Dana-farber Cancer Institute

This early-phase trial tests a special type of immune cell (CIML NK cells) combined with a low dose of IL-2 in people whose blood cancer (AML, MDS, MPN, or JMML) has returned after a stem cell transplant. The main goal is to find the safest dose and see if it can put the cancer b…

This study is for people with triple-negative breast cancer that has spread and does not have a protein called PD-L1. It compares a standard chemotherapy-like drug (sacituzumab govitecan) alone versus the same drug combined with an immunotherapy (pembrolizumab). The goal is to se…

This study tests whether two drugs, sacituzumab govitecan and atezolizumab, can clear leftover cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes of people with triple negative breast cancer. About 40 participants who still have cancer after standard chemotherapy will receive the combinat…

This study is for people with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer who have had surgery. It compares two treatment plans: one uses the drug T-DM1 followed by trastuzumab, and the other uses paclitaxel plus trastuzumab. The goal is to see which plan has fewer side effects and b…

This study tests a pill called abemaciclib in people with advanced solid tumors that have certain gene changes (in CCND1, CCND2, CCND3, CDK4, or CDK6). The goal is to see if the drug can stop or slow cancer growth. About 38 participants will receive the drug and be monitored for …

This study tests a drug called pemigatinib in people with a rare type of stomach cancer (SDH-deficient GIST) that has spread and cannot be removed by surgery. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors or stop them from growing. About 24 adults will take the drug and be mon…

This early-phase study tests a new way to do stem cell transplants for people with aggressive or returning acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The approach uses specially processed donor cells to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease, aiming to…

This study tests whether giving a precise, high-dose radiation treatment (SBRT) early can slow the growth of adenoid cystic carcinoma that has spread to a few spots in the body. About 32 adults with 1 to 5 metastatic lesions will receive SBRT to all visible tumors. Researchers wi…

This early-phase study tests the safety of giving special immune cells (CIML NK cells) along with a standard drug (venetoclax) to adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment aims to help the body's natural killer cells fight leukemia more effectively. About 10 partici…

This study tests a program called CHEF that helps childhood cancer survivors and their families cook and eat healthy foods. The goal is to support heart health after cancer treatment. About 17 children who finished chemotherapy or radiation will take part for 6 months. Researcher…

This study tests whether a combination of two drugs, abemaciclib and letrozole, can help keep advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer from growing. The trial enrolls 32 people with a specific type of cancer that is estrogen-receptor positive and has certain genetic features. Par…

This early-phase study tests a new drug, SL-401, combined with standard treatments (azacitidine and venetoclax) for people with certain blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The g…

This study is for people with HPV-related throat cancer who have had surgery. It tests whether a lower, personalized dose of radiation (and sometimes chemo) can control the cancer while causing fewer side effects and improving quality of life. About 111 adults will take part, and…

This study tests a drug called elacestrant in people with advanced uterine sarcomas that have estrogen receptors. The drug works by blocking estrogen, which may help shrink or slow the cancer. About 30 adults with certain types of uterine sarcoma will take the drug to see if it i…

This early-phase study tests whether specially trained immune cells (CIML NK cells) given after a stem cell transplant can safely prevent leukemia or related blood cancers from coming back. About 15 adults with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or relate…

This early-phase study tests whether adding pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) to standard chemotherapy is safe and effective for people newly diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma, a rare brain cancer. About 15 adults will receive the drug combination. The main go…

This study is for people with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, a type of advanced bladder cancer. It tests combinations of three drugs—sacituzumab govitecan, enfortumab vedotin, and pembrolizumab—to find safe doses and see if they shrink tumors. About 106 participants will join t…

This study tests a drug called belumosudil for people who develop a serious lung condition (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) after a stem cell transplant. The goal is to see if the drug can improve lung function or slow the disease. About 45 participants with new or early-stage…

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving two drugs—ficerafusp alfa and pembrolizumab—before surgery can shrink tumors in people with advanced head and neck cancer. The study enrolls 32 adults with newly diagnosed, resectable cancer that has not spread. The goal is to see if the co…

This study tests whether adding the targeted drug T-DM1 to standard chemoradiation can prevent HER2-positive salivary gland cancer from returning. About 37 adults with advanced but removable tumors will receive the combination and be followed for two years. The goal is to see if …

This study tests whether a 16-week exercise program designed for Black men with prostate cancer can lower their risk of heart disease. Participants are on hormone therapy (ADT), which can increase heart risks. The program includes aerobic and resistance exercises, and the study w…

This study is testing a new type of radiation therapy called SMART, which uses MRI scans to guide treatment in real time. It includes up to 397 adults with various cancers like pancreas, lung, or prostate cancer. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and improves tumor cont…

This study combines a special nanoparticle (AGuIX) with precise, MRI-guided radiation to treat hard-to-reach lung tumors and advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal is to see if adding these nanoparticles makes radiation more effective at controlling tumors without increasing side e…

This study tests whether the drug belzutifan can shrink or slow the growth of clear cell cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, or vulva that have come back or not gone away. About 32 adults will receive belzutifan pills and be monitored for tumor response and side effects…

This study tests whether the drug casdatifan, alone or with zimberelimab, can safely shrink kidney tumors before surgery. It involves 32 adults with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who are scheduled for kidney removal. The goal is to see if these drugs reduce tumor size and are s…

This early-phase study tests a new treatment called CIML NK cell therapy for people with recurrent ovarian cancer that no longer responds to platinum-based chemotherapy. The therapy uses specially trained natural killer cells from a donor to attack the cancer. The study aims to f…

This study is testing a blood test called Galleri that looks for signs of many different cancers at once. It is for veterans who served on active duty for at least four years and are 45 or older. The goal is to see if this test can find cancers earlier than standard methods, whic…

This study is testing a new blood test that looks for signs of a specific type of lung cancer (EGFR-positive) in healthy Asian and Latinx adults who are at risk but cannot get standard lung cancer screening. The test measures DNA fragments in the blood. Researchers will enroll 1,…

This study is testing a blood test called the GRAIL Galleri test to see if it can detect many types of cancer early in people who have a high genetic risk for cancer. About 1,000 adults with certain inherited cancer syndromes or gene changes will take the test. The goal is to fin…

This study tests a light therapy device placed inside the mouth to prevent severe mouth sores in people receiving a stem cell transplant. The sores are a common and painful side effect of the transplant process. Twenty adults will receive daily light treatments using a device cal…

This study looks at how exercise might lower breast cancer risk in women with dense breast tissue. Researchers will measure changes in blood and breast tissue in 46 women who either join an exercise program or stay on a waitlist. The goal is to find out if exercise can reduce can…

This study tests whether a 16-week virtual high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can improve physical fitness, thinking skills, and emotional well-being in young adults (ages 18-45) who survived a childhood brain tumor. Participants exercise from home using video guidan…

This study looks at whether a 16-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can improve brain function and heart health in women with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. About 30 women will participate, and their thinking skills and fitness will be measured be…

This study tests whether an 8-week home exercise program, done before a stem cell transplant, can improve muscle strength and physical fitness in people with multiple myeloma. About 30 adults will either exercise with virtual coaching or continue normal activities. The goal is to…

This study looks at whether a home-based resistance exercise program combined with protein supplements can help people with pancreatic cancer maintain muscle mass while undergoing chemotherapy. About 45 participants will be assigned to one of three groups: exercise plus protein, …

This study tests whether a 16-week supervised exercise program (combining resistance, functional, and aerobic training) can improve frailty and muscle loss in 80 men with metastatic prostate cancer who are on hormone therapy. Participants must be pre-frail or frail. The goal is t…

This study tests a program called BOLSTER designed to help people with advanced gynecologic or gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers. The program provides extra support for those with complex care needs like ostomies or feeding tubes. Researchers want to see if it improve…

This study tests whether a 16-week virtual exercise program can help patients with ovarian or endometrial cancer maintain leg strength and reduce numbness or tingling caused by chemotherapy. About 30 adults who have had surgery and are starting chemo will participate. The goal is…

This study looks at whether a telehealth exercise program with protein support can help women aged 65 and older with breast cancer complete their full chemotherapy schedule. Participants will be assigned to either the exercise program or a health education group. The goal is to s…

This study tests a counseling and education program designed to help Chinese and Korean American smokers quit smoking and get screened for lung cancer. About 50 participants will receive the program and be followed for 6 months. The goal is to see if a culturally tailored approac…

This study tests whether a device that cools and squeezes the arms and legs during chemotherapy can prevent or lessen nerve damage (numbness, tingling, pain) caused by taxane drugs. About 50 adults with breast or gynecologic cancer will wear the device during their first round of…

This study tests a program that gives blood cancer patients access to blood transfusions at home while in hospice care. The goal is to see if this improves quality of life, mood, and reduces hospital visits near the end of life. About 700 adults with advanced blood cancers like l…

This study tests a program called UPLYFT for lymphoma survivors who worry about their cancer returning. It provides information and tools to improve quality of life and reduce anxiety. About 74 survivors who finished treatment 3 to 24 months ago and are in remission will particip…

This study looks at two different treatment plans for people aged 65 and older with advanced bladder cancer who cannot take the standard chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The goal is to see which treatment better maintains quality of life and causes fewer side effects. Participants wi…

This study tests a telehealth program called REVITALIZE to see if it can lessen how much fatigue interferes with daily life for people with advanced ovarian cancer who are taking PARP inhibitors. About 240 adults will be randomly assigned to either the REVITALIZE program or recei…

This study tests a new communication tool called CASI for people with advanced ovarian cancer, their caregivers, and doctors. The goal is to see if using this tool helps patients and doctors better discuss what matters most during appointments. About 112 participants will be enro…

This study tests if a special cooling cap can reduce hair loss in people with metastatic breast cancer who are receiving certain chemotherapy drugs. About 120 participants will either use the Paxman Scalp Cooling System or not, and researchers will compare hair loss rates and qua…

This study is testing whether a 12-week program that encourages lymphoma patients to take frequent breaks from sitting can improve their heart health and reduce side effects from chemotherapy. The program includes supervised activity breaks during infusion appointments and home-b…

This study tests a mobile app program called PRISM to help teens and young adults (ages 12-25) who have finished cancer treatment learn skills to manage stress and build resilience. Participants will use the app for six sessions and complete surveys about their well-being. The go…

This study looks at whether a 12-week online dance program can improve quality of life, reduce pain, and ease fatigue in breast cancer survivors who still have pain months after surgery. About 30 adults who had a lumpectomy or mastectomy and have moderate to severe pain will take…

This study looks at whether a home-based exercise program (aerobic and resistance training) is practical and helpful for adults who develop graft-versus-host disease after a stem cell transplant and are starting high-dose steroids. About 36 participants will either do the exercis…

This study is testing an online educational program called On-Trac (Online Training After Cancer) to help adult cancer survivors manage anxiety. The program teaches strategies based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance commitment therapy. Researchers will enroll 80 part…

This study looks at whether a 6-month home exercise and nutrition program can improve memory, thinking, and physical abilities in cancer survivors aged 65 and older, along with their support person. Participants will either follow a virtually supervised or an unsupervised program…

This study looks at whether a program called PediRISE, which gives extra money to families, can help reduce financial stress for those caring for a child with cancer. About 40 families will be randomly assigned to either receive the PediRISE support or standard care. The main goa…

This study looks at whether adding a special support program (Pediatric RISE) to usual care can reduce financial and material hardships for low-income families of children with high-risk neuroblastoma. About 84 families will be randomly assigned to receive either usual care alone…

This research study is collecting tissue samples from 240 adults with malignant pleural mesothelioma to test a new method that predicts how the disease will progress. The method combines molecular, radiological, and blood tests to give a score from 0 to 4. The goal is to improve …

This study looks at whether adding a geriatrician to the care team can improve outcomes for people aged 70 and older with gastrointestinal cancers like stomach, colon, or pancreatic cancer. Researchers will test if an online fitness questionnaire is easy to use and if geriatric c…

This study follows 30,000 people who have early blood changes (MGUS or smoldering myeloma) that can lead to multiple myeloma. Researchers want to learn what makes some people's condition get worse over time. Participants are African American or have a close family member with a r…

This study is for people with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who are waiting to have surgery to remove the tumor. Researchers want to see if injecting the seasonal flu vaccine directly into the tumor can attract more immune cells to fight the cance…

This study looks at genetic changes in people with early-stage blood cancers or conditions that may lead to cancer. Researchers want to understand why some cases progress and others don't. Participants provide extra blood, bone marrow, or cheek swab samples during routine care. N…

This study aims to learn more about the causes and biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by collecting tissue samples and medical information from 2,750 participants. It is open to new and existing patients with CLL or related low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders. The …

This study looks at better ways to find and treat lymph nodes in people with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive type. Researchers will test imaging and dye techniques to see if they can reliably locate the sentinel lymph nodes during surgery. The goal is to improve…

This study looks at how vitamin D interacts with colon cancer cells. Researchers want to see if high doses of vitamin D can change how cancer cells grow. About 80 people with stage I-III colon cancer or cancer that has spread to the liver will take either high or standard vitamin…

This study looks at whether a program of exercise and nutrition before surgery is practical for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. About 40 participants will either join the program or receive usual care. The main goal is to see if enough people sign up and stick with the…

This study looks at whether a special decision-making guide can help women aged 80 and older who have had breast cancer make better choices about getting yearly mammograms. The guide helps them weigh the pros and cons with their doctor. The goal is to see if it changes how many m…

This study explores how regular video or phone check-ins between patients with advanced breast cancer, their caregivers, and their oncology team can improve the hospice experience at home. Researchers will enroll 200 participants in Massachusetts to see if this approach is practi…

This study is testing a web-based tool called TRIAL that provides information and resources about acute leukemia and clinical trials. Researchers want to see if the tool is easy to use and if people will complete the follow-up surveys. The study involves 75 adults with suspected …

This study is collecting information and samples from 1,500 people who have changes in the TP53 gene, which can increase the risk of cancer. The goal is to better understand Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and other conditions linked to TP53. Participants include people with known TP53 muta…

This study collects tumor samples and health information from people with lymphoma or related blood cancers who have a family member with the same condition. Researchers want to find out if inherited genes make some families more likely to develop these cancers. Up to 1,500 parti…

This study aims to see if watching a video before genetic testing helps people with certain cancers better understand their hereditary cancer risk. About 1020 adults with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, renal, melanoma, or sarcoma cancers will take part. Resear…