose of this study is to investigate placebo effects and peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The participant is invited to take part in this study because they have chronic Graft versus Host Disease (cGVHD) that is not responding to standard treatment with steroids. This research study is a way of gaining new knowledge about the treatment of patients with cGVHD. This research study is evaluating a drug called abatacept.

Abatacept is a drug that alters and suppresses the immune system. Abatacept is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adults and of severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients who have failed prior therapy with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These are autoimmune conditions, ie caused by an overactive immune system that attacks normal tissues and organs. It is currently being tested in a variety of other autoimmune conditions. In this case it is considered experimental.

cGVHD is caused by the donor cells attacking various organs of the recipient. The investigators try to minimize this immune attack by using corticosteroids such as prednisone. In severe cases prednisone is not sufficient and other immunosuppressive medications are used in addition in order to more efficiently control cGVHD and to limit the dose and consequently the multiple side-effects of corticosteroids. This study is being done to determine if the use of abatacept is safe in patients with cGVHD and if it can facilitate a better control of cGVHD.

During this study the participants will be evaluated for side effects from the treatment with abatacept, and for response of the cGVHD to the treatment. There will be two groups of participants in the study. The first group will be treated at a relatively low dose of abatacept. If this is found to be safe then the second group will be treated at a higher dose. Three to four tablespoons of blood will be drawn at every 2 week visit in order to determine your blood counts, kidney and liver function. Some of the blood will be used in a research lab in order to study measures of your immune system and how they might be affected by the treatment.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a decision aid to help women aged 70 and older decide on treatment for their breast cancer.

This prospective cohort study seeks to determine if the ECHO-CT program, a healthcare videoconferencing program, can improve clinical outcomes while reducing cost and resource utilization when expanded to a community hospital setting. Data will be analyzed on the facility level and patient level.