Massachusetts General Hospital

This phase 2 trial is testing whether combining two immunotherapy drugs—vilastobart and retifanlimab—can shrink tumors in people with metastatic pancreatic cancer that has a BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene mutation. Participants receive both drugs by IV infusion over several months. …

This trial is testing whether removing the breathing tube in the operating room right after cardiac surgery, instead of waiting until the patient is in the intensive care unit, can improve recovery. The study will include 120 adults at low risk undergoing elective heart surgery w…

This study tests whether a procedure called proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) can reduce the need for repeated fluid drainage in adults with cirrhosis and ascites that no longer responds to water pills and diet. Participants will undergo a one-time procedure where small…

This study tests whether switching to an oral weight-loss medication—either phentermine or orforglipron—can help people maintain weight loss after they stop taking injectable GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Participants must have lost at least 10% of their body weigh…

This study tests a new type of screw made from a magnesium alloy that slowly dissolves in the body over two to three years. Unlike standard metal screws, these biodegradable screws may not need to be removed in a second surgery. The trial enrolls adults aged 18 to 80 with unstabl…

This study tests whether combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with a short emotion regulation training program can help people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) better manage their emotions. TMS aims to improve brain circuits involved in emotion control, whi…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a combination of the targeted drug glofitamab with chemotherapy (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin) can improve the effectiveness of a CAR-T cell therapy called lisocabtagene maraleucel in people with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphomas. …

This trial tests a 24-week virtual care program called BRIDGE NET for people with serious mental illness who are starting cancer treatment. The program brings together oncology and mental health teams to plan care, provide early psychiatric support, and regularly check in with pa…

This study tests whether regular, one-on-one conversations with an AI can improve social confidence and engagement in adults aged 75 and older who have mild cognitive impairment and are socially isolated. Participants will have AI-led chats designed to stimulate thinking and soci…

This pilot study tests whether providing medically tailored meals and fresh produce can help people with stage I-III colorectal cancer eat fewer ultra-processed foods. Participants are randomly assigned to receive fully prepared meals, meals plus fresh produce, or meal-planning m…

This study tests whether the drug lumateperone can improve mood and reduce inflammation in adults with bipolar depression who also have obesity. Over about six weeks, participants take lumateperone daily and undergo mood assessments and an MRI to estimate brain age. The goal is t…

This study tests whether adding a single dose of infliximab to a short course of prednisone helps people recover kidney function faster after immunotherapy-related acute kidney injury. Participants receive either the combination or standard prednisone alone. The goal is to see if…

This study aimed to see if a short course of the heart medication amiodarone could prevent atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) in adults after heart surgery. About 1 in 3 patients experience this complication. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling any partici…

This study tests whether peer recovery coaches—people who have personally overcome opioid addiction—can help others with opioid use disorder quit smoking. About 60 adults on medication for opioid use disorder who smoke daily will receive either coaching from a peer coach or stand…

This phase 2 trial compares two drug combinations for people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are not eligible for or have deferred a stem cell transplant. One group gets the experimental drug elranatamab plus standard medications (lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone…

This study compares five FDA-approved drugs—rituximab, ravulizumab, inebilizumab, satralizumab, and eculizumab—to see which best prevents relapses in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare autoimmune condition that can cause vision loss and paralysis. …

This early study tests whether a drug called sirolimus (rapamycin), given directly into the brain's fluid spaces, can prevent hydrocephalus after a severe brain hemorrhage. Hydrocephalus is a dangerous buildup of fluid that often requires a permanent surgical shunt. The trial wil…

This early-phase trial tests whether a topical cream called squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) can safely reduce pigment-producing cells in large congenital moles before they are surgically removed. Thirty adults with these birthmarks will apply the cream or a placebo for several…

This study tests whether adding losartan, a blood pressure medication, to weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy can shrink tumors in people with ovarian cancer that no longer responds to platinum-based drugs. About 27 adults with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal c…

This study tests whether giving financial rewards based on a blood test can help people with alcohol-related liver disease stop or reduce drinking. The blood test detects alcohol use over the past month. 90 adults will be randomly assigned to either a rewards group that gets esca…

This early-phase study tests two oral drugs, ziftomenib and mezigdomide, given together to adolescents and adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has come back or not responded to treatment. The trial focuses on people whose leukemia has specific genetic changes (KMT2A rea…

This early-phase study tests whether adding the drug venetoclax to standard transplant preparation is safe for people with chronic kidney disease and a blood cancer. Only 3 adults aged 18-70 will take part. The goal is to see if the combination helps the new stem cells and kidney…

This pilot study tests whether a peer-led program called Yuva Sath can help young people (ages 18-29) who inject drugs stay engaged in substance use treatment and HIV prevention. The program includes six one-on-one sessions with a peer counselor and weekly text check-ins. Researc…

This study tests a wearable ultrasound patch that sticks to the breast and is held in place by a sports bra. Researchers want to see if it can find breast lesions as well as a standard handheld ultrasound. About 50 women will try the patch during a quick 15-minute session. The go…

This study tests whether a special PET scan using a drug called 89Zr-girentuximab can detect kidney cancer that remains or comes back after initial treatment. Ten adults with clear cell renal cell carcinoma will receive the drug and then have a PET scan. Some will also have a sec…

This study tests whether a combined PET/MRI scan can detect and measure liver scarring (fibrosis) in people with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Ten participants will receive two experimental tracers that bind to scar tissue, and results will be compared to standard tests l…

This study tests whether an artificial intelligence (AI) model called Sybil can predict a person's risk of developing lung cancer based on a CT scan of the chest. The study enrolls people aged 18 to 80 who have a family history of lung cancer. Participants receive a CT scan, and …

This study will enroll 2,250 adults with a family history of lung cancer to see if an AI model called Sybil can accurately predict future lung cancer from chest CT scans. Participants will provide previously taken CT images, and the AI will analyze them to estimate risk. The goal…

This early-phase trial tests whether a fluorescent dye called LUMISIGHT (pegulicianine) can light up inflammation in artery plaques removed during surgery. Inflammation is a key driver of heart attacks, but current imaging can't see it clearly. Researchers will compare the dye to…

This study will test whether a fast, point-of-care test for chlamydia and gonorrhea can reduce the time it takes for people to start antibiotics. Four hundred asymptomatic adults visiting a sexual health clinic will be randomly assigned to receive either the rapid test or a stand…

This study explores whether a low-dose CT scan without contrast dye can accurately detect pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs). Researchers will enroll 750 adults suspected of having a clot and add two very low-radiation CT scans to their standard dye-based scan. The goa…

This pilot study tests whether a compression sleeve with a built-in sensor can prevent lymphedema in breast cancer survivors who already have mild arm swelling. About 40 women who had lymph node removal will wear the sleeve to see if it stops the swelling from getting worse. The …

This study tests whether letting people choose where they get their follow-up HIV prevention injections (home, community, or clinic) helps them stick with the treatment. 400 HIV-negative adults in Massachusetts will receive the same-day injectable drug lenacapavir and be randomly…

This study tests whether notifying obstetric clinicians when a pregnant patient is at high risk for preeclampsia increases the use of low-dose aspirin, which can help prevent the condition. Researchers will compare clinics that receive these alerts to those that continue usual ca…

This study tests whether a 12-week outreach program from a community crisis support group can reduce suicide attempts in people who recently visited an emergency department for suicidal thoughts. Participants will receive weekly phone or text check-ins, safety planning, and carin…

This study tests a 6-session telehealth program called STRIDE, which uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help women with hormone-positive breast cancer manage side effects from adjuvant endocrine therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the STRIDE program or usu…

This study tests whether a resilience-building program can improve quality of life for lymphoma survivors who finished treatment within the last two years. Researchers will compare the program to a standard health education class. The goal is to help survivors feel better physica…

This study tests whether taking creatine supplements before surgery can help protect thinking, memory, and attention in older adults. Creatine is widely used for muscle performance, but may also support brain health. Researchers will give creatine to 80 older adults scheduled for…

This study tests a virtual reality app called Amani designed to help adults with sickle cell disease manage pain, emotional distress, and social isolation. Researchers will enroll 40 adults to see if the app is easy to use and helpful for improving coping skills and peer support.…

This study tests whether a combination of smartphone messages and brief clinician sessions can help adults leaving a psychiatric hospital cope with suicidal thoughts and prevent suicide attempts or rehospitalization. About 360 participants will use a smartphone app to track their…

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, affects most lung cancer patients and often persists despite standard treatments. This pilot study tests a stepped-care behavioral intervention called INSPIRE, which starts with brief coping skills and adds more intensive psychological support onl…

Many Asian Americans with depression also suffer from physical symptoms like pain or fatigue, but no proven treatment addresses both together. This study will test whether combining a stress management program with Qigong/Tai Chi movements is practical and acceptable for 70 adult…

This study tests a smartphone app called TEC-S designed to help adults who have frequent suicidal thoughts. About 60 participants in the Boston area will use the app and report their feelings several times a day. The goal is to see if the app is safe, easy to use, and effective a…

This study tests a short behavioral program called BREEZE+ to help people with advanced lung cancer manage breathlessness. The program includes three nurse-led sessions and a digital app that teaches breathing and relaxation skills. Researchers will compare this to usual care in …

This study tests whether giving home health aides extra training on dementia care can reduce troubling behaviors in older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and improve quality of life for both patients and their care partners. About 120 patient-care partner pairs …

This study tests BraveBot, a computer program that talks with young people (ages 12-22) through their phone or computer while they do exposure therapy homework for anxiety or OCD. BraveBot does not replace the therapist but offers real-time coaching and encouragement during assig…

This study compares cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-AR) to nutrition counseling for children and teens aged 10-18 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). 70 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. The goal is to see which approach be…

This study tests a special anesthesia method that uses fewer opioids during spine surgery in people aged 65 and older. The goal is to see if it lowers pain and the need for strong painkillers after surgery. Half the participants will get this opioid-sparing anesthesia, and the ot…

This pilot study will test whether a 6-week app-based mental fitness program can improve wellbeing and self-compassion in anesthesiology residents. Sixty residents will be randomly assigned to either the mental fitness app or a control program. The main goal is to see if such a p…

This phase 2 trial tests a medicated foam called roflumilast on skin rashes caused by checkpoint inhibitor cancer drugs. Twenty adults with mild to severe rash will apply the foam daily for 16 weeks. The goal is to see if it safely reduces rash severity and improves quality of li…

This pilot study tests an 8-week program called DREAM that uses AI-powered text messages to encourage physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes. Twenty participants will receive twice-weekly messaging and set weekly activity goals. The study focuses on whether the program …

This study tests two ways to treat aging skin on the upper arms: getting Sculptra injections and Sofwave ultrasound on the same day, versus getting Sofwave first and Sculptra a month later. About 13 adults aged 40 and older with moderate to severe skin looseness will take part. T…

This study tests whether N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a supplement, can help children ages 6-12 who struggle with emotional dysregulation (severe mood swings, irritability). Half of the 80 children with emotional dysregulation will receive NAC daily for 8 weeks, while the other half g…

This study tests whether a long-acting numbing medicine (liposomal bupivacaine) can reduce pain during and after interventional radiology procedures. Ten adult patients will receive the medicine as part of their standard care, and report their pain levels at several time points. …

This study tests whether a safe electrical stimulation device placed on the ear (taVNS) can relieve chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia. Sixty participants will use the device twice daily for four weeks. Researchers will measure changes in pain, mood, and daily function to s…

This study tests a personalized form of brain stimulation (PrTMS) for PTSD in 100 military veterans. Unlike standard treatments, it uses an EEG brainwave test to customize the therapy to each person. Participants will receive either active treatment or a sham version over 6 weeks…

This study tests whether a non-invasive near-infrared LED light device can safely relieve itch. Twenty adults with acute or chronic itch will receive light treatments, and researchers will measure changes in itch intensity using a standard rating scale. The goal is to see if this…

This study tests whether a combination of a motivational phone call for patients and reminders for their doctors can increase attendance at cardiac rehabilitation after a type 2 heart attack. Researchers will compare 60 adults who receive this extra support to those who get usual…

This study tests a new tool called SIM-AiR that helps teens (ages 12-19) with alcohol use disorder visually map their social identities and networks. The goal is to support lasting recovery by addressing social risk and protective factors. Researchers will ask teens and their cli…

This study tests whether buspirone, a medication used for anxiety, is safe and effective for autistic youth aged 7 to 17 who also have anxiety disorders. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety symptoms over 16 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug can ease anxiety in this s…

This study tests a program called COMA-F, designed to help caregivers of patients with severe acute brain injury manage emotional distress. The program teaches skills to cope with uncertainty and long-term caregiving challenges. Researchers will compare it to a basic education pr…

This study tests whether combining mindfulness practice with real-time brain feedback can reduce repetitive negative thinking in 90 adolescents aged 14-21 who are at risk for serious mental illness. Participants will undergo mindfulness training with either active or sham neurofe…

This pilot study at Massachusetts General Hospital will test whether applying a fractional laser to the abdomen and thighs can improve metabolism in adults with overweight. Fifteen participants will receive three laser treatments, four weeks apart. Researchers will measure change…

This study tests a mind-body program designed to help people recently diagnosed with ALS and their caregivers manage emotional distress. About 20 patient-caregiver pairs will try a 6-session coping intervention. The main goal is to see if the program is practical and well-liked, …

This study compares screening for postpartum depression at 2 weeks after birth versus the usual 6-8 weeks. Researchers will randomly assign 428 new mothers to either early or routine screening using a simple questionnaire. The goal is to see if earlier screening helps identify de…

This study investigates how different genetic pathways affect the body's response to food and to a short course of orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 drug used for weight management and blood sugar control. Researchers will enroll about 100 adults, with or without type 2 diabetes, who a…

This observational study tests whether wearable sensors and digital health tools can reliably measure falls, movement, speech, and thinking skills in people with progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease, or multiple system atrophy. Participants wear a pendant sensor an…

This quality improvement initiative tests whether a standardized electronic medical record template for progress notes, combined with a pharmacist-led medication titration service, can improve the management of polycythemia vera (PV). The study enrolls hematologists and oncologis…

This observational study screens 500 people with early-stage ALS to see if they qualify for specific early-phase clinical trials. Participants undergo tests, genetic analysis, and biomarker checks to match them with the right trial. The study also builds a research database for f…

This study develops and pilot tests a written 'practice companion' designed to help clinicians and other trusted adults provide developmentally appropriate substance use care to youth ages 14 to 24. The companion offers practical guidance on cannabis, opioids, and other substance…

This study looks for brain and behavioral markers that could predict how people with suicidal thoughts respond to ketamine or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Researchers will use brain scans, EEG, and clinical assessments before and after treatment in 60 adults with major depres…

This study tests a new program where a community support group (Samaritans of Boston) reaches out weekly by call or text to people who recently left the ER for suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see if this extra support is practical and helpful. About 20 adults will take part for…

This study looks at whether a blood test that finds tiny bits of tumor DNA (ctDNA) can help doctors monitor rectal cancer more closely than standard scans. Researchers will collect blood and tissue samples from 60 adults with non-spreading rectal cancer before and after standard …

This study is developing and testing a web-based learning tool for radiation oncology residents. The tool includes a systematic review system and case examples to help residents learn how to evaluate radiation treatment plans. Twenty residents will use the tool, and researchers w…

This early-stage study will use advanced PET scans to look at how the brain and body work together in people with and without heart disease. Researchers want to see if blood flow and energy use in different organs change during physical or mental stress. The goal is to better und…

This study aims to develop and pilot a program for people with HIV in South Africa who also face depression, trauma, and food insecurity. Researchers will first explore how these problems interact, then create a treatment called CBT-SA that combines therapy, nutrition support, an…

This study looks at how inhaled nitric oxide affects oxygen levels and lung function in severely obese patients who have severe breathing failure and are on a ventilator. Researchers will compare these patients to those with normal weight to see if obesity changes how the gas wor…

This study aims to develop a tool that predicts recovery in people with severe brain injury who are in a coma or minimally conscious state. Researchers will use MRI and EEG scans, along with other clinical factors, to build an algorithm. The goal is to forecast how well patients …

This study tests whether using behavioral economics—like making healthy options easier to see—can encourage food pantries to order more nutritious foods. Researchers will give some pantries a special online ordering tool with a traffic light ranking system (green for healthy, red…

This observational study will follow 45 women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)—a condition that causes early menopause—who are starting estrogen replacement therapy. Researchers will measure heart health markers before and after 6 months of treatment and compare them to h…

This pilot study will test a new type of eye scanner called polarization-sensitive OCT in 20 healthy adults. The device takes detailed images of the retina's nerve fiber layer to measure its structure. Researchers want to see if this technology can provide clearer images than cur…

This study will test two different ways of using a breathing machine (CPAP) in 60 severely obese adults after they wake up from anesthesia. The goal is to see which setting better supports heart and lung function. Participants will be monitored with special sensors to measure lun…

This study tests whether a one-hour online training video can reduce unconscious racial bias among pharmacy interns who prescribe HIV prevention medication (PrEP). Researchers will recruit 70 pharmacy interns in Boston to watch the video and then measure changes in bias using a s…

This study will test if a smart chatbot can help young adults (ages 18-29) who drink heavily to cut back. The chatbot will have personalized conversations to encourage healthier drinking habits. The main goal is to see if young adults find the chatbot easy and helpful to use, not…

This study aims to develop and test a program that helps people receiving medication for opioid use disorder connect with recovery community centers. Researchers will enroll 145 adults in Massachusetts who are on buprenorphine treatment. The goal is to see if this program is feas…