Digestive system cancer

Researchers are testing lurbinectedin, an intravenous chemotherapy drug, in adults with advanced gastrointestinal cancers that carry mutations in DNA repair genes. The trial enrolls a small group of participants whose tumors are locally advanced or metastatic and who have specifi…

This study tests whether avatrombopag, a pill that boosts platelet production, can help people with gastrointestinal cancer who develop low platelets from chemotherapy. About 60 participants will receive either avatrombopag or a placebo. The goal is to see if the drug can raise p…

This trial tests whether a 12-week program of aerobic and resistance exercises can help people with gastrointestinal cancer and cachexia, a condition marked by severe weight and muscle loss. Researchers will compare an exercise group with a standard-care group, measuring changes …

This early study tested whether a sterile bacterial chemical called lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can be safely injected into abdominal tumors during laparoscopic surgery. Twelve adults with advanced digestive tract tumors received one injection into a tumor, and researchers checked f…

This study tested whether using a negative pressure wound therapy device (a special vacuum bandage) for a longer time after surgery could lower the chance of wound infections in people with gastrointestinal cancer. About 290 patients took part. The goal was to see if this approac…

This early-stage study tested a new drug called cabotamig in 33 adults with advanced cancers of the digestive system (like colon, pancreas, or liver) that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal was to see if the drug is safe and how it affects the body and tumors…

This study tested a combination of the targeted drug regorafenib with chemotherapy (mGEMOX) in 66 people with advanced bile duct cancer that could not be removed by surgery. The main goal was to find the safest dose and check for side effects. This is not a cure, but aims to cont…

This trial tested a new approach for people with advanced gastrointestinal cancers that had stopped responding to standard treatments. Doctors removed immune cells from patients' tumors, used CRISPR gene editing to disable a gene called CISH, and then infused the modified cells b…

This phase 2 trial tested a drug called RC108 in 29 people with advanced digestive system cancers that have a protein called c-Met. RC108 is an antibody-drug combination given through a vein. The study looked at how well the drug shrinks tumors and what side effects occur. Result…

This study tested a new drug (TJ004309) combined with an approved immunotherapy (atezolizumab) in 25 people with advanced ovarian, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, or triple-negative breast cancers. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors. Participants ha…

This pilot study tested whether ultrasound can detect nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Twenty participants who had or were receiving oxaliplatin and had symptoms of nerve damage underwent nerve ultrasounds, skin biop…

This study tested a new radioactive tracer called [18F]FAPI-74 for PET scans in people with gastrointestinal cancers, including liver, bile duct, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. The goal was to see if the tracer can accurately detect cancer cells by comparing scan re…

This study tested a new blood test designed to find colorectal cancer early in people at average risk. Nearly 49,000 adults aged 45-85 gave a blood sample before their routine colonoscopy. The goal was to see how well the blood test could detect cancer and advanced growths compar…

This study looked at whether using a liquid biopsy (a blood test that detects cancer DNA) early in the diagnostic process could help doctors diagnose and recommend treatment faster for people with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer. 463 participants were enrolled across mul…

This study tested whether electrostimulation and compression can reduce nerve pain and improve quality of life in people with gastrointestinal cancer who developed peripheral neuropathy from oxaliplatin chemotherapy. 140 patients were split into four groups: control, electrostimu…

This early-stage study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can reduce depression and anxiety in people with advanced pancreatic, biliary, or other gastrointestinal cancers. The study enrolls 24 adults aged 19-85 with stage IV or in…

This study tested whether a pharmacist-led program could safely reduce the number of unnecessary medications taken by older adults (65+) with curable cancers starting chemotherapy. 51 patients participated, with oncologists randomly assigned to either a pharmacist review or a sim…

This study looked at whether it's safe to stop changing wound dressings after gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Over 1,100 adults were randomly assigned to either have their wound dressing removed after 48 hours and left uncovered, or to receive routine dressing changes every two …

This study tested whether Phycocare, a supplement made from spirulina, can reduce nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in people with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers. 73 participants took either Phycocare or a placebo daily for 9 months. The goal was to se…

This study tested whether a remote resistance training program is feasible and safe for people with advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer who are on chemotherapy. Twenty-two participants were asked to do strength exercises at home using video guidance. The study measured how man…

This study tested whether silkworm pupa tablets can improve nutrition and reduce frailty in people who had surgery for stomach, colorectal, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. 120 participants took the tablets for 3 months. Researchers measured weight, frailty, muscle mass, and qua…

This study looked at whether giving glycopyrrolate before and during laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer could help maintain lung function in patients aged 65 and older. The drug was tested to see if it could improve oxygen levels and reduce lung injury from mechanic…

This study tested whether a simple walking program, guided by a fitness tracker, could help cancer patients tolerate their chemoradiotherapy without missing treatments. 166 adults with brain, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, or cervical cancer participated. Patients were gi…

This study tested a digital tool called Noona that lets advanced cancer patients track their symptoms from home. 190 adults with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer used the app to log symptoms and received prompts to report them weekly. The goal was to see if this improves …

This study tested a program called BOLSTER, designed to give extra support to people with gynecologic or gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers after a hospital stay. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked. 121 adults with complex care needs took p…

This study tested a 12-week program that gave nutrition counseling and a Fitbit app to 10 people with gastrointestinal cancer who had surgery and chemotherapy. The goal was to see if the program was easy to use and if patients liked it. Researchers measured how many people joined…

This phase 2 trial looked at whether adding acupuncture and acupressure to oral cryotherapy (sucking on ice chips) can reduce nerve pain caused by oxaliplatin chemotherapy in people with gastrointestinal cancers. 78 patients were split into two groups: one got cryotherapy alone, …

This study tested a program that teaches couples communication skills when one partner has advanced cancer. About 440 patients and their partners took part, with half receiving the training and half getting general healthy living information. The goal was to see if the training c…

This study looked at whether having a palliative care team work alongside surgeons improves quality of life for patients with gastrointestinal cancers like pancreatic or liver cancer. About 379 patients and their family members took part. The main goal was to see if this team app…

This study looked at whether foot reflexology—a type of foot massage—can reduce nausea and vomiting caused by platinum-based chemotherapy. Eighty people with lung or digestive cancer received reflexology sessions during their chemo infusions and were asked to do self-massage betw…

This small study tested whether narrative medicine—using close reading, creative writing, and discussion—can improve well-being in people with digestive system cancers. Eight patients receiving infusional therapy took part. The goal was to see if the approach was feasible and if …

This study tested a telephone-based therapy called Managing Anxiety from Cancer (MAC) for older adults (65+) with cancer and their caregivers. The therapy includes seven sessions covering relaxation, communication, and problem-solving skills. The goal was to see if it reduces anx…

This study tested a program called CONTINUUM, where advanced cancer patients had a video visit with an oncology nurse within three days of leaving the hospital. The goal was to help patients feel more confident managing their health and improve communication with their care team.…

This study looked at whether using a device to warm intravenous fluids during laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery helps prevent hypothermia (low body temperature) and shivering. 84 adults having elective surgery were split into two groups: one received warm fluids, the o…

This study tested whether giving a daily oral nutrition supplement (300 calories) to people with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy could improve their body composition, nutrition status, and quality of life. 175 participants took the supplement alongside their regul…

This study looked at whether early contact with a palliative care unit improves quality of life for people with advanced cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract or colorectal cancer. 108 participants were randomly assigned to either early palliative care or standard care (con…

This study investigates whether the unique bacteria found inside digestive system tumors can help predict how well a patient will respond to neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy before surgery). Researchers will analyze tumor samples from 90 adults with pancreatic, gastric, colorect…

This large observational study is investigating whether nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate—compounds found naturally in food and water and used as additives—are linked to chronic diseases like gastrointestinal cancers, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Researchers will foll…

This study looked at how many people with gastrointestinal cancer are at risk for sarcopenia, a condition where muscle mass and strength are lost. Researchers used a simple questionnaire called SARC-F to screen 44 patients before and during cancer treatment. The goal was to ident…

This study looked at 129 adults with gastrointestinal cancer to see if measuring the thickness of their belly and diaphragm muscles before surgery could help predict complications after the operation. Researchers used ultrasound to measure these muscles and then tracked recovery …

This study tested a new on-couch imaging system called HyperSight, which takes 3D X-ray pictures (CBCT) of cancer patients right before their radiation treatment. 46 adults with head/neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvic cancers received both the new HyperSight scan and a standard scan…

This pilot study tested whether a special 2D antiscatter grid can improve the quality of cone-beam CT (CBCT) images used during radiation therapy for prostate, head and neck, and upper abdomen cancers. 43 participants received one extra CBCT scan with the grid, and researchers co…

This study looked at how changing a patient's position during major abdominal cancer surgery affects their heart function and vital signs. Researchers used a non-invasive esophageal Doppler monitor to measure cardiac output in 80 patients undergoing either laparoscopic or open su…

This study looked at 100 adults having gastrointestinal cancer surgery to see if sarcopenia (muscle loss) changes how muscle relaxants work during anesthesia. Patients were grouped based on CT scans showing sarcopenia. The researchers measured how fast the relaxants worked, how d…

This study looked at 198 adults with non-metastatic gastrointestinal cancer to see if taking chemotherapy as a pill (oral) or through a vein (IV) affects sleep quality and depression. Researchers measured sleep and mood before treatment, at 45 days, and at 90 days using standard …

This early study looked at how two approved constipation drugs, plecanatide and linaclotide, affect a chemical called cGMP in the small intestine. Researchers compared tissue samples from 43 adults with Barrett esophagus or GERD who took either drug or no drug. The goal was to me…

This pilot study looked at whether repeated FDG-PET/CT scans can help select patients and evaluate how well a special chemotherapy (PIPAC) works for cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen. 34 patients with various abdominal cancers were included. The goal was to see …

This study looked at how chemotherapy affects taste and smell in 69 people with digestive cancers. Researchers used questionnaires to track changes in food preferences and eating habits before, during, and after the first round of chemo. The goal was to understand how these senso…

This study involved 50 people with gastrointestinal cancer who had nerve pain from the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin. Researchers interviewed patients to understand their symptoms and how the pain affected their daily life. The goal was to use this information to design a medical…

This pilot study tested whether a short survey can help hospitalized patients with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancers discuss their goals and preferences with their oncologist after leaving the hospital. The survey asks about treatment goals and understanding of the diseas…

This study looked at whether two simple frailty questionnaires (G8 and VES-13) can predict serious side effects from chemotherapy in people 65 and older with gastrointestinal cancers. Researchers followed 72 patients receiving standard chemotherapy and checked their frailty, nutr…

This study looked at 120 people having surgery for gastrointestinal cancer to see how well different risk scoring systems predict serious complications or death within 30 to 60 days after the operation. The goal was to find out which scoring tool works best to help doctors plan c…

This study tested a new cone-beam CT scanner designed to take clearer images while patients are on the radiotherapy couch. 41 adults with head-and-neck, lung, breast, abdominal, or pelvic cancer each had one or two scans with the new device. The goal was to see if the images were…

This study looked at how muscle energy works in 51 people with gastrointestinal cancer who were losing weight. The goal was to understand why cancer-related weight loss happens and find new ways to help. Researchers measured muscle cell energy use and fat storage, but this was an…

This study aimed to create a computer program that can automatically identify arteries and bones from ultrasound images taken during surgery. The goal is to make surgical navigation more accurate and efficient, potentially replacing CT scans. Fifty adults with abdominal cancer wh…

This study looked at whether two easy-to-use frailty checklists (FRAIL and FiND) can predict severe side effects from chemotherapy in adults aged 65 and older with gastrointestinal cancers. Researchers followed 84 patients who had already had surgery and were receiving standard c…

This study tested whether a 34-question symptom survey filled out by patients could give doctors enough information to authorize chemotherapy preparation, potentially reducing the number of unused drug doses. 138 people with digestive cancer participated. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested whether using at-home monitoring devices (like a wristband pedometer, scale, and blood pressure cuff) can help improve care for cancer patients after they leave the hospital following surgery. 22 patients with various cancers participated. The goal was to see if…

This study looked at how to encourage doctors and patients to use DPYD testing before chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers. DPYD testing can identify people at higher risk of severe side effects from common chemo drugs. Researchers tested different messages and approaches wi…

This study tested whether a wearable device and smartphone app can monitor cancer patients' vital signs and symptoms as well as standard in-clinic checks. About 100 patients with various cancers participated, either after CAR-T cell therapy or during radiation treatment. The goal…

This study looked at whether having cancer patients report their own symptoms during radiation treatment helps doctors notice and manage side effects better. About 104 adults with lung, esophageal, or other gastrointestinal cancers took part. Doctors reviewed patient-reported sym…

This study measured blood flow in the skin of 62 people, including cancer patients who received 5-FU chemotherapy, those on other treatments, cancer survivors, and healthy controls. Researchers used a non-invasive laser sensor to see how small blood vessels responded to substance…