University Health Network, Toronto

This study tested giving a precise, high-dose radiation treatment (stereotactic radiosurgery) before surgically removing large brain metastases in 30 patients. The goal was to see if this approach lowers the risk of serious side effects and helps control the tumor locally. Partic…

This study tested a new approach for people with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer linked to asbestos. Thirty participants received either radiation alone or radiation plus a low-dose chemotherapy drug before surgery. After surgery, some also got two immunotherapy drugs to tr…

This study looked at whether giving people with advanced salivary gland cancer a drug that matches their tumor's genetic makeup can help control the disease. 114 participants first had their tumor genes analyzed. If a targetable change was found, they got a matched drug; if not, …

This study tested a special 5-day radiation treatment for people whose solid tumors have spread to only a few places (up to 5 spots). The goal was to give a higher dose directly to the tumors while protecting normal tissues, and to see if this controls the treated tumors for at l…

This study tested whether giving a short, intense course of radiation to the chest 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 rare cancer linked to…

This study tested whether a simple, non-invasive breath test can predict if cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy drugs. Researchers analyzed the breath of 190 adults with lung, melanoma, bladder, kidney, or head and neck cancers to see if unique chemical patterns could…

This study tested whether a special PET scan (PSMA PET) can find prostate cancer that has spread better than the usual CT and bone scans. 142 men with prostate cancer had the new scan. The goal was to see if it gives doctors a clearer picture of the cancer's location.

This study tested a fall prevention training program for people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Falls are very common in this group, but current training only helps those who can already step without support. The researchers added functional electrical stimulation (FES…

This study tested whether an 8-week home program combining physical exercise with brain-training games is feasible for people with COPD. 24 participants aged 50+ tried the program, which aimed to improve both physical and mental function. The main goal was to see if people could …

This study tested whether personalized treatments help adults with ongoing concussion symptoms recover better than standard care. 40 adults with post-concussion syndrome received both individualized therapy and usual care in a crossover design. The goal was to see if matching tre…

This Canadian study tested different treatments for people with Long COVID—symptoms that last months after a COVID-19 infection. About 460 adults took part, trying one of two treatments or a placebo for 2 months, then were followed for 4 more months. The goal was to see if these …

This study tested whether asking cancer patients to fill out a symptom questionnaire online before their doctor visit could help identify who might benefit from a palliative care referral. 40 adults with advanced cancer participated. The goal was to see if this approach is practi…

This study tested whether a new online program can help people manage pain and reduce opioid use after surgery. The program teaches mindfulness and coping skills through videos and exercises, without a therapist. Researchers compared it to a workshop led by a psychologist to see …

This small pilot study tested whether oral cannabinoids (medical cannabis) can help people with chronic pain. Researchers enrolled 51 adults and measured how easy it was to run the study, including recruitment and adherence. The goal was to gather data to design a larger, more de…

This study looked at whether group-based cancer rehabilitation (exercise and support) works when done online versus in person for people with advanced breast or colorectal cancer. 111 adults took part in Toronto and Vancouver. The goal was to see if the virtual option is practica…

This study looked at whether an 8-week mindful eating group could help people who had bariatric surgery eat less and feel less anxious or depressed. 45 participants completed questionnaires about their eating habits and mood before and after the program. The goal was to see if le…

This study tested a combination of mild electrical muscle stimulation (FES) and a balance video game (VFBT) in 18 people with spinal cord injury or stroke. The goal was to improve balance, strength, and confidence to prevent falls. Participants used the MyndSearch device while st…

This study tested a new therapy for people with partial spinal cord injuries who have trouble standing. The therapy combines two types of electrical stimulation with a balance training game. 17 participants completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The goal was to improve balance and s…

This study tested whether sleeping in a semi-upright position (instead of lying flat) on the second night after surgery could prevent sleep apnea from getting worse. 164 adults with sleep apnea who had inpatient surgery took part. The goal was to see if this simple change in slee…

This study looked at whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help improve thinking and memory problems in people with major depression. The trial included 72 overweight adults aged 18 to 60 who had below-average scores on a thinking test. Participants r…

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 help weak muscles move, allowing kids to practice reaching and grasping. The go…

This study tested an online education program for people with gynecologic cancer who received brachytherapy (internal radiation). The program aimed to help patients manage side effects and improve their quality of life. About 150 participants were randomly assigned to the online …

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy can help people with epilepsy who feel anxious about their seizures. Fourteen adults participated, using VR for 5 minutes twice a day over 10 days. Researchers measured anxiety, depression, and quality of life before…

This study tested a web-based program called True North Peer Navigation for men with prostate cancer. 184 men who recently finished treatment were matched with trained peer navigators for practical information and emotional support. The goal was to see if the program helps men ta…

This study tested whether a special PET scan can measure low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in prostate cancer tumors. 18 adults with intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer received a tracer called FAZA before their standard treatment. The goal was to see if this imaging method is fe…

This study looked at whether an online training program can effectively teach healthcare workers how to screen stroke patients for swallowing problems (dysphagia). Swallowing problems are common after a stroke and can lead to pneumonia if not caught early. The researchers compare…

This study looked at 42 adults with advanced solid tumors who were receiving or about to start immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) and also needed palliative radiotherapy to ease symptoms like pain or breathing trouble. The goal was to see how safe and tolerable the combination…

This study tested whether automated planning tools can be used with MR images to guide radiation therapy for breast cancer. The goal was to make treatment faster and more precise without extra radiation exposure. 63 female breast cancer patients participated. The research focused…

This study tested whether a nurse-led walking and sit-to-stand program is practical and liked by older adults with cognitive issues like dementia in transitional care. Six participants took part to see if the program could improve strength, mobility, and quality of life. The main…

This study looked at oxygen levels inside prostate tumors in 186 men with early-stage prostate cancer. Researchers used a special needle through the rectum to measure oxygen before starting radiation or hormone therapy. The goal was to see if low oxygen levels make treatment less…

This study looked at whether a special scan called a PET scan can quickly show if chemotherapy is shrinking a rare cancer called retroperitoneal sarcoma. The cancer is hard to treat because it grows large in the belly. 18 people took part. The goal was to see if PET scans work be…

This study tested whether a program of exercise, nutrition advice, and stress management before spinal deformity surgery is practical for patients. Only 6 adults took part, and the goal was to see if such a program could be done, not to measure health outcomes. The results will h…

This pilot study tested whether a structured exercise program is practical and safe for young cancer survivors (ages 18-45) who are at risk for heart problems due to past treatments. The study enrolled 30 participants and focused on measuring recruitment, safety, and how well par…

This study tested how practical it is to use a special radioactive tracer and SPECT-CT scan to see if oropharynx cancer has spread to the neck. Twelve people with oropharynx cancer took part. The goal was to see if this imaging method could help doctors better plan treatment.

This study tested whether a large, full-scale trial comparing two common back surgeries is feasible. The two surgeries are decompression alone (simpler) and decompression with fusion (more complex). The study enrolled 70 adults with lumbar spinal stenosis and a related condition …

This study tested a new way to help surgeons find small lung nodules during a type of keyhole surgery called VATS. Doctors used a special CT scanner in the operating room to place tiny metal markers (microcoils) near the nodules before removing them. The goal was to see how much …

This study looked at whether a pre-surgery exercise program (prehab) is practical for living liver donors. Researchers wanted to see if donors would join, stick with the program, and if it might improve recovery. 30 donors took part to help design a larger future study.

This study tested two standard chemotherapy combinations in 150 people with untreated, advanced pancreatic cancer. Researchers compared how well each drug worked and also analyzed tumor samples to find biological markers that could predict which treatment is best for each patient…

This study examined genetic changes in tumors from 332 people with advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal was to see if these gene patterns could help doctors choose better treatments in the future. Participants had a biopsy and their tumor genes were analyzed, then their response …

This study followed 46 people with a type of lung cancer that hadn't caused symptoms yet. Doctors chose either to give radiation right away or wait and watch. The goal was to see what doctors usually do and how patients felt over time. No new treatment was tested—just current pra…

This study looked at two ways to manage prostate cancer that comes back after surgery. Some men got radiation right away, while others were monitored with regular PSA tests and a special scan only when PSA rose further. The goal was to see if monitoring with delayed imaging is a …

This study looked at whether a peer support group is practical and helpful for young adults (ages 18-39) who have had a stem cell transplant. Thirteen participants joined the program, and researchers measured how acceptable and useful it was. The goal was to see if this kind of s…