Northwestern University

This study tests whether adding hydroxychloroquine (a drug used for malaria) to standard targeted therapy can help shrink tumors in people with advanced BRAF-mutated colon cancer that has stopped responding to other treatments. About 43 adults will receive the combination to see …

This study tests a drug called cemiplimab in 15 people with NUT carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that has spread or cannot be removed. The drug helps the immune system attack cancer cells. The goal is to see if it can help people live longer and shrink tumors.

This study looks at how well different types of liver transplants work for people whose colorectal cancer has spread to the liver and cannot be removed by standard surgery. Researchers will compare living versus deceased donor transplants, whole versus split liver, and one-step v…

This study tests a new approach for people with a recently diagnosed aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma. A device with 9 ultrasound emitters is implanted in the skull to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing immune-boosting drugs to reach the tumor more effe…

This study tests whether fisetin, a natural compound, can reduce aging cells in the body and improve walking ability in 34 people aged 50+ with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants will take fisetin or a placebo for 4 months. The main goal is to see if fisetin helps them…

This study tests a radiation treatment (Y90) to help grow the liver in people with liver cancer who need surgery but don't have enough healthy liver left. The goal is to make surgery possible and improve survival. About 104 participants will receive either standard or optimized Y…

This study tests the drug pemetrexed in people with metastatic bladder cancer or other solid tumors that have certain gene mutations (MLL4, UTX, or MTAP). The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors. About 64 adults will take pemetrexed and be monitored for response every 9 …

This study tests a program that combines peer support and text messages to help young men and transgender women (ages 15-29) with HIV stay engaged in care and keep the virus under control. About 100 participants in Nigeria will receive the program for 24 weeks. The goal is to see…

This study tests if a weight loss program combined with a walking exercise plan helps people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and overweight maintain or improve their walking ability better than walking exercise alone. About 212 adults with PAD and a BMI over 25 will take par…

This study tests a drug called WP1066 combined with radiation therapy for people with a newly diagnosed aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma. The drug targets a protein that helps the tumor grow and hide from the immune system, while radiation kills cancer cells. The goal …

This study tests whether adding selenium supplements to standard advanced therapies (like biologics) can improve outcomes for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. About 180 participants will receive either selenium or a placebo for a set period. The goal is to see i…

This study tests whether adding PET-guided radiation to standard hormone therapy can better control metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormones. About 125 men with stage IVB prostate cancer will either receive standard treatment alone or standard treatment plus rad…

This study tests whether giving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury is safe and improves recovery. About 357 adults aged 18 to 65 will either receive standard care or standard care plus two units of FFP. Researchers will compare outc…

This study tests a special vacuum system that cleans and helps close chronic pressure sores after surgery. About 62 adults with stage 3 or 4 sores on the tailbone or hip area will be randomly assigned to either the vacuum therapy or standard wet-to-dry dressings. The goal is to s…

This early-stage trial tests a new two-drug combination for people whose glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) has come back. The drugs, triapine and temozolomide, work by damaging cancer cell DNA to stop tumor growth. The main goal is to find the safest dose and understand side …

This study tests whether adding two drugs (relugolix and enzalutamide) to radiation therapy can better control very-high-risk prostate cancer. Relugolix lowers testosterone that fuels cancer growth, while enzalutamide blocks cancer cell signals. The trial involves 50 participants…

This study tests a new type of proton radiation called P-SFRT, given alongside standard radiation, for people with a rare cancer called retroperitoneal sarcoma. The goal is to find the safest dose and see if it helps shrink tumors before surgery. About 28 adults with newly diagno…

This early study tests a drug called N-803 in 8 people with rare soft-tissue sarcomas (synovial sarcoma or myxoid/round cell liposarcoma) whose cancer grew after a prior cell therapy. N-803 is an immune-boosting protein that may help the body's remaining cancer-fighting cells wor…

This study tests whether adding a topical immune-stimulating cream (imiquimod) to standard local radiation therapy can improve treatment of mycosis fungoides, a rare skin lymphoma. About 25 adults with early-stage disease who have not responded to at least one prior therapy will …

This study tests whether breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) can help people hospitalized with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis feel better faster. Researchers want to see if it reduces the need for stronger medications or surgery durin…

This study tests a drug called zanzalintinib (XL092) in people with advanced leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. The drug works by blocking signals that help cancer cells grow. About 29 participants will take the drug to see if it can sl…

This study tests whether artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors choose the right radiation dose for lung tumors. About 70 people with lung cancer or tumors that spread to the lung will receive precise, high-dose radiation (SBRT) with doses guided by an AI tool. The goal is…

This study tests whether adding nitrate-rich beetroot juice to exercise (either supervised treadmill sessions or home walking) improves walking distance more than exercise alone in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). About 210 adults aged 50 and older with PAD will be ra…

This study aims to help 2,000 adults in Chicago's South Side better control their high blood pressure. The program brings proven heart-health strategies into local churches and clinics, led by community health workers. The goal is to make blood pressure management easier and more…

This early-phase trial tests whether giving multiple doses of a special stem cell therapy (NSC-CRAd-S-pk7) directly into the brain is safe for people with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma. Participants receive the therapy before, during, and after standard radiation and chemothe…

This study tests whether high-intensity treadmill exercise can slow the worsening of motor symptoms in people with early-stage Parkinson's disease. 370 participants who have not yet started medication will be assigned to either moderate or high-intensity treadmill workouts four t…

This study tests two programs to help young people aged 15-24 in Nigeria find out if they have HIV and get treatment. One program focuses on finding new HIV cases and linking them to care, while the other helps those already diagnosed stay on treatment and achieve viral suppressi…

This study compares the hormone therapy elacestrant alone versus elacestrant combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib) in 174 people with ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have already used a CDK4/6 inhibitor. The goal is to see i…

This study looks at whether adding a GLP-1 agonist (a type of diabetes drug) to the MS treatment ocrelizumab can reduce disability progression in people with multiple sclerosis. Researchers will track 100 adults over 72 weeks to see if the combination helps control the disease be…

This study looks at two different surgeries for people with an infected artificial knee joint. One approach uses a temporary antibiotic spacer and requires a second surgery later. The other uses a new artificial knee with antibiotic cement in a single surgery. Researchers want to…

This study tests whether text messages can encourage HIV testing in teens aged 13-19 who have had sex but never been tested. Participants are split into two groups: one gets helpful texts, the other gets basic info. The main goal is to see if more teens get tested for HIV and sha…

This study tests a virtual group program called Mothers and Babies to prevent postpartum depression in 300 pregnant or new mothers who are immigrant Latinas. Half will join the program via Zoom, and the other half will receive usual support. The goal is to see if the program redu…

This study tests whether an online relationship education program can reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals who have sex with cisgender men. About 5,000 participants aged 16-34 will be randomly assigned to either…

This study tests an online program called My Wellbeing Guide for cancer patients who feel depressed or anxious. Over 6,500 participants will use either the guide (with videos and activities) or a control app with resource links. The goal is to see if the program reduces depressiv…

This study looks at whether the way a doctor describes a back pain injection changes how much pain relief a person feels. About 210 adults with leg and back pain will get either a positively framed injection, a neutrally framed injection, or medication alone. The goal is to see i…

This study tests if a special sound wave therapy (called extracorporeal shockwave therapy) can reduce hard scar tissue that sometimes forms after breast surgery. About 100 adults who have this type of scarring will receive the treatment. Researchers will measure changes in scar s…

This study compares two surgical techniques for removing a uterine septum, a wall of tissue inside the uterus that can cause problems. Researchers want to see if using scissors without electricity is better than using an electric tool. The study will measure surgery time, costs, …

This study looks at whether taking pumpkin seed oil extract can improve bladder function in people with overactive bladder. Researchers will ask 40 participants to take the supplement for 12 weeks and report their symptoms through surveys. The goal is to see if this natural appro…

This study tests a telehealth program for cancer survivors who smoke, are overweight, or don't get enough exercise. About 1,500 people will either get support through telehealth sessions or just receive information. The goal is to see if the program helps them make lasting health…

This study looks at whether fasting every other day can reduce the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life for women with ovarian, endometrial, or uterine cancer. About 30 women who have had surgery and are about to start chemotherapy will either follow an …

This study tests whether a week of breathing exercises while awake, combined with playing those exercises back during sleep, can improve breathing and thinking in people with untreated sleep apnea. About 18 adults with obstructive sleep apnea will train at home and then spend one…

This study tests if a nerve block (stellate ganglion block) or ketamine, alone or together, can ease headaches and PTSD symptoms after traumatic brain injury. About 175 adults with long-term symptoms will receive real or sham treatments to see what works best. The goal is to impr…

This study tests whether a single spinal injection of morphine given before lung surgery can reduce the amount of painkillers patients need afterward and lower their pain levels. About 90 adults having video-assisted or robotic lung surgery will be randomly assigned to receive ei…

This study tests whether giving misoprostol (a drug often used for other purposes) before hysteroscopic fibroid removal can reduce the amount of fluid that enters the body during surgery. Too much fluid can be dangerous. About 40 women with small fibroids will receive either miso…

This study looks at whether over-the-counter hearing aids can improve communication for people over 60 with mild to moderate hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's. Participants and their communication partners will try either hearing aids first or specia…

This study compares two common procedures for removing kidney stones: mini-PCNL (a small incision in the back) and flexible ureteroscopy with a special suction tube. About 80 adults with stones 1-3 cm will be randomly assigned to one procedure. The main goal is to see which metho…

This study tests whether shining a specific red light on the legs each day before a walking workout can help people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) walk farther. PAD causes leg pain and difficulty walking due to narrowed arteries. The trial will involve 32 adults aged 50 and…

This study looks at whether dupilumab, a medication for moderate to severe eczema, can improve sleep and reduce itching in children aged 6 to 17. Over 12 weeks, researchers will measure sleep quality and itchiness before and after treatment. The goal is to see if the drug helps k…

This study tests a wearable device that helps stroke survivors improve arm movement by retraining how muscles work together. The device gives feedback on individual muscle activity to reduce abnormal co-contraction. The study will enroll 96 people who have had a stroke, either re…

This study looks at two methods for knee replacement surgery: one that puts the new joint in a neutral position (mechanical alignment) and one that matches your knee's natural alignment (kinematic alignment). About 95 people getting a knee replacement will be randomly assigned to…

This study tests whether having a physical therapist in the emergency department can help people with low back pain get faster care. About 140 adults with recent low back pain will either get usual care or see a physical therapist during their ER visit. The goal is to see if this…

This study tests whether drinking beetroot juice for four months helps people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) walk farther. PAD narrows leg arteries, causing pain and difficulty walking. The trial will compare beetroot juice to a placebo in 210 adults aged 50 and older, meas…

This study tests whether dupilumab, a drug already used for eczema, can reduce severe itching in people with genetic skin disorders. About 30 participants will receive the drug for up to 104 weeks. The goal is to see if itch improves and if the treatment is safe.

This study tests a web-based toolkit called CONNECT designed to help rural older adults who have survived cancer manage emotional distress and anxiety. The toolkit provides interactive activities, educational materials, and personalized mental health resource recommendations. Res…

This study tests whether an 8-week mindfulness program, adapted for African American adults, can improve depressive symptoms and blood pressure control. About 60 participants from Chicago's South Side will learn stress management techniques like deep breathing and meditation. The…

This study looks at the best way to combine two parent-led therapies for young children (18-48 months) with autism. One therapy focuses on improving social communication, the other on reducing disruptive behaviors. Researchers want to see which order works best and why. 184 famil…

This study tests whether combining a type of brain stimulation (called iTBS) with computer-based attention training can improve attention and daily life for people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and/or PTSD. Researchers will enroll 200 adults aged 18–80 who have had a mi…

This study looks at whether injecting Botox into the bladder during standard prostate surgery (HoLEP) can better relieve overactive bladder symptoms like sudden urges and leaks. About 66 men aged 18-89 with these symptoms will take part. The goal is to see if the combination is s…

This study tests a mobile phone program that sends timely reminders and support to help teens and young adults (ages 14-29) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia take their oral chemotherapy as prescribed. The program is designed to adapt to each person's needs in real time. The main…

This study looks at how the brain changes after a stroke and how those changes affect arm and hand movement. Researchers will use brain scans and movement tests to find early signs that predict recovery. The goal is to better understand why some people develop movement problems a…

This study tests a program called FOREST that teaches positive emotion skills to staff at a gun violence prevention agency. The goal is to reduce burnout, anxiety, and depression while improving well-being and job retention. About 100 workers will take part in the 9-month program…

This study tests whether an online program that teaches positive emotion skills can improve mental well-being and slow biological aging. Researchers will measure changes in mood, purpose, and biological age markers in 80 adults aged 40-70 from the Chicago area. The program is sel…

This study tests whether a cone-shaped blood pressure cuff placed on the forearm gives more accurate readings than the standard cylindrical cuff on the upper arm in pregnant women. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious decisions like early delivery or C-section…

This study looks at 180 people with knee osteoarthritis to see if brain scans, knee MRIs, and pain tests can predict who will get the most relief from duloxetine, celecoxib, or a placebo. Participants take one of these treatments for about 20 weeks and report their pain levels. T…

This study aims to find better, less invasive ways to monitor kidney transplant recipients for problems like rejection or scarring. Researchers will collect blood, urine, and tissue samples from 1000 patients during routine biopsies to validate new biomarker tests. The goal is to…

This study looks at whether a special MRI can help monitor heart transplant patients without the need for frequent, invasive biopsies. Researchers will follow 247 adults who have had a heart transplant to see if MRI scans can detect early signs of rejection or other complications…

This study tests whether giving pediatric residents a choice in how long their online mindfulness program lasts helps them stay engaged and complete it. Around 42 residents will be randomly assigned to either pick their program length (3, 5, or 7 weeks) or have one assigned. The …

This study looks at what to do when a surgeon finds a small, symptom-free hernia on the opposite side during a routine groin hernia repair. Some doctors fix it immediately to prevent future problems, while others prefer to leave it alone to avoid extra surgery risks. About 380 ad…

This study looks at how the pupils of people with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder react to light. Researchers want to see if there are differences in light sensitivity and whether a single dose of citalopram (a serotonin-boosting drug) can increase melatonin suppression during …

This study looks at how different parts of the brain's amygdala affect the way we perceive smells. Researchers will ask 40 healthy adults to rate odors in different situations. The goal is to better understand the brain's role in smell, not to test a treatment.

This study tests a small, privacy-focused wearable device worn around the neck that records images (no audio) of what you eat and drink. 72 adults will wear it at home for four weeks to see how long they use it and if they find it acceptable. The goal is to develop a reliable way…

This study collects tumor tissue from 10,000 women having breast cancer surgery. The samples are stored and used for future research to help doctors better understand breast cancer. Participants do not receive any treatment as part of this study.

This study looks at whether a training and support program can help addiction clinics start using contingency management—a proven method that gives small rewards to people who test negative for stimulants. About 76 clinics will be randomly assigned to receive the program at diffe…

This study explores whether dream yoga practices can improve sleep and reduce anxiety. About 70 healthy adults with mild anxiety will use virtual reality and home sleep technology to learn these techniques. The goal is to understand how these practices affect brain activity and d…

This study is testing whether having a personal 'navigator' during pregnancy can improve health for low-income mothers and their babies. The navigator helps with things like getting to appointments and finding resources. The study will compare 600 pregnant women who get a navigat…

This study tests three different approaches to speech therapy for toddlers with developmental delays. Some children get direct therapy from a speech therapist, some get coaching for their caregivers, and some get a mix of both. The goal is to find out which method helps children …

This study watches how the brain shrinks unevenly and how language skills fade over time in people with primary progressive aphasia. Researchers will not give any treatment, but will use brain scans and language tests to learn more about the disease. The study needs 500 right-han…

This study uses advanced MRI scans to look at how the brain and spinal cord work together during a shoulder exercise in people who have had a stroke. Researchers want to understand which nerve pathways the brain uses to move after a stroke. The goal is to learn more about recover…

This study tests whether a single session of personalized brain stimulation can produce lasting changes in how people approach or avoid situations. Researchers will use EEG to tailor the stimulation to each person's natural brain rhythm. The study involves 26 healthy adults aged …

This study looks at how insomnia affects a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which helps control sleep and thinking. Researchers will measure this chemical in 60 older adults (55+) with and without insomnia, and test if bright light exposure can improve sleep and memory. The …

This study looks at how different hearing aid settings affect speech understanding in older adults with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Researchers want to see if simpler, high-quality sound processing works better than advanced features for people with memory a…

This study tests a new method to help primary care doctors detect early signs of dementia or memory loss in underserved communities. Over 45,000 adults aged 65 and older without prior diagnosis will participate across 24 clinics. The goal is to see if using a quick cognitive test…

This study looks at how the brain identifies different smells. Researchers will record brain activity in people having surgery for epilepsy while they smell various odors. The goal is to find patterns in brain signals that match what a person is smelling. This is an observational…

This study looks at ways to help women aged 18-44 with type 2 diabetes learn more about their condition and how to take care of themselves before getting pregnant. Researchers will compare two groups of women to see if special education and support can improve blood sugar control…

This study looks at how people with anxiety or depression react to uncertain situations. Researchers will use a one-time mental exercise to see if it changes decision-making and brain activity. About 140 adults aged 25-60 who struggle with uncertainty will participate. The goal i…

This study looks at whether putting a physical therapist directly in the emergency department can improve care for people with dizziness. Researchers will compare this new approach to usual care at two hospitals. The main goal is to see if the idea is practical, not yet to prove …

This study looks at heart failure, a condition where the heart can't pump enough blood, causing shortness of breath and tiredness. Researchers will collect data from 1,000 adults, including heart images and blood tests, to find different types of heart failure. The goal is to hel…

This study is creating a large collection of blood, skin, and spinal fluid samples along with health information from 2,500 adults who have neuromuscular diseases (like ALS, neuropathy, or muscular dystrophy). The goal is to store these materials and share them with other researc…

This study looks at how dapagliflozin, a drug used for diabetes, affects heart and lung function in people with chronic kidney disease. Researchers will measure heart strain, oxygen use during exercise, and blood chemicals. The goal is to understand how the drug works, not to cur…

This study tests a 5-week educational program called Family Navigator Plus (FN+) for foster parents. The program helps parents better understand their child's mental health needs and find appropriate services. Researchers want to see if foster parents find the program useful, sat…

This study looks at heart tissue from 180 adults with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. Researchers will take tiny samples of heart muscle during a standard procedure to find changes that could lead to new treatments. The goal is to understand the disease better, not to test …

This study looks at how the amount of tension used to close the belly wall during hernia repair affects the body's inflammation and immune response. Researchers will collect blood and fluid samples from 25 adults undergoing surgery, plus 5 healthy volunteers. The goal is to under…