Mass General - Division of Clinical Research

The focus of this study is to test the efficacy of a 12-week, phone-delivered Positive Psychology-Motivational Interviewing (PP-MI) intervention, with additional twice weekly PP and health behavior text messages for a total of 24 weeks (with interactive, algorithm-driven, goal-focused text messages in the final 12 weeks), compared to an attention-matched MI-based educational condition, in a randomized trial (NIH Stage II) of 280 patients with New York Heart Association class I-III Heart Failure (HF).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2021

open study

This study originally included 140 subjects with medication-refractory depression undergoing 10 Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation (10Hz-TMS) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with the goal of having 60 completers with good quality data. Subjects were recruited from the TMS clinics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Butler Hospital. Subjects underwent an hour-long MRI scanning session, an optional DNA-sample collection, up to three 20 minute neuronavigation sessions for marking the site of TMS stimulation, questionnaires, and a behavioral testing battery before and after their TMS treatment course. The task battery included the Emotion Conflict Resolution (ECR) task, Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT), War Game (Gambling) task, and Associative Learning with Reversal task. Subjects' scores on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were assessed before and after the TMS course. MRI data was utilized to identify brain regions whose connectivity to the stimulation site co-varies with the aforementioned measures of symptom improvement. This was the only study group until August 30, 2022, and the primary outcome was analyzed for the 10Hz-TMS group. Due to changes in clinical standard of care from 10Hz-TMS to a newer version of TMS termed intermittent theta burst (iTBS), in September 2022 a second group was added to include patients receiving this new form of TMS. This second group included another 100 patients with medication-refractory depression undergoing iTBS to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with the intent to have 80 completers. Massachusetts General Hospital was added as a data collection site in lieu of Butler Hospital. Subjects will undergo an hour-long MRI scanning session, up to three 20 minute neuronavigation sessions for marking the site of TMS stimulation, questionnaires, and a behavioral testing battery before and after their TMS treatment course. The task battery will included the Emotion Conflict Resolution (ECR) task, Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT), Penn Emotion Recognition Test, the Suicide/Death Implicit Association Test, and Associative Learning with Reversal task. Subjects' scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were assessed before and after the TMS course. MRI data will be utilized to identify brain regions whose connectivity to the stimulation site co-varies with the aforementioned measures of symptom improvement. Due to a higher dropout rate than anticipated, in March of 2025 an amendment was added to include an additional 20 subjects in the second group's enrollment goal to increase the likelihood of achieving 80 completers.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2018

open study

In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on memory and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls memory. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests of memory and general cognition, as well as by taking images of your brain with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2023

open study

The goal of the DISCOVERY study is to provide innovative critical information regarding the unique natural history of glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function, and their mechanistic determinates, in obese adolescents at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

The goal of this study is to test A2B694, an autologous logic-gated Tmod™ CAR T-cell product in subjects with solid tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer (PANC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer (OVCA), mesothelioma (MESO), and other solid tumors that express MSLN and have lost HLA-A*02 expression. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Phase 1: What is the recommended dose of A2B694 that is safe for patients Phase 2: Does the recommended dose of A2B694 kill the solid tumor cells and protect the patient's healthy cells Participants will be required to perform study procedures and assessments, and will also receive the following study treatments: Enrollment and Apheresis in BASECAMP-1 (NCT04981119) Preconditioning Lymphodepletion (PCLD) Regimen A2B694 Tmod CAR T cells at the assigned dose

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

800 adult first time kidney transplant recipients will be enrolled in the Observational Study and followed to evaluate their Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DR/DQ molecular mismatch (mMM) score as a risk-stratifying prognostic biomarker. Six months after transplant the study will identify those who meet the eligibility criteria for the Nested Randomized Control Trial (RCT). 300 eligible subjects will be randomized 2:1 to abatacept or Standard of care (SOC) in the randomization and followed for 18 months monitoring for safety and improvement in renal function, neurocognitive function, and a life participation patient reported outcome measure (PROM). The primary objective of the Observational Study is to test the validity of the HLA-DR/DQ mMM score as a prognostic biomarker for stratification of post-transplant alloimmune risk. Whereas the objective of the Nested RCT is to test whether a superior outcome in kidney function (primary endpoint), as well as secondary endpoints (neurocognitive function, and life participation PROM), will be achieved in patients who are transitioned from Tacrolimus (TAC) to abatacept, while maintaining efficacy (freedom from biopsy proven acute rejection).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2023

open study

This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of VX-880 infusion in participants with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) and severe hypoglycemia.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2021

open study

Prospective data will be collected in approximately 3500 patients (700 per 5 injury groups). Patients will be followed up according to the standard (routine) for up to 1 year after the treatment. Data collection will include underlying disease, treatment details, patient reported outcomes (PROs), anticipated or procedure-related adverse events (i.e. complications), and radiological outcomes.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Feb 2021

open study

This is an open-label, pilot study, to characterize oxytocin response to a single dose of oral Estrogen-progestin in patients with arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy controls. The association between oxytocin levels and measures of psychopathology (i.e., anxiety and depression) and quality of life across groups will be examined. We hypothesize that: 1. Salivary and blood oxytocin response to Estrogen-progestin will be lower in arginine-vasopressin deficiency compared to healthy control. 2. Lower salivary and blood oxytocin levels will be associated with more severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social emotional difficulties as well as lower quality of life.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2024

open study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about how vedolizumab may affect patients with collagenous gastritis (CG). The main questions it aims to answer are: - Whether vedolizumab can reduce CG symptoms - Whether vedolizumab is safe to take for patients with CG Participants in this study will: - Receive vedolizumab through an IV ("infusion") - Complete a survey at each infusion visit - Have blood collected at each infusion visit - Undergo an endoscopy with biopsy at 2 timepoints

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

Stage 1: To select the optimal dose of naporafenib + trametinib to be studied in Stage 2. Stage 2: To compare progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with NRAS-mutant (NRASm) melanoma who are randomized to receive the combination of naporafenib + trametinib to that of patients who are randomized to physician's choice of therapy (dacarbazine, temozolomide, or trametinib monotherapy).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2024

open study

This is a pragmatic phase III, randomized, blinded, double placebo-controlled, three-arm trial of elderly patients following cardiac surgery to assess the relationship between nighttime intravenous (IV) and sublingual dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium and functional outcomes after surgery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2025

open study

First-degree relatives of people with inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD," including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) have an increased risk for developing IBD themselves. This study will follow unaffected first-degree relatives (who do not have IBD) over time to understand if their behaviors, diet, and biomarkers for IBD can help predict who gets IBD and if IBD can be prevented in these high-risk individuals. Participants will be asked once per year to complete a questionnaire and have their blood, stool, and urine collected. The anticipated length of the study (registry) is approximately 10 years or longer. Parts of this study, such as the questionnaires and stool and urine collection, may be done from home, while other parts, such as the blood draw, will need to be done from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Dec 2024

open study

Recent studies have shown that transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) can sometimes cause a type of heart failure where the pumping function of the heart is normal, also known as Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) or diastolic heart failure. In this single center diagnostic study, we will evaluate for ATTR in patients with HFpEF in order to to determine how frequently this occurs and how we can predict which heart failure patients may have TTR amyloidosis. Our goal is to identify amyloidosis in heart failure patients earlier so that they can start treatment.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2020

open study

Testing the effect of Virtual Reality - guided imagery acupuncture

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

An exercise regimen (PRIME: Proximal Resistance In-House Movement Exercise) has been designed for patients with myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). The hypothesis is that this patient-friendly physical therapist (PT)-guided exercise program associates with improved functional capacity and muscle composition in DM2 in this two-period two-sequence cross-over study. Thus, participant will be randomized to one of the three possible groups. Participants in GROUP A will perform exercise routine in clinic under the direct supervision of a physical therapist twice a week for the first three months, then they will continue with same exercise routine at home for the last 3 months on their own. Participants in GROUP B will perform exercise routine virtually under the direct supervision of a physical therapist twice a week for the first three months, then they will continue with same exercise routine at home for the last 3 months on their own. Participants in GROUP C will perform exercise routine on their own during the first 3 months, then they will perform exercise routine virtually under the direct supervision of a physical therapist. Each group will include around 8 participants. Duration of the study is 6 months. In addition to exercise sessions, participants will have evaluation of their strength, motor function and muscle composition at three time points: initiation, 3 months and completion of the study at 6 months. Muscle composition will be assessed by electrical impedance myography which is a portable, non-invasive, painless and non-radiation tool that applies a weak high multifrequency electrical current to the examined muscle and allows to obtain information about its composition.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of the surgical transplantation of dopaminergic progenitor cells into the brains of participants with Parkinson's disease. The transplanted dopaminergic cells will be derived from the participant's own skin cells.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2025

open study

Open-loop electrical stimulation has been found to reduce spike activity and seizures, but determining the optimal parameters to achieve these effects requires a brute force trial-and-error approach that relies on subjective physician discretion. We will compare the performance of stimulation parameters identified in rodent models to the recommended parameters for neuromodulation used in clinical practice.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2023

open study

This study will enroll participants with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and healthy controls for the purpose of preparing for a clinical trial of neuroprotective treatments against synucleinopathies.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

The overarching goal of this research is to use machine learning analysis of high-resolution data-collected by wearable technology-of cardiothoracic surgical patients to assess recovery and detect complications at their earliest stage

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jul 2021

open study

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of tDCS in combination with TUS for the treatment of pain in subjects with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a decrease in pain levels with active stimulation, when compared to sham stimulation.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2021

open study

Calciphylaxis, a vascular calcification disorder, is a rare and serious disorder characterized by calcification of dermal arterioles. There are significant gaps in the understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors for calciphylaxis. At present, there is no effective treatment. Uncertain pathobiology, rare incidence and lack of collaborative approach have been some of the major limiting factors towards treating calciphylaxis. The Partners Calciphylaxis Biorepository (PCB) aims to address these gaps within calciphylaxis research by utilizing existing and, when necessary, developing new infrastructure to support the consent of patients and the collection of dedicated samples for a calciphylaxis repository.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Jan 2017

open study

The goal of this project is to conduct a randomized, hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial (N=200) to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a 10-week mind-body and walking program (GetActive+) vs treatment as usual (TAU). The investigators will test for improvements in self-reported, performance-based (i.e., six-minute walk test), and objective (i.e., step-count) physical function, emotional function, as well as feasibility, acceptability and implementation markers. Participants will complete measures at baseline (0 weeks), post-intervention (1 week after intervention completion), and 6-month follow-up. This study will receive support from and inclusion in the HEAL Initiative (https://heal.nih.gov/).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

We are doing this research to identify biomarkers in individuals who are at-risk for familial prion disease. We hope to use these biomarkers to predict timing of disease onset in pre-symptomatic individuals and to guide the direction of future clinical trials.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Dec 2017

open study

Prospective, randomized, open-label, international, multi-center clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Dec 2020

open study