Abramson Cancer Center At Penn Medicine

This early-stage trial tests whether giving radiation therapy and the antibiotic vancomycin before CAR-T cell therapy is safe and doable for people with large B-cell lymphoma. About 14 adults whose lymphoma has not responded or has come back will receive this combination. The goa…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether combining three anti-cancer drugs—carboplatin, paclitaxel, and ramucirumab—can shrink tumors or slow their growth in people with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The study enrolls adults whose cancer has progressed after at l…

This study is for people who smoke cigarettes but aren't ready to quit. It tests whether giving them a choice of harm-reduction products like e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches helps them smoke less or stop altogether. Participants will use their chosen product for 28 days and be f…

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (capecitabine and temozolomide) plus tiny radioactive beads delivered directly to the liver (Y90 radioembolization) in 70 people with grade 2 or 3 neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to the liver. The goal is to …

This phase II trial tests whether two oral drugs, abemaciclib (a targeted cancer therapy) and hydroxychloroquine (an older malaria drug), can eliminate leftover cancer cells hiding in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients. About 44 people with a history of breast cancer and d…

This study tests whether giving the drug epcoritamab before and after CAR-T cell therapy can help people with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. About 31 adults will receive epcoritamab injections, then CAR-T cells, and possibly more epcoritamab if lymphoma remains. Th…

This study tests whether giving additional antibody drugs (mosunetuzumab or glofitamab plus obinutuzumab) after CAR-T cell therapy can improve outcomes for people with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. About 23 participants will receive the combination to see if it le…

This early-stage trial is testing whether it is safe to give immunotherapy (nivolumab) together with radiation therapy after bladder cancer surgery. The study will enroll 10 people who have had their bladder removed. The main goal is to see if this combination causes serious side…

This study is for people with early-stage ER+ breast cancer who still have hidden cancer cells in their bone marrow after surgery and standard therapy. It tests whether adding drugs like hydroxychloroquine or avelumab, with or without palbociclib, can clear those leftover cells a…

This early-phase trial is testing whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) alone or with lenvatinib (Lenvima) before and after kidney cancer surgery can strengthen the immune system's attack on the tumor. About 30 adults with high-risk kidney cancer will rec…

This study tests a more precise way to place electrodes on the scalp of glioblastoma patients receiving tumor treating fields (TTFields) therapy. Using advanced MRI that maps cancer spread, researchers aim to deliver stronger electrical doses to the tumor. The goal is to slow can…

This study tests whether a ketone supplement (beta-hydroxybutyrate) is safe and tolerable for 5 adults with large B-cell lymphoma who are receiving standard CAR-T cell therapy. Researchers will also look at changes in gut bacteria and immune cells. The supplement is given as a dr…

This early-phase study tests whether adding precise radiation (SBRT) to a standard two-drug combination (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) is safe and tolerable for people with advanced liver cancer that cannot be treated with surgery. The trial enrolls 18 participants and will also …

This phase 2 trial is testing whether the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can shrink Merkel cell carcinoma before surgery and lower the risk of it returning afterward. About 15 people with stage I to III Merkel cell carcinoma that can be surgically removed will receiv…

This phase 2 trial is testing a new, shorter radiation plan for men with high-risk or unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Participants receive a brachytherapy boost followed by just 5 sessions of whole-pelvis proton therapy. The main goal is to see if this approach is …

This early-stage trial tests whether adding the antibiotic vancomycin to precision radiation is safe for people with non-small cell lung cancer that has started growing in a few spots. Ten participants will take vancomycin for five weeks and receive targeted radiation. The main g…

This study tests whether adding tocilizumab to atezolizumab can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that no longer responds to standard immunotherapy. About 28 adults will receive the combination and be monitored for side effects…

This early-phase trial tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab and a special imaging technique during surgery can improve treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive lung cancer. About 20 adults with measurable disease will receive the co…

This study looks at whether people with multiple myeloma who have responded very well to teclistamab can safely stop taking it for a while. Instead of staying on the drug indefinitely, participants who have had a good response for 6-9 months will pause treatment and be closely mo…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether a combination of two drugs, pembrolizumab and odetiglucan, can safely shrink tumors in people with colorectal cancer that has spread mainly to the liver. About 27 participants will receive the drugs every three weeks. The main goal is to see …

This phase II study tests whether a combination of two drugs, niraparib and ipilimumab, can slow tumor growth in people with metastatic pancreatic cancer whose disease has not worsened after platinum-based chemotherapy. About 68 participants will be randomly assigned to receive e…

This study tests whether transplanting a woman's own frozen ovarian tissue can restore fertility after cancer treatment. Ten women who became infertile due to chemotherapy or radiation will receive the transplant. The goal is to see if they can get pregnant and have normal menstr…

This study tests whether a daily ketone supplement (BHB) is safe and tolerable for people with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a genetic condition that causes many colon polyps and often leads to surgery. Twenty participants will take the supplement for two weeks to see if …

This study tests a new radioactive tracer called [18F]FluorThanatrace (FTT) used with PET/CT scans to measure PARP-1 activity in men with metastatic prostate cancer. Up to 30 participants will have scans before and after starting a new therapy. The goal is to see if FTT can non-i…

This study tests an FDA-approved AI software that analyzes CT scans of lung nodules to estimate cancer risk. 300 adults aged 35-89 with newly found lung nodules will be randomly assigned to have their doctors use the AI tool or not. The goal is to see if the AI helps doctors mana…

This study is testing a new, more precise method to measure HER2 levels in leftover tumor tissue from people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. The goal is to see if this test can accurately tell who will respond to the drug T-Dxd. Researchers will enroll 200 participants an…

This early-phase study is testing a new radioactive tracer called [18F]FTT to see how it moves through the body and how well it lights up ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer on PET scans. Up to 40 women with known or suspected cancer will join two imaging groups. The go…

This early study tests a new imaging device that combines two types of breast scans to see how well it detects estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Up to 20 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer and then be scanned. The re…

This study tests a special PET/CT scan that uses a tracer called FAPI-74 to find fibrosis (scar-like tissue) in the body. It includes 45 adults with conditions like head and neck cancer or tuberculosis that can cause fibrosis. The goal is to see how well the scan shows fibrosis, …

This pilot study is testing a new radioactive tracer called [18F]F-GLN for PET/CT scans in people with breast cancer. The goal is to see how well this tracer highlights tumors and to gather safety information. Up to 40 adults with known or suspected breast cancer will receive one…

This early-stage study tests whether a dye called CYTALUX (pafolacianine) can make endometrial cancer cells glow under a special camera during surgery. The goal is to help surgeons find and remove all cancer. Ten adults with endometrial cancer who are already scheduled for surger…

This study is testing whether advanced MRI techniques can distinguish cancerous from non-cancerous salivary gland tumors. Thirty adults with a salivary gland lesion will receive one research MRI scan with contrast before their scheduled surgery. The goal is to improve diagnosis a…

This study tests a light-based treatment (photobiomodulation) to reduce long-term swelling in the head and neck area caused by cancer therapy. It involves 150 adult survivors who have had head and neck cancer and still have swelling for at least 6 months. Participants will receiv…

This study tests a mobile health tool to help women on hormone therapy for breast cancer track and manage side effects. About 60 women who recently started hormone therapy will use the app to report symptoms and get health tips. The goal is to see if the app is easy to use and he…

This study is testing a precise type of radiation (proton beam) given to the pelvis after surgery for cervical, uterine, or endometrial cancer. The goal is to see if it causes fewer bowel side effects than standard radiation. About 25 adults who need pelvic radiation after surger…

This study tests whether adding a nerve block (numbing medicine) before Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the face or scalp can lower pain and anxiety during the procedure. About 150 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either a real nerve block or a placebo (salt water) inj…

This study looks at two different ways to reach out to lung cancer patients who may need help with anxiety or depression. The goal is to see which method gets more people to start a telehealth counseling program. About 30 adults being treated for lung cancer at Penn Medicine will…

This pilot trial is testing a shorter, 5-day course of radiation for children and young adults (up to age 21) with incurable central nervous system cancers. The main goal is to see if this approach is safe and does not cause severe side effects. Researchers will also track qualit…

This study tests whether a supervised exercise program can improve recovery and survival in people aged 60 and older receiving a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. Participants will exercise before and after their transplant, with compliance tracked by activity monitors. The …

This study tests whether a nerve block called the erector spinae plane block can reduce abdominal pain in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Researchers will compare opioid use and hospital stay length between 25 patients who get the block and a matched group who received stand…

This study tests a practical geriatric assessment (PGA) for adults aged 70+ with advanced cancer. The PGA is a questionnaire completed before a doctor visit, and results are shared with the care team to help guide chemotherapy dosing. Researchers will also track step counts with …

The MILES Study is tracking 100 women recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to see how their diet and physical activity change over time. Participants fill out surveys and provide urine samples, which researchers analyze for chemical markers. The goal is to develop si…

This study looks at whether we can safely remove the "beta-lactam allergy" label from blood cancer patients who are not truly allergic. By doing so, doctors can use more effective antibiotics. The study will enroll 3,800 hospitalized adults with blood cancers and a reported aller…

This study follows 70 adults with refractory ascites (fluid buildup in the belly that doesn't respond to standard treatment) caused by liver disease or cancer. Researchers will use surveys to measure quality of life and CT scans to track muscle loss (sarcopenia) over time. The go…

This study is testing a special PET scan (FES PET/CT) to see how active estrogen receptors are in uterine cancer that has spread or returned. About 30 women with this type of cancer will get the scan before starting a new treatment. The results won't change their treatment plan b…

This study tests whether offering telehealth options and text reminders can increase the number of people who have a shared decision-making visit for lung cancer screening. Researchers will enroll 6,000 adults aged 50-80 with a history of smoking. The goal is to see if these stra…

This study explores whether giving BCG therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at home is feasible and effective. It includes two groups: one to understand barriers to treatment compliance, and another to test a home BCG program with a chatbot that tracks symptoms and qual…

This study tests whether a training program called Just ASK™ helps doctors and nurses talk more about breast cancer clinical trials with their patients. About 80 healthcare team members and patients will take part across four clinics. The goal is to see if the training is practic…

This study collects blood samples from 30 adults with pancreatic cancer to build a library for future research. The goal is to store specimens and health data together, creating a powerful tool for scientists to study the disease. Participants must be patients at the University o…

This study in Botswana tests different outreach strategies to help women with cervical cancer start treatment within 90 days. Researchers will compare clinic calls, direct patient contact, and text message reminders. The goal is to find the best way to close the gap between diagn…

This study looks at whether e-cigarettes or oral nicotine pouches can help people who smoke cigarettes cut down or switch completely. Two hundred adult smokers who have tried to quit before will be randomly assigned to use one of these products instead of cigarettes for six weeks…

This study looks at whether people are interested in using telehealth and digital tools for genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancer. 360 adults who meet guidelines for genetic testing will receive counseling at home and may use optional digital tools. The goal is to …

This study is creating a large registry and collection of blood, urine, and tumor samples from people with cancer or benign tumors who are receiving radiation therapy. The goal is to gather health information and biological samples for future research. Anyone 18 or older with a c…

This study is for people with small kidney tumors (4 cm or less). It compares two approaches: active surveillance (regular monitoring) and immediate treatment (surgery or other procedures). The goal is to see if watching the tumor is as safe and effective as treating it right awa…

This study is developing and testing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help doctors make personalized decisions for patients with heart disease, breast cancer, or sepsis. The AI will be designed to explain its recommendations clearly and ensure safety. Researchers will use da…

This study looks at whether the flavor of e-cigarettes helps smokers switch from regular cigarettes. 210 smokers who have tried to quit before will use fruit, tobacco, or menthol flavored e-cigarettes for 6 weeks. Researchers will track how many cigarettes they smoke and how sati…

This study looks at the bacteria and natural chemicals in the vagina to see if they can help find ovarian cancer early. Healthy volunteers (people with ovaries but no cancer or genetic risk) will provide vaginal swabs and stool samples. Their samples will be compared to those fro…

This observational study follows 200 people with inherited mutations in BRCA1/2, ATM, or PALB2 genes who are already undergoing regular pancreatic cancer screening with endoscopic ultrasound or MRI. Researchers will track how often these imaging tests find pre-cancerous or cancer…

This study looks at people with a specific genetic change in the CTNNA1 gene, which may increase the risk of stomach and breast cancers. Researchers will collect family health histories from 100 participants to better understand these risks. The goal is to improve cancer screenin…

This study tests a new radioactive tracer called [18F]FTT to see how well it lights up pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors on a PET scan. Twelve adults with advanced tumors will receive one injection and have a whole-body scan. The goal is to measure tumor activity and compare it wi…

This study compares a self-guided online genetic testing program to standard in-person counseling for people at risk of hereditary cancer. About 1,000 adults who meet national guidelines for genetic testing will participate. The goal is to see if the online option works just as w…

This study aims to understand why some cancer patients develop autoimmune side effects when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Researchers will analyze blood cells and genetics from 600 participants to identify features linked to these side effects. The goal is to improve…

This pilot study uses two types of PET scans and a powerful 7Tesla MRI to create a detailed metabolic picture of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Researchers will compare scan results with tumor tissue analysis to better understand how the tumor uses energy. The goal is …

This study is building a collection of prostate tissue samples from people who carry certain gene mutations (like BRCA1/2) that raise their risk for aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers will compare these samples with those from people without the mutations to learn how the ca…