University Of California, San Diego

This study tested whether adding memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's, to targeted cognitive training (brain exercises) could improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 62 participants took either memantine or a placebo while c…

This study tested a 5-day family-based treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa. The treatment, called NEW FED TR, uses insights from neurobiology to address personality traits linked to the disorder. 93 adults with anorexia and a family member or friend participated. The goal …

This early-phase study tested a combination of atorvastatin and anakinra in 5 children with Kawasaki disease who had coronary artery abnormalities. The goal was to see if these drugs could safely reduce artery inflammation and prevent future heart problems. The study focused on s…

This completed phase II study tested a combination of two drugs—tadalafil (Cialis) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 7 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could help control the disease. Because…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, pembrolizumab and cetuximab, in 78 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had returned or spread. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors or slow the disease. Participants were grouped based on whether they …

This study tested whether providing medically tailored meals to people with heart failure could improve their diet quality. Sixty participants received heart-healthy meals delivered to their homes for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if their diet scores improved by the end of …

This early-phase trial tested a gene therapy for cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes cystine crystals to build up in cells, damaging organs. Researchers took blood stem cells from 6 patients, added a working copy of the faulty gene, and infused the corrected cells bac…

This study tested whether adding a medication to a computer-based cognitive training program could improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 68 adults completed 30 sessions of targeted cognitive training while some also received…

This early-phase study tested the safety of cirmtuzumab, an experimental antibody that targets a protein called ROR1 found on CLL cancer cells but rarely on healthy cells. Only 3 people with CLL who had previously received cirmtuzumab were retreated for 6 to 12 months. The main g…

This study tested whether acetazolamide, a cheap and well-tolerated water pill, can reduce sleep apnea severity and lower blood pressure in young adults (18–50 years old) who cannot or will not use a CPAP mask. 54 participants received either the drug or a placebo for two weeks e…

This early-phase trial tested a combination of two drugs—blinatumomab and pembrolizumab—in 16 adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) who had high levels of cancer cells in their bone marrow. The goal was to see if adding pembrolizumab to bl…

This study looked at 73 children with MIS-C, a rare inflammatory condition linked to COVID-19. Researchers compared three treatments—infliximab, anakinra, and steroids—to see which helped kids recover fastest without needing more therapy. The goal was to find the safest and most …

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to standard checkpoint immunotherapy improves tumor response in 106 people with advanced metastatic cancer. Participants received either immunotherapy alone or immunotherapy plus SBRT to one tumor…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, ibrutinib and obinutuzumab, in 32 older adults (65+) or those with health issues who had untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The goal was to see if the combo could safely reduce cancer cells without using chemotherapy. The t…

This completed phase I trial tested whether higher doses of a precise type of radiation called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) are safe for people with pancreatic cancer. Thirty patients with inoperable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer received five targeted radiation …

This study tested whether people with low-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) could stick to a whole-food, plant-based (vegan) diet for 8 weeks. Nineteen participants attended weekly cooking classes and health coaching sessions online. The main goal was to see if the diet was…

This pilot study compared two stool-based tests—Cologuard and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT)—for colorectal cancer screening in adults aged 45-49. Researchers mailed the tests to eligible participants and tracked how many completed screening, had abnormal results, and follow…

This early-phase trial tested a radioactive tracer called Tc-99m-Tilmanocept to see if it can help doctors detect diabetic kidney disease using SPECT/CT scans. The study involved 57 adults with suspected diabetic kidney disease. The goal was to measure how the tracer behaves in t…

This study tested whether a shorter, contrast-enhanced MRI (called AMRI) is better than standard ultrasound for finding liver cancer early in people with cirrhosis. 79 adults with cirrhosis underwent both scans, and researchers compared how accurately each method detected cancer.…

This study tested a new software program that analyzes heart angiogram images to measure blood flow blockages without needing to insert a pressure wire into the artery. Researchers reviewed the records of 100 patients who had both an angiogram and an invasive pressure measurement…

This study tested a group-based program called Jenga Dada (meaning 'Build a Woman Up' in Swahili) for women in Kenya who are part of community economic groups. The program teaches skills to recognize and challenge inequality, handle financial abuse, and use family planning safely…

This study tested a Spanish-language website designed to help inactive Latina women increase their physical activity. 207 women were randomly assigned to either an exercise-focused program or a general wellness program. The goal was to see if the exercise website led to more minu…

This study tested a small clip attached to the breathing tube used during anesthesia to see if it could prevent sore throat, voice changes, and trouble swallowing after surgery. 100 adults having surgery with general anesthesia took part. The clip is designed to reduce pressure o…

This small study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called iTBS could help people who have both hoarding disorder and depression. Fourteen adults received 20 sessions over 4 weeks. Researchers measured changes in hoarding and depression symptoms, as well as brain connecti…

This study tested whether simple brain function measures can predict which Alzheimer's patients will respond to the drug memantine. 53 participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's took memantine or placebo, then all received memantine for 24 weeks. The goal was to see if early …

This study tested a treatment called cryoanalgesia, which uses extreme cold to freeze nerves in the thigh, for people with phantom limb pain after an above-knee amputation. The goal was to see if a single freezing treatment could reduce pain better than a sham (fake) procedure. T…

This study tested whether tesamorelin, a drug already approved for belly fat in HIV, could improve memory and thinking in 73 older HIV patients with mild cognitive problems. Participants also used a text-messaging app to stay motivated. The trial measured changes in brain perform…

This study tested whether the drug acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing in 39 adults with chronic pain who use opioids. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for one week each. The goal was to see if the pill could reduce sleep apnea events as an alternat…

This study tested a personalized form of brain stimulation for people with depression who no longer feel pleasure (anhedonia). Sixty adults received either individualized, standard, or fake magnetic pulses to the brain over one week. The goal was to see if tailoring the stimulati…

This study tested a digital tool that uses a smartphone and smartwatch to encourage physical activity in adults aged 25-80. Over 12 months, 386 participants used the tool to increase their weekly moderate-to-vigorous activity, compared to a standard wellness program. The goal was…

This study tested whether personalizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on an individual's brain structure and activity could improve outcomes for people with treatment-resistant depression. 75 adults received 20 sessions over 4 weeks, comparing fully personalized T…

This study tested a non-drug approach to control pain after shoulder, ankle, or bunion surgery. Instead of relying on opioids, doctors placed a tiny wire near a nerve using ultrasound and delivered a mild electric current. The goal was to see if this method could lower pain and r…

This study followed 90 veterans with obesity who took GLP-1 medicines (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for six months. Researchers found that participants reported significant improvements in depression symptoms, eating disorder behaviors, and overall quality of life, including bette…

This small pilot study tested whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can be safely given to people with chronic phantom limb pain after an amputation. Ten participants received either psilocybin or a placebo (niacin) in a supportive setting. The main goals …

This study tested whether a safe sleep aid could help people with obstructive sleep apnea use their CPAP machine more each night. Many patients struggle to keep the mask on all night, often because they wake up easily. The trial gave a medication to raise the sleepers' arousal th…

This study tested whether a continuous nerve block (using the numbing medicine bupivacaine) can reduce pain and opioid use after kidney stone surgery. Fifty adults having surgery received a single nerve block plus a catheter, then were randomly given either more numbing medicine …

This study tested a new way of using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) for people with treatment-resistant depression. The new approach uses a higher dose and more frequent sessions than usual. The study was very smal…

This study tested a new device called RELAY that delivers both local anesthetic and mild electrical stimulation through a single catheter to control pain after shoulder or foot surgery. Twenty adults who had surgery for rotator cuff tears, shoulder replacement, or foot problems t…

This early study tested Botox injections on 10 adults with long-lasting keloid scars to see if it could reduce scar size and ease symptoms like itching and pain. The goal was to find a treatment with fewer side effects than standard steroid shots. Researchers also looked at how B…

This study tested whether a digital app called KardioPAC could help people in cardiac rehab stay more active and feel better. 43 heart patients used the app alongside standard rehab, or just standard rehab alone. The goal was to see if the app improved exercise habits, blood pres…

This study tested a mobile web-based program to help caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease reduce stress and depression. 184 caregivers aged 40 or older who provided at least 20 hours of in-home care per week and had mild depressive symptoms took part. The program aimed t…

This study tested whether an educational video about brachytherapy (a type of internal radiation) helps women with cervical or uterine cancer feel more satisfied and less anxious. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to watch the video or receive standard consent only. Research…

This study tested a 21-herb formula called modified Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (mQFPD) in 60 adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Participants took either the herb capsules or a placebo for 14 days. The main goal was to see if the formula is safe and feasible to use, not yet to prove…

This study investigates why people develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and whether the underlying cause affects how they respond to different treatments. Researchers will test three approaches—CPAP, a sleep medication (eszopiclone), and supplemental oxygen—in adults with OSA. T…

This study tested a program that offers family planning services at the same time as baby vaccinations in rural Maharashtra, India. 293 new mothers took part to see if this approach increases use of modern contraception by 6 months after childbirth. The goal was to learn if linki…

This study looked at how certain personality traits and brain activity are linked to eating disorder symptoms in teenage girls. Researchers used brain scans to measure responses to rewards and followed up one year later to see how symptoms changed. The goal was to better understa…

This completed Phase 1 study looked at whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers studied 182 older adults aged 65-85 with and without OSA, using brain scans and breathing tests. The goal was to understand how sleep disruptions like…

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection response that requires fast, coordinated care. This study tested whether an AI system could give emergency doctors near-instant feedback on how well they followed sepsis treatment guidelines. Sixty-six physicians were split into two groups: …

This study looked at how teenage girls with anorexia nervosa learn from rewards and punishments compared to healthy teens. Researchers used brain scans and computer tasks to understand differences in decision-making and brain connections. The goal was to learn more about the cond…

This study tested a new mobile app called iTEST that helps people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder improve how accurately they judge their own performance on memory and emotion recognition tasks. 69 adults completed daily exercises on a smartphone for 16 weeks, gues…

This study tested a new way to help addiction treatment clinics use an AI platform that coaches counselors in evidence-based techniques. Researchers worked with 479 leaders and staff from state agencies and clinics in Oregon and Indiana. The goal was to see if this strategy impro…

This pilot study tested whether a brief educational session with a trained educator could increase the number of men with prostate cancer who agree to germline (inherited) genetic testing. The study enrolled 50 men who met national guidelines for testing but had not yet been test…

This study tested a program that uses technology and trained family navigators to help children with autism and their families get connected to mental health services more quickly. The program was used in primary care clinics. Researchers measured how acceptable, feasible, and he…

This study tested whether a tailored digital program could help underactive Latina teenagers (ages 13-18) become more physically active. The program included one-on-one counseling, a personalized website, text message goal-setting, a study Instagram account, and a Fitbit tracker.…

This study tested a step-by-step method called SEARCH to better classify what happens to people long after a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). Researchers looked at 150 adults to see if the method reliably identifies different outcomes, from full recovery to chronic…

This study aimed to make COVID-19 rapid testing easier and more effective for Latino communities in San Diego County, especially near the US-Mexico border. Over 6,500 English- or Spanish-speaking adults who were patients at certain clinics or lived nearby took part. Researchers w…

This study looked at whether breaking up long periods of sitting can improve health in overweight women aged 55 and older. Over 400 participants were given health coaching and a device to track their sitting and standing time. The goal was to see if standing more often could lead…

This pilot study in Nepal looked at whether it is possible to run a larger trial on starting the birth control shot DMPA within 48 hours after giving birth. 40 new mothers who wanted DMPA and planned to breastfeed exclusively were enrolled. The main goal was to see if researchers…

This study tested different methods to increase colorectal cancer screening among 673 adults aged 50-75 who were not up to date with screening. Participants received either in-clinic education with a test kit, a mailed kit with phone reminders, both, or usual care. The goal was t…