Unc Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

This phase 2 study tested a new treatment for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (a type of testicular cancer) that had not responded to standard therapy. The treatment used the patient's own immune cells (T cells) that were genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells…

This study tested whether a vaginal insert containing artesunate, a malaria drug, could help clear HPV after standard cervical precancer treatment in women living with HIV. 120 women in Kenya used the insert or a placebo for 5 nights on and off over 6 weeks. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether adding denosumab (a bone-strengthening drug) to standard immunotherapy (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) could help control advanced melanoma that has spread. Researchers enrolled 25 adults with stage III or IV melanoma who had not received prior immunotherap…

This study tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) could shrink tumors more effectively before bladder cancer surgery. 39 people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer received the combination before …

This study tested a three-step treatment for head and neck cancer that uses chemotherapy before surgery, then adjusts further treatment based on risk. The goal was to see if this personalized approach could reduce side effects while still controlling the cancer. 40 adults with a …

This study tested a combination of two drugs, palbociclib and cetuximab, in 24 people with a specific type of advanced colon cancer that had spread. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors or stop them from growing. Participants took palbociclib pills and received ce…

This study looked at whether using an anti-cancer cream (5-fluorouracil) in the vagina after surgery is an acceptable and feasible way to treat cervical precancer in 180 South African women living with HIV. The goal was to see if women would stick with the treatment and find it a…

This study tested a smartphone app to help young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) lose weight. The app tracked diet and activity as part of a behavioral weight loss program. The goal was to see if this approach was practical and well-liked by participants. The study involved 6…

This study looked at whether mailing free stool tests (FIT kits) to people's homes could increase colorectal cancer screening rates. Over 4,300 adults aged 45-75 who were at average risk took part. The goal was to make screening easier for those who might otherwise skip it, espec…

This study looked at two ways to help doctors talk to families about the HPV vaccine. Some clinics got training from an outside expert, while others learned from a vaccine champion within their own health system. The goal was to see which approach led to more children ages 9-12 g…

This study tested a simple questionnaire called the Values Assessment Tool to help women with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers talk about what matters most to them with their doctors. The goal was to see if using the tool reduces confusion about treatment choices and…

This study tested a financial navigation program for cancer patients in rural and non-rural North Carolina. The program helped patients find financial assistance to reduce the burden of cancer costs. Researchers measured changes in financial toxicity and quality of life in 258 pa…

This study asks over 3,000 teens and young adults (ages 13–20) who vape or are open to vaping to watch and rate five short anti-vaping ads. Participants answer questions about how effective the ads seem and whether the ads change their urge to vape. A smaller group takes a follow…

This study tested whether a weekly electronic survey could help identify cancer treatment delays and racial differences. About 100 adults with newly diagnosed breast or colorectal cancer who hadn't started treatment yet filled out a short survey each week for 8 weeks. The goal wa…

This study tested a physical activity program called PACE for African American colorectal cancer survivors. Researchers wanted to see if the program was practical and could increase steps and exercise. Twenty-one participants used Fitbits and watched videos to track their activit…

This completed study looked at whether adding a warning prompt above cancer misinformation posts on social media encourages people to flag them. Researchers recruited 294 US adults who had either been diagnosed with cancer or cared for someone with cancer. Participants saw fake s…

This study looked at whether it's possible to measure muscle mass and physical function in children (ages 8-21) with newly diagnosed solid tumors or lymphoma during cancer treatment. Researchers used simple tests like a 6-minute walk and a special drink to measure muscle, along w…

This study tested a mobile health app designed to help Black women with breast cancer learn about clinical trials and decide whether to join. Eighty Black women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who had a smartphone or computer took part. The app provided education and a way to …

This study looked at how warning labels on little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs) affect teens aged 15-20 who have used or might try them. Researchers surveyed 928 participants to measure their willingness to use LCCs and how often they used them. The goal is to help the FDA create …

This pilot study tested whether a mobile program could help young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) increase physical activity and improve their diet. The program included behavioral lessons, an activity tracker, and simplified diet monitoring using a traffic-light approach. Th…

This study looked at whether adding physical and occupational therapy consultations for adults getting a bone marrow transplant could improve outcomes like shorter hospital stays and fewer readmissions. Researchers compared data from before and after the therapy program was added…

This study looked at whether measuring bits of tumor DNA in blood and urine (called ctDNA) is possible in people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer receiving a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The goal was to see if this approach could help monitor how well t…

This completed study tested different text message ads to see which ones best motivate people who smoke menthol cigarettes to quit. Over 1,200 US adults aged 21 and older rated the ads online. The goal was to find the most effective wording and design for encouraging quitting.

This study looked at whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) — short, intense exercise sessions — could have anti-cancer effects in women with endometrial cancer. Thirty women did 4 to 6 HIIT sessions before their scheduled surgery. Researchers then checked tissue samples…

This study surveyed 218 adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or multiple myeloma to measure how often treatment causes financial difficulty. Patients answered questions about money worries over the past year. The goal was to identify common financial burdens and what resource…

This study tested how different warning labels (pictorial vs. text-only) and flavor descriptors (sweet vs. none) on little cigar and cigarillo packages affect people's attention and emotional reactions. Researchers used eye tracking and skin sensors on 90 adult tobacco users. The…

This study looked at women aged 70 and older who finished treatment for early breast cancer within the last two months. Researchers used a survey called a geriatric assessment to find symptoms and problems the women were having. The results were shared with their medical team to …

This study tested whether placing health warning labels directly on e-cigarette devices and refills makes adult vapers more likely to quit. Over 1,300 participants aged 21+ were randomly assigned to receive no warnings, text warnings, or pictorial warnings on their devices. Resea…