Duke University

This trial tests whether a non-invasive technique called temporal interference (TI) stimulation can reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brains of adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Participants, who are already undergoing brain monitoring with implanted electrodes …

This study tests whether a special clinic where heart, kidney, diabetes, and liver doctors work together can help people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease get better control of their blood pressure and cholesterol. About 150 adults will be randomly assigned to either usual c…

This study tests whether doulas can successfully deliver an 8-week program called YouMatter to new or expecting mothers at risk for postpartum depression. The program combines mental health support, parenting tips, and self-care. Forty mothers with mild depression symptoms will p…

This study tests whether tirzepatide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can lower brain pressure in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). IIH causes high pressure inside the skull, leading to headaches, ringing in the ears, and vision problems. The trial…

This study tests a program to help people with HIV who also have high blood pressure stick to their medication. Participants will get educational materials, a home blood pressure monitor, and regular check-ins with a nurse. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and hel…

This study tests whether a single intravenous dose of iron (ferric derisomaltose) can improve symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and boost quality of life in adults aged 65 and older who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and iron deficiency. Participants receive…

This study tests whether a 12-week program of healthy eating, supervised exercise, and wellness coaching can lower blood pressure and improve kidney health in adults with advanced chronic kidney disease. Participants are randomly assigned to either the lifestyle program or routin…

This study tests a program called iSYV that combines peer-led group sessions with a gamified text-message game to support mental health and HIV care for 5,000 youth aged 15-24 in Tanzania. The goal is to see if it helps them keep their virus under control and stay in care. The pr…

This study tests whether giving additional chemotherapy after the usual chemoradiation can better control esophageal cancer and reduce the need for surgery. About 60 adults with stage II to IVA esophageal adenocarcinoma will receive chemoradiation followed by more chemotherapy. T…

This early-stage trial tests whether a daily supplement called HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) is safe and can lower certain blood markers linked to ALS. One hundred adults with ALS will take 3 grams of HMB daily. Researchers will track changes in blood markers and functio…

This study tests whether a one-visit, point-of-care test and treat approach helps more people with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C complete hepatitis C treatment within 24 weeks compared to standard care. About 1,280 participants will be randomly assigned to either the simplifie…

This study tests two new ways to treat talaromycosis, a serious fungal infection in people with HIV. It compares a single high dose of a newer antifungal drug (liposomal amphotericin B) against two weeks of the standard drug, and also checks if adding another medicine (flucytosin…

This study tests a program called CROSSROADS for adults who recently survived an opioid or stimulant overdose. It combines standard paramedic care with free legal help for issues like housing or benefits. Researchers want to see if this reduces drug use and contact with the crimi…

This study tests a 3-session telehealth counseling program called IDEAS for Hope, delivered by nurses, to help adults living with HIV in Tanzania who have had recent thoughts of suicide. The goal is to reduce suicidal thinking and improve engagement in HIV care, including medicat…

This study tests a vaginal probiotic containing Lactobacillus crispatus, a 'good' bacteria, in women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over 150 participants will use the probiotic for 3 months, and researchers will measure how well the bacteria colonize the vagina a…

This study tests a new, low-cost tool called KeyScope that helps doctors see inside the belly to diagnose cancer. It is designed for use in countries like Uganda where resources are limited. Twelve adults with suspected abdominal cancer will have a biopsy using this device. The m…

This study tests whether a handheld, ultra-widefield eye scanner (OCT) can accurately identify preterm infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that can harm vision. The scanner takes detailed images of the retina without touching the eye, potentially red…

This study compares a new targeted breast ultrasound done during mammogram compression to the standard breast ultrasound. Researchers want to see if the new method finds breast masses more accurately and quickly. The study will involve 25 women with a breast mass visible on both …

This study tests a compact, handheld eye imaging device that takes pictures of the eye in seconds. Researchers want to see if it is easy to use, mobile, and reliable. The device will be tested on 70 people with eye complaints, and the images will be compared to official diagnoses…

This study looks at whether long-acting HIV prevention shots and opioid use disorder medications can help people in prison who are about to be released. Researchers will enroll 450 adults at participating prisons and follow them to see if they stick with treatment and avoid HIV, …

This study tests whether adding telehealth sex therapy to standard pelvic floor physical therapy helps men recover urinary and sexual function after prostate cancer treatment. All participants receive pelvic floor therapy and education on using a vacuum erection device. Half are …

This study tests a nurse-delivered patient navigation program for women with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer who are taking a specific combination of drugs. The program provides education, symptom management tips, and coping strategies over about 12 weeks. Researchers want to see …

This study tests two support programs for women aged 65 and older with hormone-sensitive breast cancer who are taking aromatase inhibitors. The programs include a clinic-level geriatric assessment and support, and a telehealth coping skills training based on cognitive behavioral …

This trial tests FlexED, a digital game-like intervention for young women aged 15–25 with eating disorders. Over seven 20-minute sessions on a mobile phone, users follow an avatar through a story and complete interactive exercises based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).…

This trial tests a program called ENCompaSS that combines education, phone coaching, and self-management tips to help Veterans with long-term back pain. Participants are randomly assigned to either the program plus usual care or usual care alone. The study measures whether the pr…

This study tests whether placing a vibrating device on the belly button during IUD insertion can lower the pain people feel. About 114 adults scheduled for an IUD will be randomly assigned to receive the vibration or standard care. Participants rate their pain on a 0–100 scale at…

This study tests a mobile mindfulness program called Lift for people who survived a serious illness in the ICU and now struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress. About 450 adults will use either the Lift app or a health education app for 6 months. The goal is to see if the min…

This pilot study tests whether adding a specialized radiation technique called Lattice Radiation Therapy (LRT) to standard palliative radiation can safely shrink large tumors (at least 4.5 cm) in adults. The study will enroll 25 people with various cancers who are already schedul…

This study tests a device called ORASIS, which helps keep the surgical area clean during DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The device automatically removes fluid and smoke, so the surgeon can work without pausing. The trial will include 30 women who have had a mastectomy and are g…

This study tests a home-based eye movement therapy (optokinetic stimulation) for people with spatial neglect after a stroke. Spatial neglect makes it hard to pay attention to one side of the world, often leading to falls. The therapy involves watching moving dots on a computer sc…

This study tests whether a specific nerve block (ESP block) using bupivacaine can reduce pain and opioid use after spinal fusion surgery. 75 adults undergoing cervical or lumbar fusion will be randomly assigned to receive either plain bupivacaine or a mix with liposomal bupivacai…

This study tests a digital program called FlexED that uses games and exercises to help young women and girls (ages 15-25) who struggle with body image and eating disorder symptoms. Participants are randomly assigned to either the FlexED program or online education modules. The go…

This study tests whether adding dexamethasone (a steroid) to a standard pain-blocking injection (liposomal bupivacaine) can keep the shoulder numb longer after arthroscopic surgery. 80 adults aged 18-80 will be randomly assigned to get the block with or without the steroid. Resea…

This study tests a new online program called TEAM-LEADS designed to help teens and young adults (ages 13-22) with lupus or dermatomyositis reduce stress and improve heart-healthy behaviors like diet, exercise, and sleep. The program is self-guided and completed online. The study …

This study compares two FDA-approved eye drops, Upneeq and Lumify, to see which one better lifts droopy eyelids in adults with acquired ptosis. Fifty participants will receive a single drop of each medication on separate visits, and eyelid height will be measured after about an h…

This study tests a new way to improve vision loss caused by a stroke. It combines low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) with virtual reality therapy to stimulate the brain's vision areas. The study will enroll 28 adults who had a stroke 6 to 24 months ago and now have partial …

This study tests a program called BRIDGE that helps parents of young children in the intensive care unit make difficult medical decisions. About 495 parents will receive the program and report how prepared they felt and how much regret they had. The goal is to improve communicati…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference (TI) can reduce abnormal brain activity and improve sleep in adults with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Twenty participants will stay in a sleep lab for six nights, receiving …

This early-stage study looks at whether metformin, a drug used for diabetes, is safe and tolerable for older adults (65+) with COPD who do not have diabetes. Researchers will also check if metformin changes blood markers linked to aging. The goal is to see if this approach is fea…

This study tests whether phenobarbital, an older sedative, can safely calm agitated delirium in ICU patients as well as standard antipsychotics. About 150 adults with hyperactive delirium will receive either phenobarbital or usual care. Researchers will compare how long patients …

This pilot study tests whether a pharmacist-led medication management program can improve safety and reduce shortness of breath in adults with COPD who also have other health conditions. About 92 participants will receive inhaler training and medication advice. The study focuses …

This pilot study at Duke University will track how quickly DNA from food passes through the digestive system. Twenty healthy adults will eat a special powder mix and then provide stool samples over several days. Researchers will measure food DNA in the samples to see how fast it …

This study tests whether a short video of Black women sharing their labor pain experiences can increase empathy in doctors and nurses. About 120 providers and their Black postpartum patients will take part. The goal is to see if this simple tool improves trust and understanding i…

This study will collect blood samples from 25 people with small cell lung cancer who are being treated with the drug tarlatamab. Researchers will analyze the samples to learn more about how the drug works, who might benefit most, and how to predict side effects like cytokine rele…

This study looks at how the hormone glucagon works with insulin in the liver to manage blood sugar. Researchers want to understand glucagon's multiple, sometimes opposite, roles to create better diabetes medicines. Forty healthy adults aged 18-45 will have two 5-hour sessions whe…

This study compares three ways to teach caregivers about childhood cancer: text messages, tablet modules in the clinic, or standard doctor-led education. Researchers want to see which method helps caregivers learn best and reduces the chance that a family stops treatment early. A…

This study looks at whether radiation therapy for breast cancer affects the thymus, a small gland in the upper chest that helps produce immune cells. Researchers will collect blood samples from young women aged 18 to 50 who are receiving radiation after breast cancer surgery, as …

This study uses thin, flexible electrode arrays placed on the brain to record electrical signals in people with epilepsy who are already undergoing surgery. Researchers aim to better understand how the brain processes sensory information, memory, and language, and how epilepsy af…

This study tests whether different oxygen prebreathe routines and exercise levels can lower the risk of decompression sickness during simulated spacewalks. Healthy volunteers aged 30-60 breathe pure oxygen for an hour, then exercise in a low-pressure chamber to mimic space condit…

This study tests three different ways to numb the abdomen in healthy volunteers to see which works best. Each volunteer gets all three blocks on separate days, and researchers map the numb areas and check leg strength. The goal is to improve pain relief after surgery without usin…

This study compares a new wearable facemask device (Calibre) to a standard lab system (COSMED) for measuring fitness during intense exercise. Researchers will enroll 40 healthy adults aged 18-55 to see if the Calibre device accurately tracks oxygen use and other key fitness measu…

This study tests two different ultrasound-guided injection methods for numbing the abdominal wall in 25 healthy adults. One method uses a sideways (transverse) needle approach, the other a lengthwise (longitudinal) approach. Researchers will measure how much skin area becomes num…

This study will test whether a small injection of lidocaine around the radial artery in the wrist can temporarily reduce sympathetic nerve activity in 20 healthy volunteers. Researchers will measure blood flow and hand temperature before and after the injection, using cold water …

This pilot study tests whether a simple tip sheet can help ICU doctors have better conversations with families of patients on breathing machines, especially families from different racial backgrounds. About 106 doctors and their patients' families will take part. The goal is to s…

This study looks at whether a special simulation training program for emergency doctors can help them use heart ultrasound more effectively in patients with acute heart failure. The goal is to see if this training leads to faster treatment with diuretics, which help remove excess…

This study looks at whether teaching teens with epilepsy about their condition can improve their knowledge, help them take medication as prescribed, and reduce feelings of stigma. About 60 adolescents aged 12-18 will take part. Researchers will measure changes using surveys befor…

This pilot study tests a web-based decision aid for Black and White patients with atrial fibrillation who need to choose whether to take blood thinners to prevent strokes. The tool explains risks and benefits and asks about personal preferences. The study will check if the tool i…

This study aims to adapt a proven suicide prevention program for people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania, where mental health resources are scarce. Researchers will enroll 30 adults who drink heavily and have had recent suicidal thoughts, then test whether the telehealth int…

This study tests whether a mobile app-based program called mSTARS is practical and well-liked by adults who drink heavily and have recently been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Thirty-five participants will be randomly assigned to the app, standard care, or stand…

This study tests two different methods of numbing the front-inside of the knee in healthy volunteers. One method targets the saphenous nerve, while the other also targets an additional nerve to the knee muscle. The goal is to see which approach provides better numbness without we…

This study will compare how massage and talk therapy affect stress and bonding hormones (cortisol and oxytocin) in people with chronic neck or back pain. Twenty-five adults with pain lasting at least 3 months will try both treatments in random order. Researchers will measure horm…

This study will see if using virtual care technologies in hospital units can reduce problems like patient falls, infections, and readmissions, while also improving patient satisfaction. About 10,000 adults admitted to six hospital units will take part, with three units using the …

This study tests if waking epilepsy patients with an alarm during their hospital stay can trigger seizures sooner. The goal is to see if this approach can shorten the time patients need to stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit. The study will include 75 people aged 14 to 60 who ha…

This study will test a new ultrasound device that creates 4D images of the upper airway in real time. Researchers will scan the neck and jaw area of 100 healthy adults to measure airway size. The goal is to see if this technology can overcome current limits, like imaging behind b…

This study tests a 30-minute online training for doctors and clinic staff called PROMOTE. The training teaches them about federal employment laws and how to counsel pregnant patients on workplace accommodations. Researchers will compare how often doctors document this counseling …