Medical University Of South Carolina

This study tests a new behavioral therapy called OPT-A for teenagers who have both substance use problems and mood or anxiety disorders. 140 teens aged 10-17 will receive either OPT-A or standard treatment. Researchers will track substance use and mental health for 18 months to s…

This pilot study tested whether adding cognitive rehabilitation to a standard occupational therapy telerehabilitation program helps stroke survivors improve thinking, arm function, and mood. Twenty adults who had a stroke at least 30 days prior participated in an 8-week home-base…

This study tested two different medicines to prevent CMV infection in 70 kidney transplant patients at high risk. One group received the standard drug valganciclovir, while the other received maribavir plus acyclovir. The goal was to see which approach caused fewer side effects l…

This study tested whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a widely available supplement, could help people with both alcohol use disorder and PTSD. 182 adults took either NAC or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, along with weekly therapy. Researchers measured changes in drinking habits, crav…

This study tested a program to help hospitalized smokers quit. Over 1,100 adult smokers from several hospitals received either enhanced support or basic care. The goal was to see if the enhanced program could double the number of people who quit smoking six weeks after leaving th…

This early-stage study tested whether a brief therapy program plus a mobile app could help pregnant and postpartum women stay on their buprenorphine medication for opioid use disorder. Fifteen pregnant women took part, attending therapy sessions and using the app for up to 9 mont…

This study tested a program where a patient navigator helped minority adults with lupus overcome barriers to care, like scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and understanding their health. The goal was to see if this support could improve quality of life and medicat…

This study tested a combination of two drugs—nivolumab (Opdivo) and ALT-803—in 67 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that had not responded to prior treatments. The goal was to find a safe dose and see if the combination could shrink tumors. The trial is now complete…

This study looked at how dupilumab, a drug that blocks certain immune signals, improves smell in adults with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Researchers measured changes in inflammation in the smell region using CT scans, endoscopy, and mucus samples over three months. The go…

This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cords could help adults with lupus that does not respond to standard treatments. 81 participants received either a low dose, high dose, or placebo infusion, while continuing their usual medications. …

This study tested a drug called GET73 in 79 people with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder who were not seeking treatment. Participants took GET73 or a placebo for 8 days and had MRI scans to see how their brains reacted to alcohol cues. The goal was to see if GET73 could re…

This study tested whether giving caregivers prize draws for attending court hearings, treatment sessions, and probation meetings could reduce substance use and delinquency in teens already in juvenile drug court. Fifty-three teens aged 13-17 and their caregivers took part. The go…

This study tested the drug nivolumab in 17 people with advanced oral cavity cancer before they had surgery. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors before removal. Nivolumab is an immunotherapy that helps the immune system fight cancer. The trial has been completed.

This study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to help babies who have trouble feeding. The goal was to see if this stimulation, given during bottle feeds for 10 days, could help babies eat enough by mouth to avoid needing a feeding tube. The study included …

This study looked at whether giving chemotherapy (docetaxel) before starting hormone therapy (degarelix) helps men with prostate cancer that has spread. 52 men took part. The main goal was to see how many had very low PSA levels after 10 months. The approach aims to improve disea…

This study tested whether combining a brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS) with the medication N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could reduce cocaine cravings and brain responses to cocaine-related images. Thirty-two adults with cocaine use disorder participated.…

This study tested whether a small, at-home device that stimulates a nerve in the ear can improve symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep, and mood in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Twenty-five adults with hEDS used the device daily for two weeks, with some rece…

This study tested a wearable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the ear in 30 adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The goal was to see if it could improve quality of life by reducing symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and anxiety. Part…

This study tested a 5-week behavioral therapy for women who experienced sexual assault and use alcohol. The therapy combines writing about the trauma with skills to manage alcohol cravings. Researchers measured changes in drinking habits and PTSD symptoms. The goal is to see if e…

This small study tested whether wearing bright light glasses each morning could improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce leaky gut. Five adults with IBS used the light device for two weeks. The goal was to see if the light therapy eases belly pain, bloating, …

This pilot study tested a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to help manage anxiety in teenagers with autism. Ten participants used the device at home twice daily for four weeks. The goal was to see if it was safe and easy to use, not yet to prove it works.…

This study looked at whether starting more frequent or intense physical therapy within the first day after a stroke helps patients regain movement and balance. 102 adults with acute stroke were split into groups receiving standard care, more sessions, harder exercises, or both. R…

This study tested a group video app that guides breast cancer survivors through yogic breathing exercises at home. The goal was to see if the app helps reduce stress and other long-term side effects from cancer treatment. Forty survivors who finished radiation therapy within the …

This study tested a new way to help cancer patients quit smoking before their surgery. 282 adults with cancer or suspected cancer who smoked daily took part. Half received standard counseling and nicotine patches, while the other half also got extra rewards for staying smoke-free…

This study tested whether mailing free samples of varenicline (Chantix) or nicotine patches and lozenges helps smokers quit. 652 daily smokers were randomly assigned to receive a one-time sample of varenicline, nicotine replacement products, or no medication. Participants were no…

This study tested a device called SinuSonic that combines sound vibrations with gentle pressure to help people with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and facial pain. Thirty adults used the device twice a day for six weeks. Researchers measured changes in symptoms like ear pressu…

This study tested whether adding vibration to hand exercises helps stroke survivors regain hand function better than exercises alone. 61 adults who had a stroke at least 6 months prior participated. The main goal was to see if the vibration group could perform hand tasks faster a…

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation to the ear (taVNS) can help manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in teens aged 12-17. Sixteen participants used the device at home for one month and had MRI brain scans before and after to track changes. The goal was …

This study tested whether giving children a single oral dose of steroid right after tonsillectomy can reduce pain and lower the need for strong painkillers. It involved 163 children aged 3 to 12 having outpatient tonsil surgery. Researchers measured pain scores and opioid use for…

This pilot study tested whether gentle yoga and breathing exercises are feasible for people with scleroderma, a condition that can limit movement. Thirty participants learned chair-based yoga and breathing techniques, then practiced twice daily at home for 10 weeks. Researchers m…

This study tested a 6-week stress management program for 30 African American adults with lupus. Half took part in group sessions while the other half received usual care. Researchers measured stress levels, saliva stress hormones, and quality of life to see if the program helped.

This study tested whether two types of balance training during walking can help people with chronic stroke fall less often. 86 participants who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and had either fallen or feared falling took part. They walked on a treadmill while receiving control…

This study tested whether higher doses of nicotine patches and lozenges help people quit both smoking and vaping. 46 adults who used both cigarettes and e-cigarettes daily took part. Researchers measured how many days they stayed away from both products and checked for side effec…

This study tested a time-limited version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) delivered via telehealth for young children (ages 2-6) with autism and disruptive behavior problems. 80 families were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of Tele-PCIT or continue with their u…

This study tested speech entrainment therapy (SET) in 80 people with non-fluent aphasia after a stroke. Participants practiced speaking along with an audio-visual computer program for 3, 4.5, or 6 weeks, or received no therapy. The goal was to find the best duration for lasting i…

This study tested special safety kits for children with autism who tend to wander away from safe places. Caregivers of 65 children aged 4 to 11 rated how useful each kit item was and how the kits affected their stress and ability to go out in the community. The goal is to use thi…

This study tested whether delivering TMS pulses in sync with the brain's alpha rhythm improves depression outcomes more than standard TMS. 34 adults with depression received daily TMS over several weeks. The goal was to see if timing the pulses to when the brain is more excitable…

This study tested whether numbing the nerve that controls the voice box could reduce chronic cough. 17 adults with a suspected overactive cough reflex received either four nerve blocks or four placebo injections. Researchers tracked cough severity and quality of life using questi…

This study tested a program called Be Well Care Well, designed to help preschool teachers reduce stress and be more active. 244 teachers took part in activities during their workday. Researchers measured changes in stress levels and resilience using surveys, and also checked if i…

This study tested whether using lighter sedation (monitored anesthesia care) instead of general anesthesia with a breathing tube could help people recover faster after a minimally invasive heart valve replacement called TAVR. The trial included 170 adults getting TAVR through a l…

This pilot study tested whether watching videos about quitting smoking is acceptable and practical for cancer patients. 42 participants either received links to smoking cessation videos or a standard booklet. The study measured how much patients liked the videos and whether they …

This small study tested whether listening to preferred music (compared to nature sounds) could improve mood and alertness in 10 people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Participants listened to 10-minute music segments each hour for 3 hours. The study measured changes …

This study tested whether time-restricted feeding (eating only during an 8-hour window each day) could change certain blood markers linked to breast cancer risk. Twenty-nine postmenopausal women with prediabetes were randomly assigned to either the 8-hour eating schedule or a nor…

This study looked at how a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) affects brain signals in 20 people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers measured brain activity during a reaching task to see exactly how tDCS changes movement-related signals. The goal was to bette…

This study tested whether a brief smartphone task could help women aged 18-25 who have experienced sexual assault reduce their alcohol use and risky sexual behavior. 46 women completed the task or a sham version over four days, then were followed up at one week and three months. …

This study looked at whether showing teenagers their own lung ultrasound images could influence their vaping habits. Researchers scanned the lungs of 90 adolescents who vape and those who don't, scoring any visible changes. The goal was to see if seeing real-time lung findings mi…

This study explored how African American women who survived breast cancer react to stress. Researchers measured stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure during a stressful task. They also looked at how stress might affect diet and exercise habits. The goal was to find new …

This study tested a thinner version of a standard bronchoscopy scope to see if it could better visualize lung nodules. 51 adults with lung nodules took part. The main goal was simply to see if the scope could spot the nodule, not to treat it.

This study tested two versions of a school program called Mental Health Enhanced Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS-MH) to see if it could reduce aggression in middle school students. About 4,840 students and their teachers from multiple schools took part. The p…

This study tested a mobile health tool called CAARE to help children under 12 and their caregivers cope with emotional and behavioral challenges after a traumatic injury. Researchers measured changes in distress, PTSD symptoms, depression, and quality of life in 54 participants. …

This study tested whether a brain-spinal cord-muscle training program can strengthen connections that control movement in people with spinal cord injury. Twenty-one participants completed four months of training using brain stimulation and muscle monitoring. The goal was to see i…

This study looked at how sex hormones and gender influence recovery from cannabis use disorder. 224 adults who wanted to cut down on cannabis received 8 weeks of counseling, including one-on-one goal setting and computerized therapy. They also provided daily saliva samples to tra…

This study looked at how the brain learns new motor skills after a stroke. Forty adults, some with chronic stroke and some healthy, performed a grip-force task while undergoing brain scans. The goal was to understand which brain circuits support recovery and whether learning-base…

This study tested whether a short, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS could improve thinking skills like attention and memory, and help people bounce back from stress. Thirty-eight healthy adults received brief TMS sessions targeting a key brain area. The goal wa…