Vanderbilt Clinical Trials

Synucleinopathies are a group of rare diseases associated with worsening neurological deficits and the abnormal accumulation of the protein α-synuclein in the nervous system. Onset is usually in late adulthood at age 50 or older. Usually, synucleinopathies present clinically with slowness of movement, coordination difficulties or mild cognitive impairment. Development of these features indicates that abnormal alpha-synuclein deposits have destroyed key areas of the brain involved in the control of movement or cognition. Patients with synucleinopathies and signs of CNS-deficits are frequently diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, accumulation of alpha-synuclein and death of nerve cells can also begin outside the brain in the autonomic nerves. In such cases, syncucleinopathies present first with symptoms of autonomic impairment (unexplained constipation, urinary difficulties, and sexual dysfunction). In rare cases, hypotension on standing (a disorder known as orthostatic hypotension) may be the only clinical finding. This "pre-motor" autonomic stage suggests that the disease process may not yet have spread to the brain. After a variable period of time, but usually within 5-years, most patients with abnormally low blood pressure on standing develop cognitive or motor abnormalities. This stepwise evolution indicates that the disease spreads from the body to the brain. Another indication of this spread is that acting out dreams (i.e., REM sleep behavior disorder, RBD) a problem that occurs when the lower part of the brain is affected, may also be the first noticeable sign of Parkinson disease. The purpose of this study is to document the clinical features and biological markers of patients with synucleinopathies and better understand how these disorders evolve over time. The study will involve following patients diagnosed with a synucleinopathy (PD/DLB and MSA) and those believed to be in the "pre-motor" stage (with isolated autonomic impairment and/or RBD). Through a careful series of follow-up visits to participating Centers, we will focus on finding biological clues that predict which patients will develop motor/cognitive problems and which ones have the resilience to keep the disease at bay preventing spread to the brain. We will also define the natural history of MSA - the most aggressive of the synucleinopathies.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2011

open study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and PK of aficamten in a pediatric population with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

This is a Phase 1b/2, open-label, parallel-arms pilot study in men and post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with an alteration in the PI3K pathway, including a mutation of the PIK3CA gene, PTEN loss, or AKT1 mutation, designed to determine the safety of evexomostat (SDX-7320) plus standard of care treatment alpelisib (BYL-719) or capivasertib and fulvestrant (each combined, the 'triplet therapy'), to measure the severity and number of hyperglycemic events, and to assess clinical, anti-tumor benefit of the triplet therapy. The purpose of this study is: - to characterize the safety of the triplet drug combination consisting of either alpelisib or capivasertib (per the treating oncologist's choice) and fulvestrant plus evexomostat, - to test whether evexomostat, when given in combination with either alpelisib or capivasertib and fulvestrant will reduce the number and severity of hyperglycemic events and/or reduce the number or dose of anti-diabetic medications needed to control the hyperglycemia for metabolically normal patients and those deemed at risk for capivasertib and alpelisib-induced hyperglycemia (insulin resistance, as measured by HOMA-IR, baseline elevated HbA1c or well-controlled type 2 diabetes), and - to assess preliminary anti-tumor efficacy for each combination and changes in key biomarkers and quality of life in this patient population.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if backup pacing at an increased rate improves hemodynamics in adults with relative bradycardia, a permanent pacemaker, and cardiogenic shock. The main question it aims to answer is: Does increasing the backup pacing rate to 100 beats per minute lead to improved cardiac index compared to a backup pacing rate of 75 beats per minute Participants who are already hospitalized in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit with a permanent pacemaker and pulmonary artery catheter in place will be enrolled in this study. Participants will be exposed to each pacemaker rate in a randomized order with hemodynamics assessed after 10 minutes at each rate.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

CHRONICLE is a randomized trial assessing the comparative effectiveness of providing written visit information via the patient portal (NOTES) versus NOTES plus visit audio recording (AUDIO) to older adult patients with chronic diseases on quality of life and other outcomes. During the trial, the team will also invite caregivers identified by patients to join the project.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

The primary goal of this study is to examine rhythm sensitivity as a predictor of response to naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBIs) in autistic toddlers. Toddlers receive either Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), an evidence-based NDBI that supports children's imitation and social communication skills, or a music-enhanced version of RIT. Throughout their participation in the intervention, toddlers will complete study procedures of viewing naturalistic videos of infant-directed singing and other social scenes while eye gaze data is collected.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2023

open study

This study will be a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) use on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing rhinoplasty by two Facial Plastic surgeons at Vanderbilt. Outcomes will include intra- and post-operative bleeding and postoperative bruising and swelling.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2023

open study

The primary objective of this study is to measure the impact of patient-specific 3D specimen maps on adjuvant radiation treatment volumes and doses to critical organs. All patients will receive standard-of-care post-operative radiotherapy not impacted by the experimental 3D specimen maps. The secondary objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating 3D specimen mapping tools into post-operative communication, and to determine if utilization of the 3D specimen map improves post-operative communication between surgeons, pathologists, and radiation oncologists.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

The Investigators propose a two-year, longitudinal pilot study of TS adults (>18) to determine impact of lifetime environmental stress exposure on tic severity, psychiatric comorbidity severity, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Type: Observational

Start Date: Sep 2021

open study

The OSSIOfiber® Trimmable Fixation Nails are indicated for maintenance of alignment and fixation of bone fractures, osteotomies, arthrodesis and bone grafts in the presence of appropriate additional immobilization (e.g., rigid fixation implants, cast, brace). Our hypothesis is that the use of OSSIOfiber® Trimmable Fixation Nails for treating subchondral insufficiency of the knee will result in improvement of patient-reported outcomes and imaging findings. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of implanting bio-integrative OSSIOfiber® Trimmable Fixation Nails, organized in a bi-cortical rafter formation within the tibia or femur for the management of subchondral insufficiency. The OSSIOfiber® Trimmable Fixation Nails used in this study will be considered on-label.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

This clinical trial studies low- dose total skin electron therapy in treating patients with stage IB-IIIA mycosis fungoides that has not responded to previous treatment (refractory) or has returned after a period of improvement (relapsed). Radiation therapy uses high energy electrons to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Rotisserie technique is a method in which the patient receives total skin electron therapy while standing on a rotating platform. Giving low dose total skin electron therapy using rotisserie technique may kill tumor cells, while having fewer side effects, and may allow therapy to be repeated in future if clinically indicated.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2016

open study

This is a phase 3 open-label, randomized, controlled, multicenter study to compare petosemtamab vs investigator's choice monotherapy in HNSCC patients for the second- and third-line treatment of incurable metastatic/recurrent disease.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2024

open study

This study will demonstrate safety in pediatric patients with Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis treated with Omegaven®, which is indicated as a source of calories and fatty acids in this patient population

Type: Observational

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

This phase III trial compares the effect of adding levocarnitine to standard chemotherapy versus (vs.) standard chemotherapy alone in protecting the liver in patients with leukemia or lymphoma. Asparaginase is part of the standard of care chemotherapy for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL), and mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). However, in adolescent and young adults (AYA) ages 15-39 years, liver toxicity from asparaginase is common and often prevents delivery of planned chemotherapy, thereby potentially compromising outcomes. Some groups of people may also be at higher risk for liver damage due to the presence of fat in the liver even before starting chemotherapy. Patients who are of Japanese descent, Native Hawaiian, Hispanic or Latinx may be at greater risk for liver damage from chemotherapy for this reason. Carnitine is a naturally occurring nutrient that is part of a typical diet and is also made by the body. Carnitine is necessary for metabolism and its deficiency or absence is associated with liver and other organ damage. Levocarnitine is a drug used to provide extra carnitine. Laboratory and real-world usage of the dietary supplement levocarnitine suggests its potential to prevent or reduce liver toxicity from asparaginase. The overall goal of this study is to determine whether adding levocarnitine to standard of care chemotherapy will reduce the chance of developing severe liver damage from asparaginase chemotherapy in ALL, LL and/or MPAL patients.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2023

open study

Millions of patients survive care in medical and surgical Intensive Care Units (ICUs) every year, only to suffer from a new or accelerated dementia-like process, called post-ICU long-term cognitive impairment (ICU-LTCI). ICU-LTCI causes considerable problems with personal relationships, return to work, and everyday tasks, such as managing medicines and money. No treatment for these patients is currently available. Technology using computerized cognitive rehabilitation could improve ICU-LTCI by harnessing the healing potential of the brain (i.e., neuroplasticity). This intervention is scalable, portable, and economical. The investigators will evaluate the effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation in a randomized controlled trial of 160 VA patients with ICU-LTCI. The investigators hypothesize that this intervention could improve cognition, and brain structure shown by MRI. This research has high potential to influence rehabilitation strategies for Veteran and civilian ICU survivors.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2022

open study

Multi-center sequential multiple assignment randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of three different standard of care treatment options for patients with isolated skin vasculitis.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2017

open study

This is a double-blind, randomized, multiregion, comparative phase Ⅲ clinical study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HLX22 in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced/metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastric and/or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ).Eligible subjects will be randomized to the two groups based on a 1:1 ratio. Enrolled subjects shall be treated with the study drug until the loss of clinical benefit, death, intolerable toxicity, withdrawal of informed consent, or other reasons specified by the protocol (whichever occurs first).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2024

open study

The objective of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using the ANA funnel catheter in its intended use, which is to facilitate the navigation and deployment of other neurovascular devices and to allow flow arrest during mechanical thrombectomy procedures performed in subjects experiencing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO) and treated within 24 hours of symptom onset.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

This is a multicenter, randomized, open label phase lll trial to assess whether preoperative chemotherapy, as an adjunct to curative-intent surgery, improves the prognosis of high risk DDLPS (dedifferentiated Liposarcoma) and LMS (Leiomyosarcoma) patients as measured by disease free survival. After confirmation of eligibility criteria, patients will be randomized to either the standard arm or experimental arm.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2021

open study

The goal of this study is to compare the abuse potential of low-dose equianalgesic buccal buprenorphine to a commonly used full mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist in a highly controlled experimental setting. This is a translational study in which healthy participants are phenotyped for psychosocial and Opioid-Use-Disorder-risk-related metrics. In a within-subjects crossover design, 60 participants will receive a standard postoperative oral oxycodone dose (10 mg), placebo, and 3 different doses of buccal buprenorphine across 5 separate sessions. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) will be used to evaluate alterations in pain responsiveness relative to placebo across buprenorphine doses and oxycodone, and will compare abuse potential (indexed by the standard FDA drug liking metric) following equianalgesic doses of the two drugs.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2023

open study

Malignant pleural effusion remains a debilitating complication of end stage cancer, which can be greatly improved by the introduction of the indwelling tunneled pleural catheter (IPC). However, there is no standard of care regarding drainage and limited data on the utility of different drainage techniques. In addition, many patients develop discomfort and chest pain during drainage. The investigators propose to evaluate gravity drainage and suction drainage on quality of life measures and outcomes.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2019

open study

The primary objective of this study is to validate a pre-defined IL-6 concentration cutoff that predicts 28-day mortality in patients who are admitted or are intended to be admitted to the ICU diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Nov 2024

open study

A Multi-Center, Controlled Study to Evaluate Use of CereGate Therapy to Reduce Freezing of Gait in Participants Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2022

open study

This randomized phase III trial studies how well crizotinib works in treating patients with stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer that has been removed by surgery and has a mutation in a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Mutations, or changes, in ALK can make it very active and important for tumor cell growth and progression. Crizotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the ALK protein from working. Crizotinib may be an effective treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and an ALK fusion mutation.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2015

open study

This is an observational case-control study to train and validate a genome-wide methylome enrichment platform to detect multiple cancer types and to differentiate amongst cancer types. The cancers included in this study are brain, breast, bladder, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, gastric, head and neck, hepatobiliary, leukemia, lung, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, renal, sarcoma, and thyroid. These cancers were selected based on their prevalence and mortality to maximize impact on clinical care. Additionally, the ability of the whole-genome methylome enrichment platform to detect minimal residual disease after completion of cancer treatment and to detect relapse prior to clinical presentation will be evaluated in four cancer types (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate). These cancers were selected based on the existing clinical landscape and treatment availability.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2022

open study