Northwestern University
Clinical trials sponsored by Northwestern University, explained in plain language.
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Could a single dose of valproic acid help heal the brain after injury?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a single dose of valproic acid, given soon after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, can improve patients' recovery and reduce disability. About 432 adults aged 18 to 65 will be randomly assigned to receive either valproic acid (at a low or high …
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 15, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Light therapy and donor cells aim to stop kidney rejection
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-stage trial tests whether giving kidney transplant recipients a special treatment made from their donor's cells, combined with a light-based therapy called photopheresis, can safely reduce the risk of organ rejection. About 24 adults receiving their first kidney transp…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 12, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Gene test may guide smarter chemo for pancreatic cancer
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis phase II trial tests whether choosing chemotherapy based on a specific gene mutation (SMAD4) can improve outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer that is or may be surgically removable. The SMAD4 gene normally acts as a brake on tumor growth, but when it's mutated, tumors …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 08, 2026 00:03 UTC
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Could a cancer pill ease rare, painful skin diseases?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-phase trial tests whether low doses of erlotinib, a drug originally used for cancer, can improve symptoms of rare genetic skin conditions called keratinopathies. About 44 adults with confirmed diagnoses will take increasing doses over 24 weeks. The goal is to see if it…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 05, 2026 00:00 UTC
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A nudge toward better heart health: can online food pantries steer shoppers to healthier choices?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a digital nudge program called Healthy Options At Pantries (HOAP) can encourage people who use online food pantries to select healthier foods. The goal is to improve diet quality and, ultimately, cardiovascular health. Researchers will track changes in fo…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 29, 2026 00:00 UTC
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TikTok meets oncology: can influencer videos boost chemo adherence in teens?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis trial tests whether a social media campaign, co-created with young adult cancer survivors who are also online influencers, can improve how consistently adolescents and young adults (ages 15–25) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia take their daily oral chemotherapy. Participant…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 26, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Light therapy vs chemical peels: which zaps precancerous spots better?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study compares two treatments for actinic keratoses—rough, scaly spots that can turn into skin cancer—on the arms. One treatment uses a light-sensitizing gel followed by blue light (photodynamic therapy), while the other uses a two-step chemical peel. About 60 adults with sp…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New trial hopes to stop lung transplant failure before it starts
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-phase trial tests whether adding the anti-inflammatory drug Anakinra to the solution that donor lungs are stored in can prevent primary graft dysfunction — a serious complication after lung transplant that causes low oxygen and lung inflammation. The study will enroll …
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
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New combo therapy before surgery shows promise for bile duct cancer
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis phase II trial tests whether giving a mix of immunotherapy (durvalumab), chemotherapy (cisplatin and gemcitabine), and possibly a targeted drug (futibatinib) before surgery can improve outcomes for patients with resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:06 UTC
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New drug cocktail targets cancers missing key gene
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests a new drug combination for people with metastatic solid tumors that lack a gene called MTAP. The drugs, BMS-986504 and pemetrexed, aim to stop cancer cells from growing. The trial will check safety and how well the combo works in 72 participants.
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:36 UTC
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New drug cocktail aims to fight Hard-to-Treat stomach cancers
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-phase trial tests whether adding the experimental drug futibatinib to standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) and an antibody (ramucirumab) is safe for people with advanced stomach, gastroesophageal junction, or esophageal cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The study…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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New study aims to burn out liver cancer with precision radiation
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study is for people with liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Researchers want to find the exact amount of radiation needed to completely destroy the tumor using a special procedure called Y90 radioembolization. About 30 adults will take part to help improve treat…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Can a spray alter skin bacteria to help lymphoma lesions?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-stage study tests a wound spray (APR-TD011) on skin lesions caused by cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Researchers want to see if the spray can reduce harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) on the skin and if it is well tolerated. The study will include 30 adults with earl…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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New U.S. study explores cyst-draining technique to protect fertility
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests a less invasive surgery called laparoscopic sclerotherapy for ovarian cysts (endometriomas) caused by endometriosis. Instead of removing the whole cyst, doctors drain it and inject a solution to shrink it, which may better preserve a woman's egg supply. The study…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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FitBits and texts: a new way to help moms lower blood pressure after birth
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests a program for new mothers who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. Participants wear a FitBit and receive weekly messages with personalized activity goals. The goal is to see if this approach increases daily steps and improves blood pressure, and whether mom…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Botox for ED? new study combines injection with pill to boost erections
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether adding an injection of Xeomin (a type of botulinum toxin) to the erectile dysfunction pill tadalafil can improve erections better than the pill alone. About 30 men with mild-to-moderate ED will receive both treatments in a crossover design. The goal is to…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Aug 16, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could a mini massager replace opioids after wrist surgery?
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether using a small vibration tool after wrist fracture surgery can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers. One hundred adults who have had surgery for a broken wrist will be randomly assigned to use the vibration tool or not. Researchers will measure …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 12, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New study aims to help veterans walk better with custom prosthetic feet
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests a personalized approach for veterans with a lower leg amputation. Participants will try different prosthetic foot styles to find their favorite, then receive either standard care or a tailored physical therapy program. The goal is to see if this personalized plan…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:08 UTC
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Could a special chair replace kegels for Post-Surgery bladder control?
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study looks at whether the Emsella chair, a non-invasive device that strengthens pelvic floor muscles, can reduce short-term stress urinary incontinence in men after prostate surgery for an enlarged prostate. Thirty men with moderate-to-large prostates will receive Emsella t…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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Strength before cardio: new exercise strategy tested for heart patients
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests a new exercise approach for people aged 60 and older who have both atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and a type of heart failure called HFpEF. Instead of starting with aerobic exercise like walking, participants will first do 2 months of progressive re…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
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New injections aim to quiet phantom limb pain
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether injecting alcohol or capsaicin near nerves can reduce long-term pain after amputation, including phantom limb pain and stump pain. About 120 adults with at least one leg amputation will receive alcohol injections; those with arm amputations will get capsa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Can a skin biopsy reveal how axatilimab fights scarring in chronic GVHD?
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study investigates how axatilimab, an FDA-approved drug for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), changes immune cells in the skin. Researchers will analyze skin and blood samples from 15 adults with skin cGVHD—10 starting axatilimab and 5 not receiving it—to understand…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a simple genetic test help east asian americans make healthier choices?
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at whether teaching East Asian American adults about alcohol flushing and offering them a genetic test for it is practical and helpful. About 100 people who flush when they drink or have a family history of flushing will take part. Half will get education only, a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New program aims to prevent depression in parents of down syndrome babies
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study is testing a program called Mothers and Babies for Down Syndrome (MBDS) to help prevent depression in new and expectant parents of infants with Down syndrome. About 72 parents will take part in a small pilot study to see if the program helps with feelings of grief and …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 09, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Routine checkups could catch type 1 diabetes early
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at whether it's possible to screen children for type 1 diabetes during their regular well-child visits. Researchers will ask parents and doctors about their experience with the screening and track how many families complete the test. The goal is to find the best …
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New study tracks Alzheimer's Patients' choices on staying home vs. care facilities
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study follows 285 older adults with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment to learn how they make decisions about aging in place or moving to long-term care. Researchers will track planning and preferences over time. No treatment or intervention is being tested.
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:37 UTC