University Of Southern California

This study tests whether a weekly injection of tirzepatide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help adults with alcohol use disorder and overweight or obesity reduce heavy drinking. About 42 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks. The main g…

This study tests a program called FEAST Perinatal Support Program, which helps pregnant women eat healthier and feel better. It is for 40 pregnant adults who qualify for food assistance. The program includes group classes, skill-building, and grocery gift cards to make healthy ea…

This early-phase trial tests a personalized cell therapy for people with advanced triple negative breast cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. Patients receive their own immune cells that have been genetically modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer …

This early-stage trial tests whether a robotic bladder transplant from a deceased donor can work for 5 people with severe bladder damage. The goal is to see if the transplant gets good blood flow and works better than using a piece of intestine. Participants must be willing to ta…

This study tests whether a digital app (MoodBrush) or parents demonstrating toothbrushing works better to reduce plaque in children aged 3 to 6. About 112 kids will have their plaque measured before and after brushing. The goal is to find a fun, effective way to improve kids' ora…

This study compares two antibiotics for treating early syphilis: a single penicillin shot (standard care) versus a 14-day course of cefixime pills. Researchers want to see if the pill works just as well. The study includes 400 adults with early syphilis, including those with well…

This study tests whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with machine learning can accurately tell if a breast mass is benign or malignant. About 100 women with suspicious breast lumps will receive CEUS before their planned biopsy. The goal is to see if this approach…

This study is testing whether a blood test, called a liquid biopsy, can accurately detect breast cancer. Researchers will compare the blood test results with mammograms and standard tissue biopsies in about 490 women. If successful, this approach could offer a less invasive way t…

This study tests whether giving the sleep aid zolpidem before and after lower back fusion surgery helps reduce pain and improve function. About 140 adults with degenerative lumbar disease will be randomly assigned to receive either zolpidem or a placebo. The goal is to see if bet…

This study tests three types of diabetic boots to see which helps people wear them as directed. Diabetic foot ulcers can lead to amputation if not treated properly. The smart boot uses a watch and phone to remind wearers to keep the boot on. The goal is to improve healing, sleep,…

This study tests a mobile app called CarePair that helps family caregivers of people with dementia find services and support. About 80 caregivers will use the app for six weeks to see if it reduces stress, depression, and burden. The goal is to make caregiving easier and improve …

This study tests whether tirzepatide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help people with overweight or obesity quit smoking. 300 smokers will receive either the drug or a placebo, plus nicotine patches, for 16 weeks. The goal is to see if the drug improves quit rates …

This study tests whether a supervised golf exercise program can help prostate cancer survivors who are on hormone therapy improve their physical function, balance, thinking skills, and quality of life. Twenty men aged 55-85 with no or little golf experience will take part. The pr…

This study tests whether a computer-generated character (PERLA) can effectively educate cancer patients about genetic testing, compared to a human genetics counselor. The goal is to make genetic testing more accessible for underserved groups, including racial/ethnic minorities an…

This study tests whether adding 8 weeks of mindfulness training to a single dose of psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) improves mental health more than psilocybin alone. Forty healthy adults who have never used psychedelics or done formal mindfulness training w…

This study aims to develop new tools—like skin sensors, virtual humans, and AI—to measure mental states such as mood and anxiety. Researchers will test these tools in 90 healthy adults and epilepsy patients who already have brain electrodes for medical reasons. The goal is to bet…

This study looks at how natural changes in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle affect a woman's readiness for exercise, how hard exercise feels, and recovery after a challenging downhill run. Researchers will measure perceived readiness, muscle soreness, and infl…

This study looks at how depression in older adults (late-life depression) may speed up memory and thinking problems. Researchers will follow 120 participants for 30 months, using brain scans and memory tests. The goal is to understand the link between depression and cognitive dec…

This study tracks whether women at moderately increased risk for breast cancer get recommended screening MRIs within a year of genetic counseling. Researchers will also identify what makes it easier or harder for them to follow through. About 150 women aged 30 to 75 with certain …

This study looks at how the immune system changes in people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after a stem cell transplant. By analyzing T-cells (a type of immune cell) using advanced genetic testing, researchers hope to better understand why some patients develop complications l…

This study enrolls 300 men with advanced prostate cancer to donate blood, urine, and tissue samples, along with health and lifestyle information. The goal is to build a research bank that scientists can use to better understand the disease and improve future treatments. Participa…

This study looks at whether middle-school students who have gotten into trouble at school can benefit from being trained as peer coaches. Instead of focusing on punishment, the program aims to empower these youth by giving them a positive role. Researchers will track changes in b…

This study surveys 10 adult cancer patients at USC Norris Cancer Center to learn what they know, think, and want regarding integrative oncology services like acupuncture, massage, and nutrition counseling. The goal is to understand interest, attitudes, and potential barriers to s…

This study compares two types of self-management training for people who have had gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. One group gets a personalized program (RISE-PSMT) and the other gets a standard program (SSMT). The goal is to see which approach helps patients stick to healthy behavi…

This study is developing and testing a patient navigation program designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native cancer patients living in rural California. The program helps guide patients through the healthcare system, addressing barriers like distance, mistrust, a…

This study looks at how people's automatic, hidden feelings about exercise influence whether they stay active. Researchers will use smartphone tests and Fitbit trackers to measure these attitudes in 120 inactive adults who are overweight or obese. The goal is to understand what d…

This pilot study looks at two ways to treat a specific type of pelvic fracture in people aged 60 and older. One group gets early surgery to fix the bone, while the other group gets nonoperative care with early rehab (at least 5 days of trying to move). The main goal is to see if …