Mass General - Division of Clinical Research

Many people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience pain. However, pain is sometimes unrecognized and under-managed in people with CF. Both medication and non-medication interventions can be used to treat pain and ideally, there is a multicomponent management approach. The goal of this study is to pilot a new 3-session non-medication mind-body pain management intervention specifically designed for adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). The intervention is titled Pain Acknowledgement Coping and Empowerment in CF (PACE CF). PACE CF will be administered by a member of the CF care team via telehealth visits to participants at home or during a hospitalization. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and patient acceptability of the intervention as well as preliminary evidence of the impact of the intervention on pain and its interference in daily life. The study will also examine outcomes such as perceived coping, quality of life, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and use of prescribed pain medication, in an exploratory manner.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by significant memory loss, toxic protein deposits (amyloid and tau) in the brain, and changes in the gamma frequency band on EEG. Gamma waves are important for memory, and in patients with AD, there are fewer gamma waves in the brain. The Tsai lab found that boosting gamma waves in AD mouse models using light and sound stimulation at 40Hz not only reduced amyloid and tau in the brain, but also improved memory. A light and sound device was developed for humans that stimulates the brain at 40Hz that can be used safely at home. The goal of this study is to see if using this device can prevent dementia in people who are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2024

open study

The purpose of this research study is to see how well an imaging test, called 18FDCFPyL prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET), can show the extent of prostate cancer when comparing to 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (another type of diagnostic scan for prostate cancer).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

This research study is studying a positron emission tomography (PET) agent called 18F-fluciclovine to evaluate how well 18F-fluciclovine-PET scans determine the extent of advanced prostate cancer that either has low prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression or has neuroendocrine features. The name of the study interventions are: - 18F-fluciclovine-PET/CT scan - Two research blood collections

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

In this research study the researchers want to learn more about brain activity related to speech perception and production.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2020

open study

This research study aims to develop a brief group-based treatment called Resilience Training for Teens, then to test how well it protects high school students with mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, or having unusual feelings from developing mental illnesses.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2024

open study

A prospective, single-arm, multi-center study designed to gather additional information on the LimFlow System.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2022

open study

In this single-center, longitudinal observational study, we will comprehensively examine clinical characteristics, proteomic, metabolomic, genomic and imaging data to better understand how different heart failure types may develop and progress over time. We will evaluate distinct sub-groups of heart failure (also known as heart failure phenotypes) and cardiomyopathies including amyloidosis with an ultimate goal of bringing the right medications and therapy to the right patients to optimize benefit and minimized side effects, an effort to improve precision medicine in heart failure.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Apr 2016

open study

This study will evaluate a new imaging technology, called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the asthmatic airways before and after bronchial thermoplasty, which is a new treatment option for severe asthmatic patients. The aim of this study is to learn more about how airways respond to this new treatment. In the future the investigators hope OCT will aid clinicians in the initial assessment, management and long-term follow up of patients receiving bronchial thermoplasty.

Type: Observational

Start Date: May 2021

open study

This is an observational longitudinal study to determine the natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations of disease causing mutations in Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) type 1B (CMT1B), 2A (CMT2A), 4A (CMT4A), and 4C (CMT4C). The investigators will also be determine the capability of the newly developed CMT Pediatric Scale (CMT Peds scale) and the Minimal Dataset to measure impairment and perform longitudinal measurements in patients with multiple forms of CMT over a five year window

Type: Observational

Start Date: Apr 2010

open study

The proposed R21 project will attempt to further develop a novel intervention for posttraumatic stress symptoms inspired by the science of memory reconsolidation. Work in normal humans has shown that when a stable, consolidated memory is reactivated (i.e., retrieved) under appropriate conditions, it reverts to an unstable state, a process referred to herein as deconsolidation. In such a state, the memory is susceptible to the action of various "amnestic" agents that may inhibit its reconsolidation, thereby weakening it. The β-adrenergic blocker propranolol (PPNL) possesses such amnestic properties. More recent research has found that in order to initiate deconsolidation, there must be a prediction error, or mismatch, between what is expected and what occurs when the memory is reactivated. Prior placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (PBO-RCT) from our laboratory have found that when propranolol is administered concomitant with the reactivation of a psychologically traumatic memory, the memory is weakened, as revealed by subsequent lower physiological (heart rate, skin conductance, facial electromyogram) responding during script-driven mental imagery. Clinical applicability was evaluated in a PBO-RCT, in which PTSD participants receiving propranolol underwent six weekly sessions of 10-20 min of "standard" (STD) traumatic memory reactivation stimulated by reading a narrative. At post-treatment, these participants showed a greater reduction of PTSD symptoms compared to participants who had taken PBO. The goal of the proposed study is to test whether intentionally incorporating innovative mismatch (MM) into traumatic memory reactivation can improve upon physiological responding during script-driven mental imagery. Participants will be randomized to one of 2 treatment arms: STD/PPNL and MM/PPNL. A baseline assessment will measure psychophysiological responsivity to script-driven mental imagery (target measure). PPNL will be administered 90-min prior to each of six weekly 10-20 min. traumatic memory reactivation sessions. In the MM condition, a different, unexpected mismatch (e.g., singing the narrative) will be incorporated into the reactivation. In the STD condition, the participant will read the narrative the same way each time. The focus of the R21 proposal will be to assess whether the MM/PPNL group shows lower subsequent physiological responses than the STD/PPNL group

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

This research study is examining the effectiveness of pembrolizumab plus cryoablation or aveluma plus cryoablation on people with urothelial carcinoma, including bladder cancer, that has spread.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2021

open study

To determine the effect of first dorsal interosseus (FDI) strengthening in patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2016

open study

This study aims to determine the transient, modulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on executive function and inhibitory control in patients with ADHD compared to healthy controls.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2014

open study

The registry aims to collect patient information such as patient demographics, co-morbidities, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data, as well as information on adverse events and HRQOL outcomes specific for patients with metastatic spine tumor(s).

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Nov 2017

open study

Resection of glioblastoma in or near functional brain tissue is challenging because of the proximity of important structures to the tumor site. To pursue maximal resection in a safe manner, mapping methods have been developed to test for motor and language function during the operation. Previous evidence suggests that these techniques are beneficial for maximum safe resection in newly diagnosed grade 2-4 astrocytoma, grade 2-3 oligodendroglioma, and recently, glioblastoma. However, their effects in recurrent glioblastoma are still poorly understood. The aim of this study, therefore, is to compare the effects of awake mapping and asleep mapping with no mapping in resections for recurrent glioblastoma. This study is an international, multicenter, prospective 3-arm cohort study of observational nature. Recurrent glioblastoma patients will be operated with mapping or no mapping techniques with a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoints are: 1) proportion of patients with NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) deterioration at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery and 2) residual tumor volume of the contrast-enhancing and non-contrast-enhancing part as assessed by a neuroradiologist on postoperative contrast MRI scans. Secondary endpoints are: 1) overall survival (OS), 2) progression-free survival (PFS), 4) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, and 4) frequency and severity of Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) in each arm. Estimated total duration of the study is 5 years. Patient inclusion is 4 years, follow-up is 1 year. The study will be carried out by the centers affiliated with the European and North American Consortium and Registry for Intraoperative Mapping (ENCRAM).

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

This is a prospective randomized multi-center study which will compare acute fluid resuscitation using a colloid strategy (LR + 5% Albumin) to a crystalloid strategy (LR alone), in adults with an acute burn involving at least 25% of their total body surface area.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

open study

CLN-049-001 is a Phase 1, open-label, multicenter, first-in-human trial of CLN-049 in patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2021

open study

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of patients with high-grade glioma, especially when patients have limited functioning performance at presentation (KPS ≤70). Therefore, there are varied practice patterns around pursuing biopsy, resection, or palliation (best supportive care). This study aims to characterize the impact of palliative care versus biopsy versus resection on survival and quality of life in these patients. Also, it will aim to determine if there is a subset of patients that benefit the most from resection or biopsy, for which outcome, and how they could be identified preoperatively. This study is an international, multicenter, prospective, 3-arm cohort study of observational nature. Consecutive HGG patients will be treated with palliative care, biopsy, or resection at a 1:3:3 ratio. Primary endpoints are: 1) overall survival, and 2) quality of life at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after initial presentation based on the EQ-5D, EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC BN 20 questionnaires. Total duration of the study is 5 years. Patient inclusion is 4 years, follow-up is 1 year.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

There are no guidelines or prospective studies defining the optimal surgical treatment for gliomas of older patients (≥70 years) or those with limited functioning performance at presentation (KPS ≤70). Therefore, the decision between resection and biopsy is varied, amongst neurosurgeons internationally and at times even within an instiutition. This study aims to compare the effects of maximal tumor resection versus tissue biopsy on survival, functional, neurological, and quality of life outcomes in these patient subgroups. Furthermore, it evaluates which modality would maximize the potential to undergo adjuvant treatment. This study is an international, multicenter, prospective, 2-arm cohort study of observational nature. Consecutive HGG patients will be treated with resection or biopsy at a 3:1 ratio. Primary endpoints are: 1) overall survival (OS) and 2) proportion of patients that have received adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Secondary endpoints are 1) proportion of patients with NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) deterioration at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery 2) progression-free survival (PFS); 3) quality of life at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery and 4) frequency and severity of Serious Adverse Events (SAEs). Total duration of the study is 5 years. Patient inclusion is 4 years, follow-up is 1 year.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

The purpose of this study is to find out if pulsed dye laser treatment or timolol maleate 0.5% gel can help infants who have a hemangioma. The investigators also want to find out if pulsed dye laser treatment and timolol maleate 0.5% gel are safe to use without causing too many side effects. Hemangioma is a common type of birthmark. These birthmarks happen when many new blood vessels grow in a specific area on the skin. Blood vessels are tiny tubes that carry blood through the body. No one knows what causes blood vessels to group together. Most birthmarks don't hurt at all and they usually aren't a sign of any kind of illness. Lots of newborns have these birthmarks on their bodies, like between the eyebrows. These birthmarks usually disappear within the first few months to years of life. These birthmarks tend to disappear spontaneously. Most hemangiomas are not treated unless the hemangioma threatens the child's health, which occurs in about 1 in 3 children with hemagiomas. Pulsed dye laser is widely used in children, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hemangioma. The FDA has approved timolol maleate to treat glaucoma in adults, but the FDA has not approved timolol maleate to treat hemangiomas in children. About 7 infants with hemangiomas have received timolol maleate. The results so far show that timolol maleate may be helpful and safe in treating hemangiomas in infants. An important question being tested in this study is whether pulsed-dye laser or timolol maleate can prevent hemangioma from growing when used very early after birth.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2011

open study

Current methods of measuring the response to new treatments for muscular dystrophies involve the examination of small pieces of muscle tissue called biopsies. The investigators are interested in finding less invasive methods that reduce the need for muscle biopsies. The purpose of this research is to learn about the possibility of detecting and measuring the activity and severity of muscular dystrophies by examining a urine sample and a blood sample, and some muscles in the arms and legs using tests called ultrasound and electrical impedance myography; both tests are painless and non-invasive. The information that is gathered from this study may help to evaluate, prevent, diagnose, treat, and improve the understanding of human muscle diseases.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2015

open study

The proposed research will test the hypothesis that objective social isolation and loneliness are linked to neurobehavioral mechanisms involved in social perception and motivation in individuals with and without serious mental illness. Moreover, it will investigate the specific dynamic interactions among these experiences in daily life and how they, and their neurobehavioral predictors, are linked to day-to-day functioning. The findings of this project could provide novel targets for therapeutics aimed at improving functioning and overall quality of life in individuals with serious mental illnesses, as well as quantitative phenotypes for use in early detection efforts.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2022

open study

This research study is studying a combination of drugs as a possible treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Biliary Tract Cancer. The interventions involved in this study are: - Durvalumab - Tremelimumab - Radiation Therapy

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2018

open study

The study evaluates the effect of theophylline in 100 subjects with Pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2019

open study