University Health Network, Toronto

This study tested the drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a follow-up treatment for one patient with a rare type of ovarian cancer called small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). The goal was to see if the drug could help keep the cancer from coming back. Beca…

This phase 2 trial tests the drug crizotinib (XALKORI) in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has spread and carries a change in the ROS1 or MET gene. Participants take crizotinib by mouth twice daily. The study aims to see how well the drug shrinks tumors and de…

This Phase 1 trial tested an investigational oral drug called CFI-402257 in 52 people with advanced solid tumors, including breast cancer, that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goal was to find a safe dose and check how the drug moves through the body. It w…

This study tested whether giving a higher dose of radiation specifically to the visible tumor inside the prostate could improve cancer control in men with localized prostate cancer. Eighty-five men either received a standard radiation plan with an extra boost to the tumor or a co…

This study tested a new type of PET/MRI scan that uses a special tracer to find small spots of prostate cancer that standard scans miss. Men with a rising PSA after prostate surgery and radiation received targeted radiation to those spots. The goal was to see if this approach can…

This study tested whether dapagliflozin, a drug used for type 2 diabetes, can lower blood pressure in people who have received a kidney transplant. Fifty-two participants took either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if the drug helps control blood pressure …

This phase 2 study tested a combination of two chemotherapy drugs, busulfan and melphalan, given before an autologous stem cell transplant in 78 people with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. All participants had already received a bortezomib-based induction therapy and then took …

This study tested a special balance training program for people with incomplete spinal cord injury who are at high risk of falling. The training involved unexpected pushes or pulls to trigger a stepping response, with some participants also receiving electrical stimulation to hel…

This study tested a new therapy that combines two types of electrical stimulation with balance training (like video games) to help people with incomplete spinal cord injury improve their standing balance. Seventeen participants completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The goal was to …

This study tested a new approach for people with large brain metastases (tumors that spread from other cancers). Instead of the usual surgery followed by radiation, patients received focused radiation first, then surgery. The goal was to see if this order reduces side effects and…

This study tested a 5-day course of high-dose radiation therapy (SBRT) for people with solid tumors that have spread to up to 5 spots in the body. The goal was to see if giving a stronger dose to the tumor while protecting normal tissue could control the disease and limit side ef…

This study looked at whether a short, intense course of chest radiation given just before surgery can kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading outside the chest during the operation. It involved 104 people with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos.…

This phase 2 trial tested two standard chemotherapy regimens, Folfirinox and Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, in 150 patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer. The goal was to see which works better and to use lab tests to personalize treatment. The study is complete, and r…

This study tested whether analyzing the genes of a person's salivary gland tumor could help doctors pick a more effective drug. 114 people with advanced or returning cancer joined. First, their tumor was genetically profiled. Then, if a targetable gene change was found, they got …

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding low-dose chemotherapy to radiation before surgery, followed by immunotherapy after surgery, could help people with malignant mesothelioma. Thirty participants were enrolled. The goal was to see if this approach boosts the immune system's a…

This pilot study tested whether a structured exercise program is feasible for young cancer survivors (ages 18-45) who have mild heart dysfunction after cancer treatment. The program, called CORE, is like cardiac rehab and aims to improve heart health, fitness, and quality of life…

This study explores whether ultrasound can identify the reasons some patients fail to come off a mechanical ventilator. Researchers will scan the heart, lungs, and diaphragm of adults who have been on a ventilator for at least 24 hours and have not passed a spontaneous breathing …

This study tested whether a PET scan using a tracer called 18F-FAZA can measure low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in pancreatic cancer. Hypoxia can affect how the cancer grows and responds to treatment. 48 adults with pancreatic cancer received the scan, and researchers also collected …

This study tested whether a simple breath test can predict if cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy drugs. Researchers used an electronic nose device to analyze breath samples from 190 patients with lung, melanoma, kidney, bladder, or head and neck cancers. The goal is to…

This completed registry study at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre tested whether a special PET scan tracer called 18F-DCFPyL (PSMA) can find prostate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or other organs better than standard CT and bone scans. A total of 142 men with intermediate-…

This study tested whether injecting a radioactive tracer around oropharynx tumors and using SPECT-CT scans can map lymph node drainage. Twelve patients with oropharynx cancer participated. The goal was to see if this imaging method is practical and could help guide treatment deci…

This study tested a support program for people caring for a loved one undergoing a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. The program included 8 online sessions over 12 weeks to teach stress management, coping skills, and communication. 17 caregivers took part, and the study chec…

This study tested whether sleeping in a semi-upright position (45-degree angle) after surgery could prevent sleep apnea from getting worse. 164 adults with sleep apnea who were having elective inpatient surgery took part. Half slept semi-upright and half slept flat on their backs…

This study tested a new online program that teaches mindfulness and coping skills to people recovering from surgery. The goal was to see if patients find it helpful and easy to use compared to a workshop led by a psychologist. 68 adults who had surgery and were referred to a pain…

This study tested a treatment called functional electrical stimulation (FES) in 11 children aged 3-6 who had a stroke around birth and have trouble using one arm. FES uses small electrical currents to make weak muscles move, helping kids practice reaching and grasping. Researcher…

This study tested a device that combines mild electrical muscle stimulation with a balance-board video game to help people with spinal cord injury or stroke improve their balance and reduce fall risk. 18 adults who were at least one year past their injury took part. The goal was …

This Canadian trial tested two drugs, ibudilast and pentoxifylline, against a placebo in 460 adults with lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Participants took the drugs for 2 months and were followed for 4 more months to see if symptoms improved. The goal is to find safe, effective trea…

This study tested whether group-based cancer rehabilitation could work when done virtually instead of in person for people with advanced breast or colorectal cancer. 111 participants were offered either in-person or online sessions to see which was more practical and acceptable. …

This study tested whether asking cancer patients to complete a symptom questionnaire online before their doctor visit could help identify who might benefit from a palliative care referral. Forty adults with advanced cancer participated. The goal was to see if this approach is pra…

This pilot study tested an oral cannabinoid oil (CBD with a small amount of THC) in 51 adults with chronic pain. The goal was to see if it's practical to run a larger trial and to gather early data on pain relief and safety. Participants took the oil daily for up to 12 weeks, and…

This study tested a web-based program called True North Peer Navigation for men recently treated for prostate cancer. 184 men were randomly assigned to get a trained peer navigator or usual care. The program aimed to help men take a more active role in their health and improve qu…

This study tested a monthly online peer support group for young adults (ages 18-39) who had received a stem cell transplant. The group met for one hour over six months, led by a nurse and social worker. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful for reducing anx…

This study tested whether an online education program helps gynecologic cancer patients better manage side effects after brachytherapy. 150 patients were randomly assigned to receive either the online program plus standard care or standard care alone. The goal was to see if the p…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy could reduce anxiety in people with epilepsy who worry about their seizures. Fourteen participants were split into two groups: one received VR therapy using 360-degree videos of social or public settings, and the oth…

This study tested whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes, can improve cognitive function in people with major depressive disorder. 72 overweight adults with below-average thinking speed took either semaglutide or a placebo for 16 weeks. Researchers measured changes in exec…

This study tested whether a home-based program combining physical and cognitive exercises is feasible for people with COPD. Twenty-four adults aged 50 and older with moderate COPD participated in an 8-week program. The goal was to see if patients could stick with the training and…

This study tested whether personalized rehabilitation treatments help adults with persistent concussion symptoms better than usual care. 40 participants received either individualized therapy (aerobic exercise, mindfulness, or physical therapy) or standard care for 6 weeks, then …

This study tested whether an 8-week mindful eating group could help people who had bariatric surgery eat better and feel better. Forty-five participants attended group sessions and filled out questionnaires about their eating, mood, and anxiety. The goal was to see if this approa…

This study looks at how breathing machines (mechanical ventilators) might injure the diaphragm, the main muscle used for breathing. Researchers will monitor 50 ICU patients over their first 7 days on the ventilator, measuring diaphragm activity and function. The goal is to unders…

This study investigates whether a specific ultrasound measurement—called maximal diaphragm thickening fraction—can accurately assess diaphragm function in patients who are on mechanical ventilation. Researchers will compare this ultrasound technique to a standard method (phrenic …

This study used ultrasound to measure how much the diaphragm thickens during a sniff in 60 healthy adults. The goal was to define a normal range for this measurement, which could help doctors spot diaphragm problems in the future. Participants were grouped by age and gender to se…

This study checks if Fitbit devices can accurately measure heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, sleep, and activity in patients admitted to a general medicine ward. About 100 adults will wear a Fitbit alongside standard monitors to see how well the wearable matches medical-grade…

This study tested whether a defined mixture of live gut bacteria from a healthy donor (MET-4) is safe and can be detected in patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer receiving standard chemoradiation. Thirty participants took the bacteria by mouth daily for up to four weeks. T…

This study tested whether an online training program can effectively teach healthcare workers to screen stroke patients for swallowing problems (dysphagia). Swallowing difficulties affect about 55% of stroke patients and increase pneumonia risk. The study involved 82 healthcare p…

This pilot study tested whether a larger trial is possible comparing two standard surgeries for lumbar spinal stenosis with a related condition called spondylolisthesis. The two procedures are decompression alone and decompression with fusion. The study enrolled 70 surgical candi…

This study tested a new way to help surgeons remove small lung nodules during a type of keyhole surgery called VATS. Doctors used a cone-beam CT scanner to place tiny metal markers (microcoils) near the nodules before removal. The goal was to see if this method is accurate and re…

This small study tested whether a nurse-led walking and sit-to-stand program is practical and liked by older adults with cognitive issues like dementia who are in transitional care after a hospital stay. Six people took part, and the researchers measured how many joined, stayed, …

This study tested whether a prehabilitation program—including exercise, nutrition advice, and stress management—is feasible for adults awaiting spinal deformity surgery. Only 6 people took part, and the goal was to see if such a program could be delivered and followed, not whethe…

This study tested whether a personalized exercise program (prehab) before living liver donation is practical and helpful. Thirty donors followed a remote exercise plan for at least 28 days before surgery. The goal was to see if a larger trial is possible, not to prove the program…

This study looked at whether automated planning tools can be used with MRI scans to guide radiation therapy for breast cancer. The goal was to make treatment faster and more precise while avoiding extra radiation from X-rays. 63 female breast cancer patients took part to help ref…

This study looked at 42 adults with advanced solid tumors who were already on or about to start checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy and also needed palliative radiotherapy for symptom relief. Researchers wanted to see if the combination was safe (less than 30% severe side effects)…

This study looked at how doctors currently treat patients with a type of advanced lung cancer that is not causing symptoms and cannot be cured. It followed 46 patients who either received radiation therapy right away or waited until symptoms appeared. The goal was to understand t…

This study looked at men whose prostate cancer came back after surgery, shown by a small rise in PSA. It compared giving radiation right away versus waiting and doing another special scan when PSA rose higher. Only 4 men took part, so the main goal was to see if such a study is e…

This study looked at oxygen levels inside prostate tumors in 186 men with early-stage prostate cancer. Researchers wanted to see if low oxygen (hypoxia) makes standard treatments like radiation less effective and increases the risk of cancer spreading. Participants had a special …

This study tested a special PET scan tracer called 18F-FAZA to find low oxygen areas (hypoxia) in prostate tumors. Hypoxia can make cancer harder to treat with radiation or chemo. The study involved 18 men with intermediate to high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer. The goal was…

This study tested whether PET scans can detect early response to chemotherapy in people with retroperitoneal sarcoma, a rare cancer in the abdomen. 18 participants received extra PET scans before and after their first chemo cycle. The goal was to see if PET could predict tumor sh…

This study looked at the genes in tumors from 332 people with advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal was to see if genetic changes could help doctors choose better treatments. Researchers compared genetic information with how patients responded to their first chemotherapy. This is …