Duke University

This study looks at whether montelukast, a drug used for asthma, is safe and how it works in very premature babies at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition. About 28 critically ill infants born before 28 weeks and weighing under 1000 grams will …

This study tests if blocking certain nerves in the abdomen can help people with heart failure feel better and be more active. About 54 adults with a weakened heart pump will receive a temporary nerve block. Researchers will measure changes in heart pressure, exercise ability, and…

This early-stage study tests whether transplanting healthy gut bacteria can help people with rapidly progressing ALS. Twenty adults will receive the transplant after a short course of antibiotics. Researchers will track changes in muscle function, quality of life, and nerve damag…

This study looks at whether helping families with food benefits can improve weight in infants who are already overweight and at risk for food insecurity. About 228 infants aged 12 months and their parents will get $50 per week for one year, either as cash or as guided grocery sho…

This early-stage study tests a modified herpes virus (MVR-C5252) injected directly into brain tumors in people with recurrent high-grade glioma. The main goals are to find a safe dose and see if the virus can shrink tumors or slow their growth. About 51 adults with tumors that re…

This study tests an oral medication, deferiprone, to safely remove excess iron from the brain after a ruptured aneurysm causes bleeding. About half of survivors have lasting memory and thinking problems. The trial will measure iron levels in spinal fluid and brain scans, and trac…

This study tests the drug atezolizumab in 80 adults whose glioblastoma has returned after standard treatment. The goal is to see if the drug helps people live longer and to find biological markers that predict who benefits most. Participants receive the drug before surgery, and r…

This study tests a 6-month holistic wellness program for 200 adults with HIV or seeking HIV prevention who also use alcohol or drugs. Participants receive counseling, peer support, and education tailored to their needs. The goal is to see if the program improves mental health, re…

This early study tests whether giving an IL-17 blocker (secukinumab) alongside restarting immunotherapy can lower the risk of severe immune-related side effects in people with advanced melanoma. Only 4 participants who previously had side effects like colitis or rash will be enro…

This study tests a program to help doctors better screen and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes. About 420 participants will receive enhanced care to ensure they get guideline-recommended treatments. The goal is to improve management and slow kidney…

This study looks at whether donepezil, a drug used for Alzheimer's, can improve bone health and lower fracture risk in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. About 45 participants will take either donepezil or memantine daily for 12 months. Researchers will measure bone …

This study looks at whether doing a stent procedure (TEVAR) early, along with standard medication, can lower the risk of death or serious problems like rupture or stroke compared to medication alone. About 1,100 adults with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection will take part. T…

This study tests whether giving free fruits and vegetables, plus optional health coaching, can reduce emergency visits and hospital stays for adults with congestive heart failure. About 900 participants will be randomly assigned to receive the produce program alone, produce with …

This study looks at whether giving older trauma patients extra protein drinks helps them regain muscle and strength faster. About 60 participants will either get the extra nutrition or standard hospital food. Researchers will measure muscle mass, walking ability, and quality of l…

This study is testing a small, AI-powered camera called the Pocket colposcope to see if it can accurately detect early signs of cervical cancer in women who have tested positive for HPV. About 1,054 women in Kenya will use the device during a routine exam. The goal is to find a s…

This study involves 30 adults with bladder cancer who are scheduled to have their bladder removed. Right before surgery, doctors will use a special ultrasound technique called Super-Resolution Ultrasound Localization Microscopy to check for any remaining cancer. The results will …

This study aims to develop better ways to measure eye pressure, which is important for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. Current methods are either subjective or not portable. Researchers will compare two new devices to standard methods in 200 adults getting routine eye exams. Th…

This study is testing a device called SenseToKnow that uses video and a caregiver survey to help detect autism in children aged 16 to 36 months. The goal is to see how accurate the device is compared to a doctor's diagnosis. About 350 children from Duke Health will take part.

This study is testing whether a special imaging agent called Tc 99m Tilmanocept can spot inflammation in the heart caused by sarcoidosis. About 15 adults with confirmed sarcoidosis will receive this agent and undergo a SPECT/CT scan. The results will be compared to standard PET s…

This study tests a new blood test that looks at proteins in platelets (a type of blood cell) to see if it can find prostate cancer more accurately than current methods like PSA tests and biopsies. Researchers at Duke University will enroll 300 men who are already being checked fo…

This study is testing a new handheld device that automatically aligns to take detailed pictures of the retina (the back of the eye). Researchers want to see if it works well in healthy adults, adult eye patients, and children with eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal disease. …

This study tests a six-session program called SER Familia for Latino immigrant families with a parent and a child aged 12-17. The program, led by community health workers, aims to reduce stress from adapting to a new culture and build resilience. The goal is to prevent substance …

This large study is testing whether taking atorvastatin (a statin) can help healthy adults aged 75 and older avoid dementia, disability, and death. Participants are randomly assigned to take either the drug or a placebo for several years. The goal is to see if this simple pill ca…

This study tests whether giving out HIV prevention medication (PrEP) on a mobile medical van is a good way to help people who inject drugs or are sexually active stay HIV-free. About 20 participants will receive PrEP and be followed for 6 months. The goal is to see if this approa…

This study tests whether a month of personalized calming music at bedtime can improve sleep for people with dementia and reduce stress for their caregivers. About 144 participants (72 pairs of a person with dementia and their caregiver) will use a mobile app. The goal is to see i…

This study tests a mobile app called Blueprint that teaches coping skills to people who survived a serious illness in the ICU. Many survivors struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, but mental health care is hard to access. The app aims to help them manage these symptoms on …

This study tests whether a mobile app and headset that train the brain to relax can help people with chronic low back pain. 150 adults will use the app for 10 minutes, four times a week for three months. Researchers will check pain levels and physical function over nine months.

This study tests a new program called ENGAGE, delivered by phone or video, to help people with stage IV breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and distress. About 190 participants will be randomly assigned to ENGAGE or standard supportive…

This study tests whether brief, web-based positive psychology exercises—like writing a gratitude letter—can reduce burnout and improve well-being in adults. Up to 8,000 participants will try one or more tools online and complete surveys before, after, and at follow-ups up to 12 m…

This study tests whether applying minoxidil (a hair growth cream) to the breasts for two weeks before surgery can improve blood flow and tissue survival in women undergoing preventive mastectomy with reconstruction. About 25 women at high genetic risk for breast cancer will parti…

This study tests a digital program called AYA STEPS for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. The program helps manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and emotional distress, and encourages engagement with recommended follow-up care. About 260 participants who have completed …

This study looks at whether spinal or general anesthesia leads to better knee movement and pain control after a procedure to loosen a stiff knee that has had replacement surgery. About 128 adults who need this manipulation will take part. The goal is to find which type of anesthe…

This study compares methadone (a long-acting opioid) with standard short-acting opioids like fentanyl for pain control after cleft palate repair in children aged 6 months to 4 years. The goal is to see if methadone reduces the total amount of pain medicine needed. About 60 childr…

This study tests a home-based exercise program for people who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Participants use a smartphone app to guide them through high-intensity interval training and other exercises. The goal is to see if this approach improves walking ability, fitnes…

This study tests whether using a cold wrap plus compression (cryocompression) is better than cold wraps alone at preventing nerve damage from chemotherapy in people with gynecologic cancer. About 190 participants will wear the device during chemo sessions and report their symptom…

This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) can help patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) become more active and improve their mental well-being. Researchers will enroll 60 adults who have been in the ICU for at least 3 days and have limited mobility. Participants wi…

This study tests whether a 10-week remote program teaching emotion regulation skills (based on dialectical behavior therapy) can lower stress and improve heart rate in pregnant women. Researchers will enroll 100 women who have high emotion dysregulation scores and are at least 12…

This study compares two group therapies—organizational skills training and mindfulness—for 30 teens aged 13-17 with ADHD. Participants attend eight 90-minute sessions and complete questionnaires before and after treatment. The goal is to see which approach better reduces ADHD sym…

This study tests a program that combines in-person coaching with a smartphone app to help people who have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy cope with pain, fatigue, and stress. The goal is to help them become more active and reduce physical disability. About 177 adults …

This study follows 200 people with Gaucher disease over many years to learn how the condition affects the body long term, including the nervous system, liver, and spleen. Researchers will also review treatment records to see how well enzyme replacement and other therapies work ov…

This study follows 150 adults in cardiac rehabilitation to see if men and women maintain physical activity differently during and after the program. Participants wear activity trackers and complete fitness tests at three visits over 10 months. The goal is to understand barriers t…

This study collects a small sample of tissue from inside the nose to learn how the sense of smell works and how it changes in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will compare samples from healthy volunteers and those with early or mild Alzheimer's. The goal is to underst…

This study is developing and testing a program to help female adolescent and young adult cancer survivors make informed decisions about building a family after treatment. The program includes four video sessions that provide personalized education about fertility risks and coping…

This study is watching how certain medicines act in the bodies of children and young adults (under 21) who are already taking them as part of their regular care. The goal is to find the safest and most effective doses for these age groups. No new drugs are being tested—just gathe…

This study aims to understand how medications behave in the bodies of critically ill children under 21 in a heart intensive care unit. Researchers will use leftover blood samples and medical records from routine care—no extra drugs or tests are given. The goal is to improve futur…

This study is looking at how a park-based afterschool program called Fit2Play affects the health of children. Researchers will track up to 5,000 kids to see changes in their fitness, weight, blood pressure, and mental well-being. The goal is to understand if community park progra…

This study looks at what causes oxygen toxicity in scuba divers. Researchers want to see how things like breathing muscle training, lack of sleep, certain medications, and carbon dioxide affect the risk. 62 healthy divers aged 18-45 will exercise underwater and in dry conditions …

This study tests a new imaging tool that gives eye surgeons a live, 3D view inside the eye during surgery. It aims to help doctors see tiny details better, which could improve outcomes for conditions like retinal detachment, macular holes, and cataracts. About 262 people having e…

This study follows up to 400 people with Pompe disease over many years to see how their immune system reacts to standard enzyme replacement therapy. Researchers collect medical records and lab results to learn why some patients develop antibodies that reduce treatment effectivene…

This study compares a new virtual reality (VR) goggle system called VisuALL to the standard machine-based test for measuring peripheral vision in children and young adults. Researchers will enroll 1,000 healthy children and those with eye conditions to see if the VR test works as…

This study looks at how a park-based fitness program affects the health of 1,000 adults aged 50 and older in Miami-Dade County. Researchers will measure changes in weight, blood pressure, arm and leg strength, and mobility. The goal is to see if community park programs can help o…

This study uses special eye cameras to take detailed pictures of the back of the eye in 2000 adults with and without brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. The goal is to find changes in the eye that might signal early signs of these conditions. No …

This study tests whether a specially designed play can help reduce stigma around PrEP (pills that prevent HIV) for young women in Kenya. About 160 people, including young women who use PrEP and community members, will watch the play and share their thoughts. The goal is to see if…

This study aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind fear and anxiety in people with anxiety disorders like PTSD and GAD. Researchers will measure brain activity, heart rate, and skin responses while participants view fear-provoking images or use virtual reality. The study i…

This study gathers medical information from 400 people with Glycogen Storage Disease Type VI or Type IX to better understand how these rare conditions progress. Participants simply allow researchers to review their existing clinic records. The goal is to identify patterns in symp…

This study looks at people who have had liver damage from prescription drugs or herbal supplements. Researchers will collect health information and use special scans to track long-term effects. The goal is to better understand why some people get liver injury and how it progresse…

This study is testing a mobile app called mSaada to help community health workers in western Kenya screen women for cervical cancer. Researchers will work with 6,000 women and health workers to see if the app makes screening easier and more effective. The goal is to improve cance…

This study tests two different eye imaging machines (OCT) to see which one takes better pictures of the back of the eye in children. About 30 people, including healthy adults and children with eye conditions, will have their eyes scanned. The goal is to find the best way to detec…

This study gathers medical information from 200 people with glycogen branching enzyme deficiency, known as GSD IV or APBD. The goal is to learn how these rare diseases progress over time. No new treatments are tested; instead, researchers review clinic records to better understan…

This study is a large registry that collects health information from up to 20,000 children, teens, and young adults with rheumatic diseases (like juvenile arthritis). Researchers will track which treatments are used, how well they work, and any side effects over time. The goal is…

This study tests a new, non-contact eye camera (WiSLO) designed for children and adults. Researchers want to see if it's more comfortable and takes better pictures than current cameras. About 42 people with or without eye disease will be imaged and asked about their experience.

This study looks at how non-food-related stressors (like work or emotional stress) affect menstrual health in pre-menopausal women. Researchers will measure stress hormones and sex hormones in 600 women over 6 months. The goal is to understand if stress directly causes menstrual …

This study tests two versions of a care coordination program for children with special health care needs who are leaving the hospital. One version offers a focused amount of support, while the other provides extended help. Researchers want to see which approach reduces emergency …

This study observes teens aged 12-17 who join a park-based afterschool program in Miami-Dade County. Researchers will track changes in mental health, physical fitness, and life skills over time. The goal is to understand if community park programs can improve well-being and preve…

This study aims to understand how blood vessels around the fovea (a key part of the eye for sharp vision) develop in infants with retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of childhood blindness. Researchers will use a special imaging technique (OCTA) to track changes in blood …

This study follows 10,000 orthopedic surgery patients to track their pain and opioid use at home. Researchers aim to create a tool that predicts who is at high risk for long-term opioid use. Participants use a smartphone app to report their pain and medication. The goal is to hel…

This study gathers medical information from 200 people with rare glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) like Danon disease and GSD types 0a, 0b, VII, X, XII, XIII, XV, and others. Researchers will review medical records to track how these diseases progress over time. No new treatments …

This study tests an electronic decision-support tool that helps doctors diagnose and treat lower respiratory tract infections (like pneumonia) in hospitals in southern Sri Lanka. About 765 patients will take part, and researchers will compare outcomes and antibiotic use between h…

This study looks at how tough childhood experiences change brain function and reactions to nicotine in 150 nonsmoking young adults aged 18-21. Participants get a tiny dose of nicotine or a placebo nasal spray, then answer questions and have brain scans. The goal is to understand …

This study follows 120 men with advanced prostate cancer to see if markers in their blood can predict how well they respond to hormone therapy. Researchers will collect blood samples and compare markers from those who respond well versus those who do not. The goal is to learn, no…

This study looks at how common prescription drugs move into breastmilk and how much reaches the nursing baby. Researchers will measure drug levels in mothers' blood and milk, and in babies' blood, to estimate infant exposure. The goal is to provide better safety information for b…

This study explores how everyday environments influence smoking relapse. Researchers will have 600 adults who want to quit smoking take photos of their surroundings before and after quitting. Using artificial intelligence, they aim to identify environmental triggers that lead to …

This study is a registry for people with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or cutaneous lupus) who are seen at Duke Rheumatology clinics. Researchers will collect medical information and blood samples from up to 1,000 participants to understand how lupus changes over time. The …

This study aims to create a program that helps older adults with lung cancer address concerns related to aging, such as managing symptoms and connecting with specialists. In the first phase, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers will give feedback on the program material…

This study is testing a new 3D ultrasound technique to measure heart size and function in children and young adults born with only one working heart chamber (single ventricle). Researchers will compare the new method to standard tests like echocardiograms and cardiac MRIs. The go…

This study works with caregivers and doctors to make sure new pain assessment tools are easy to understand and cover all signs of acute pain in children under 2. About 60 caregivers and clinicians will be interviewed. The goal is to create reliable ways to measure pain in future …

This study is a registry that collects information from 300 adults with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Participants receive or have received a special type of high-dose radiation called ablative radiotherapy. The goal is to track and understand the short-term …

This study talks to Latino teens with depression, their parents, and doctors to find out which support strategy—like peer groups, parent training, or care navigation—might help teens attend therapy more. No new treatment is tested; the goal is to learn what people prefer and what…

This study aims to find inherited genetic factors that may increase the risk of developing antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a condition that causes abnormal blood clotting, leading to problems like strokes, heart attacks, and miscarriages. Researchers will recruit 2,800 …

This study will collect medical information, blood samples, and patient feedback from 2,600 lung transplant candidates, donors, and recipients. The goal is to learn how different care practices affect outcomes like rejection, infection, and survival. Researchers hope to find biom…

This study follows 500 children and young adults (up to age 26) who have had a stem cell transplant. Researchers want to learn why some patients develop serious blood vessel problems that can lead to organ failure. By collecting blood samples and health data, they hope to find ea…

This study looks at how Pompe disease affects the brain and nerves over time. Researchers will use brain scans and tests of thinking, language, and movement in 45 people with Pompe disease. The goal is to learn more about long-term health effects, not to test a new treatment.

This study aims to find the best time to ask for consent for a possible cesarean delivery. About 200 pregnant women planning to have labor induced will be randomly assigned to give consent either when they arrive at the hospital or only if it becomes medically needed. After deliv…

This project works to improve how doctors diagnose and treat infections in people with heart devices like pacemakers. It brings together teams of specialists to follow best-practice guidelines. The goal is to identify infections faster and start the right treatment sooner. About …

This study looks at how different types of shoulder nerve blocks may temporarily paralyze part of the diaphragm, the main muscle for breathing. About 60 adults having shoulder surgery will get one of three nerve block methods and be checked with ultrasound for diaphragm movement …

This study is a registry that follows up to 3,000 adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or other chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Researchers collect health information, questionnaires, blood samples, and lung images over time to understand how these diseas…

This study looks at how the brain supports memory when people navigate real and virtual spaces. Researchers will record brain activity and test memory in 70 volunteers who already have a brain device (RNS system). The goal is to understand which brain signals help us remember rou…

This study with 80 adults who have opioid use disorder and are starting buprenorphine aims to see if an MRI brain marker can predict who will successfully quit opioids. It also tests whether adding repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) helps people stay off opioids …

This study looks at blood samples from 50 people with blood cancers who are getting CAR T therapy. Researchers want to see how certain immune cells change over time and if those changes are linked to the cancer coming back or not responding. The goal is to learn more, not to test…

This study is testing a new device called Calla that may make cervical cancer screening more comfortable. Researchers want to see if women prefer it over the standard tool (speculum). About 305 healthy women aged 21-65 who have had a pelvic exam will take part. The study uses int…

This study explores whether combining MRI and ultrasound images can help doctors guide brachytherapy (internal radiation) more precisely for uterine cancer. Researchers will take ultrasound images of the pelvis and try to fuse them with existing MRI scans. The goal is to see if t…

This study is testing a new type of CT scanner (photon-counting CT) to see if it can measure lung damage from COPD more accurately and consistently than current scanners. About 40 adults from an existing COPD study will get an extra scan. The goal is to improve how doctors track …