The Methodist Hospital Research Institute

This early-phase trial tests whether combining interleukin-2 (IL-2) with semaglutide (a diabetes drug) can safely reduce harmful inflammation in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The study will enroll 30 adults aged 50–86 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. Participan…

This trial investigates whether playing a virtual reality (VR) cognitive stimulation game can help older adults with mild memory problems stay mentally sharp and avoid delirium after major surgery. Participants, aged 65 and older, will use an Oculus Quest 2 headset for 20 minutes…

This phase 2 trial is testing a combination of three drugs—alpelisib, L-NMMA, and nab-paclitaxel—in people with a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer called metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) that has spread or is locally advanced. The study aims to find the best dose and see if…

This early-stage trial tests the safety of honokiol, a dietary supplement from magnolia bark, in 15 people with early lung cancer. Participants take honokiol for two weeks before their scheduled surgery. The goal is to find the highest safe dose and check for side effects.

This early-phase trial tests whether adding hydroxytyrosol, a natural compound found in olives, to standard chemotherapy can safely help people with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. About 33 adults who are eligible for first-line treatment will take a daily capsule of hy…

This early study tests whether a single injection of a patient's own stem cells, taken from the fat pad inside the knee during ACL surgery, can safely improve healing and knee function. Fifteen adults having ACL reconstruction will receive the injection and be followed for side e…

This phase II trial is testing whether an anti-viral drug called valganciclovir (Valcyte) can help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain. The study includes 28 adults with progressive brain metastases who also have evidence of a common virus called CMV. Participants ta…

This Phase II trial is testing a combination of the targeted drug fruquintinib with standard chemotherapy as a first treatment for people with advanced colorectal cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread. Fifty participants will receive the drugs in 28-day cycles, w…

This study tests whether adding a vitamin A derivative (ATRA) to a standard drug combination (carfilzomib and dexamethasone) can overcome resistance in multiple myeloma patients whose cancer no longer responds to carfilzomib. About 42 adults with relapsed/refractory myeloma will …

This study tests a gene therapy called HSV-tk, given with valacyclovir, alongside standard radiation and chemotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma. The goal is to see if this combination improves overall survival. About 62 participants will be follow…

This study tests whether ocrelizumab, a drug that suppresses certain immune cells, can reduce psychosis symptoms in people whose schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be caused by auto-antibodies attacking brain receptors. Forty participants aged 18–35 will receive either ocreliz…

This study tests whether adding a vein-injected alcohol treatment to the usual heart ablation procedure can better control dangerous heart rhythms in people with prior heart attacks. About 156 adults with an implanted defibrillator and recent episodes of rapid heartbeat will be r…

This study tests a comprehensive fitness and nutrition program (prehabilitation) given before major cancer surgery. It includes 148 patients with pancreatic, ovarian, kidney, or bladder cancer who are frail or pre-frail. Some patients get the program alone, others get it with che…

This study tests whether giving a high dose of internal radiation (brachytherapy) before robotic prostate surgery can safely improve outcomes for men with high-risk prostate cancer. About 29 participants will receive the radiation, then surgery, and possibly short-term hormone th…

This study tests a combination of two drugs, fulvestrant and abemaciclib, for people with a certain type of advanced breast cancer (ER-positive, HER2-negative) that has stopped responding to a first-line treatment called a CDK4/6 inhibitor. The goal is to see if taking a break fr…

This study tests whether a high dose of the steroid dexamethasone (20 mg) can reduce urinary symptoms and pain after kidney stone surgery when a temporary stent is placed. About 70 adults will receive either the high dose or a standard dose (4 mg) during surgery and report their …

This study tests whether Epidiolex (a CBD medicine) can help control pain after shoulder surgery when added to standard painkillers. About 80 adults having rotator cuff repair will take either CBD or a placebo for two weeks after surgery. They will track their pain and medication…

This study tests whether a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord can help people with a cervical (neck) spinal cord injury regain arm and hand function. The device, called the CoverEdgeX 32 Surgical Lead, is already approved for pain but is investigational f…

This study tests whether injecting morphine directly into the bone during ACL reconstruction can lower pain and reduce the need for opioid painkillers afterward. About 84 adults aged 18-40 having ACL surgery with a specific type of graft will be randomly assigned to get either th…

This study tests whether adding a bone stimulator to standard care helps athletes aged 16–40 with a spine stress fracture (spondylolysis) heal faster, reduce pain, and return to sport sooner. About 48 participants will use the device alongside physical therapy. The goal is to see…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS to improve bladder symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis. Participants receive either real or sham treatment over 10 sessions. The goal is to see if targeting specific brain areas can reduce urinary urgen…

This study tests whether home-based telerehabilitation therapy—hand and arm exercises prescribed by an occupational therapist and done remotely—is feasible and helpful for stroke survivors with vascular dementia. The main goal is to see if it lessens the burden on family caregive…

This study tests whether a personalized form of brain stimulation (tDCS) can help people who had a stroke more than 3 months ago regain arm movement. Researchers will use brain scans to tailor the stimulation to each person and measure changes in brain connectivity and motor func…

This study tests whether a non-invasive nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with occupational therapy can improve arm movement in people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago. 60 participants will receive the stimulation during therapy sessions. The goal is to see if this approac…

This phase 3 trial is testing whether adding chaplain-provided spiritual care or psychotherapy/meditation to standard palliative care can improve survival and quality of life in people with advanced, non-curable cancer. About 854 participants with a life expectancy of one year or…

This pilot study tests whether playing recorded messages from family and friends—called VoiceLove therapy—can help manage delirium in surgical ICU patients. Fifteen participants will listen to reorientation and calming messages for 25 minutes, twice a day, for three days. The mai…

This study uses special PET scans to look at two types of brain cells involved in inflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will give participants two different tracers to see microglia and astrocytes separately. The goal is to develop a method that can tell these cells ap…

This study compares two types of spinal stimulation—transcutaneous (through the skin) and epidural (implanted via surgery)—to see how they help people with spinal cord injury generate leg force and stand with support. Sixty adults aged 22-75 who cannot stand independently will pa…

This study uses MRI scans to look at plaque buildup in leg arteries of people with peripheral arterial disease. Researchers want to see which plaques are hard to cross with a guidewire and which devices cause the least damage to the vessel wall. The study includes patients underg…