The Methodist Hospital Research Institute

This early study tested whether infusing a patient's own regulatory T cells (immune-calming cells) along with interleukin-2 injections is safe for people with ALS. Only 3 participants were enrolled, and the main goal was to check for side effects. The approach aims to slow diseas…

This study tested whether giving plasma from people who recovered from COVID-19 to those with severe or critical COVID-19 is safe and helps them get better. 350 adults received the plasma treatment. The main goals were to track serious side effects and see if fewer people died wi…

This early-phase trial tested whether combining two drugs—abatacept and interleukin-2—is safe for people with ALS. The goal was to boost the body's regulatory T cells, which may help slow disease progression. Only 5 participants were enrolled, and the study focused on safety and …

This early-phase trial tested the safety of combining two drugs—L-NMMA and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 12 adults with various advanced cancers. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize cancer cells, while L-NMMA may remove a chemical barrier that blocks immune attack. The …

This study compared two contrast agents (Dotarem and Gadovist) used in cardiac MRI to see which provides clearer images of heart muscle damage. 120 adults with coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy received one of the two dyes during their scan. Researchers rated image qualit…

This pilot study tested whether electro-acupuncture—a treatment that combines traditional acupuncture with mild electrical current—is practical and helpful for people with nerve pain and numbness from chemotherapy. Twenty cancer survivors who had completed chemotherapy at least t…

This study tested whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique (rTMS) can help adults with overactive bladder. Researchers measured changes in brain activity and bladder symptoms in 14 participants. The goal was to see if targeting specific brain regions could impr…

This study tested whether a virtual reality game called ReCognitionVR could help older adults (60+) stay mentally alert after abdominal surgery. Thirty participants used the VR headset or standard orientation methods. The goal was to see if the VR approach is safe, acceptable, an…

This study tested whether healthy volunteers would find a virtual reality (VR) software called ReCognitionVR usable and acceptable. The software, delivered through an Oculus Quest 2 headset, is designed to improve attention and executive functions. Thirty healthy adults aged 18-3…

This study tested a home education program called Explore Transplant@Home for nearly 1,000 patients with chronic kidney disease. The program mailed videos, postcards, and texts to teach about kidney transplant options, especially from living donors. The goal was to see if this ap…