University Health Network, Toronto

This study tested whether giving targeted radiation before surgery helps control large brain tumors that have spread from other cancers. Thirty patients with 1-6 brain tumors, where at least one needed surgical removal, received precise radiation treatment first, followed by surg…

This study looked at whether combining newer immunotherapy drugs with palliative radiation is safe for people with advanced cancer. Researchers followed 42 patients who received both treatments to manage cancer symptoms like pain or breathing problems. The main goal was to check …

This study aimed to find out if it's better to give radiation treatment right away or to wait and use more sensitive scans later for men whose prostate cancer shows early signs of returning after surgery. It compared two standard approaches: immediate radiation versus monitoring …

This study tested a new therapy to help people with partial spinal cord injuries improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls. Seventeen participants tried a combination of gentle electrical stimulation to the back and legs while playing balance-focused video games that gav…

This study tested a shorter, 5-day schedule of high-dose, targeted radiation for people whose solid-tumor cancer had spread to only a few other areas in the body. The main goals were to see how well this treatment controlled the cancer at the treated sites for at least one year a…

This study tested a two-part treatment plan for people with previously untreated malignant mesothelioma. First, it compared two different low-dose radiation treatments given before surgery. After surgery, eligible patients received a combination of two immunotherapy drugs. The go…

This study tested a new automated system that uses MRI scans to guide radiation therapy for breast cancer. The goal was to see if this approach could make treatment more precise and faster for patients. It involved 63 women with breast cancer who were already scheduled for standa…

This study tested a personalized approach to treat advanced salivary gland cancer. First, researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of each patient's tumor. Then, patients received either a drug specifically matched to their tumor's genetic changes or a standard drug called Selinex…

This study tested a new training method to prevent dangerous falls in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers combined balance exercises with mild electrical leg stimulation to help participants react faster when losing balance. Twenty-one people with chronic spinal cord in…

This study tested if a 'prehabilitation' program—involving exercise, nutrition, and stress management before surgery—is a practical and acceptable way to prepare people who are donating part of their liver. The goal is to help donors recover better and maintain their quality of l…

This small study tested a new therapy for children aged 3-6 with arm weakness from a stroke at birth. Researchers compared a therapy using gentle electrical stimulation (FES) to help muscles move during play, against standard arm exercises. The goal was to see if this technology …

This study compared two standard chemotherapy treatments for people with newly diagnosed, advanced pancreatic cancer that has spread. Researchers tested whether they could use tumor samples and lab tests to predict which treatment would work better for each patient. The goal was …

This study tested if a short, intense course of radiation to the chest, given just before surgery, could kill cancer cells that might spread during the operation. It involved 104 patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The g…

This pilot study tested whether a special exercise and lifestyle program is practical and safe for young cancer survivors who are at risk for heart problems. It involved 30 survivors aged 18-45 who had finished cancer treatment but had early signs of mild heart dysfunction. The m…

This study tested whether a PET scan can detect if chemotherapy is working for a rare and hard-to-treat abdominal cancer (retroperitoneal sarcoma) much earlier than standard CT scans. It involved 18 patients who received chemotherapy before surgery. The goal was to see if an earl…

This study tested whether a new type of PET scan (called PSMA PET) could find the spread of prostate cancer more accurately than standard CT and bone scans. It involved 142 men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer who were being evaluated before or after initial treatme…

This small pilot study tested whether an 8-week home program combining physical exercise with online brain training games is feasible and helpful for people with moderate to severe COPD. Researchers enrolled 24 participants to see if people could stick with the program and if doi…

This study tested a new balance training system for people with spinal cord injuries or stroke who are at high risk of falling. The system combines a video game played on a balance board with mild electrical stimulation to leg muscles. The goal was to see if this approach could i…

This large Canadian study tested different treatments to help people with Long COVID feel better. About 460 adults who had COVID-19 at least 3 months ago and still had lingering symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or shortness of breath tried treatments for 2 months, with follow-up…

This study tested an online education program designed to help women manage side effects after radiation treatment for gynecologic cancer. The program aimed to teach patients how to use vaginal dilators to prevent painful scarring and narrowing. Researchers compared outcomes betw…

This study tested whether creating personalized rehabilitation plans for adults with persistent concussion symptoms works better than standard care. Forty adults with ongoing symptoms for at least one month tried both a customized 6-week program and a standard 6-week program. Res…

This study tested whether group-based cancer rehabilitation works better when delivered virtually or in-person for people with advanced breast or colorectal cancer. Researchers enrolled 111 participants to compare how well patients stick with each format and which they prefer. Th…

This was a small pilot study to see if it's practical to run a larger trial on medical cannabis for chronic pain. It tested whether oral cannabis oils (CBD alone or CBD with THC) could help reduce how much pain interferes with daily life and lower opioid use. The main goal was to…

This small pilot study tested a new system to help people with advanced cancer get support for difficult symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Before their regular cancer clinic appointments, 40 patients filled out an online symptom questionnaire. If their scores were high, t…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy could help reduce anxiety specifically related to having seizures in people with epilepsy. Fourteen adults who were already in the hospital for epilepsy monitoring were randomly assigned to either try the VR th…

This study tested whether an 8-week mindful eating group could help people who had weight loss surgery. Researchers wanted to see if learning mindful eating could reduce overeating, improve mood, and decrease anxiety. The study involved 45 participants who attended the group sess…

This small pilot study tested whether a 'prehabilitation' program is practical to run before major spinal deformity surgery. The program aimed to prepare patients with exercise, nutrition advice, and stress management. Researchers enrolled 6 adults to see if they could complete t…

This study tested whether a peer support group is a helpful and practical way to support young adults (ages 18-39) who have received a stem cell transplant for conditions like leukemia. The main goal was to see if patients found the program useful and easy to participate in. Rese…

This study tested an online program called True North Peer Navigation, which connects men who have finished prostate cancer treatment with trained volunteer survivors. The goal was to see if having a peer navigator helps men feel more in control of their health, improves their qu…

This study tested whether adding the medication semaglutide to standard depression treatment could improve cognitive problems like poor memory and concentration. It involved 72 overweight adults with major depression who reported these thinking difficulties. Participants received…

This study observed how doctors treat advanced lung cancer patients who don't have symptoms and aren't candidates for curative treatments. Researchers followed 46 patients to see whether immediate radiation therapy or waiting until symptoms develop leads to better outcomes. The s…

This study aimed to learn if analyzing the genetic makeup of a person's pancreatic tumor could help doctors choose the most effective chemotherapy. Researchers studied 332 adults with advanced pancreatic cancer who were starting standard chemotherapy. They took tumor samples to l…

This small study tested a new imaging technique to see how throat cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the neck. Doctors injected a safe, low-level radioactive tracer near the tumor and used a special scanner to track its path. The goal was to gather information to help plan future t…

This study investigated whether low oxygen levels in prostate tumors make them harder to treat. Researchers measured oxygen in tumors of 186 men before they started radiation therapy. The goal was to see if low oxygen predicts whether cancer will spread or become resistant to hor…