University Of Southern California
Clinical trials sponsored by University Of Southern California, explained in plain language.
-
Experimental cocktail aims to turn tumors against themselves
Disease control OngoingThis early-stage study tests whether a mix of immune-boosting drugs and targeted radiation can help the body fight advanced solid tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. About 14 adults with certain types of skin cancer, sarcoma, or breast cancer will receive the treatment dire…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
World's first robotic bladder transplant attempted in tiny trial
Disease control TerminatedThis early-phase trial tests whether a robotic bladder transplant from a deceased donor is feasible and safe for people with severe bladder problems. Only 5 participants will be enrolled. The main goal is to see if the transplanted bladder gets good blood flow. If it works, it mi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
New combo aims to control advanced colon cancer
Disease control OngoingThis study tests two drugs—regorafenib (a chemotherapy pill) and pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy)—in people with metastatic colorectal cancer who have already tried several other treatments. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can slow tumor growth. About 73 partici…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Surgery may replace chemo for some testicular cancer patients
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether a surgery called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) can be used as the first treatment for men with early-stage testicular seminoma that has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen. The goal is to see if this surgery can control the cancer while c…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
-
Experimental combo shows promise for Tough-to-Treat cancers
Disease control OngoingThis phase II trial is testing a combination of two drugs—sEphB4-HSA and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 70 people with advanced bladder or prostate cancers that have not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if the combo is safe and can shrink tumors. Participants rec…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
-
Experimental drug combo shows promise for Tough-to-Treat leukemia
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding pevonedistat to standard chemotherapy (cytarabine and idarubicin) can improve remission rates in people newly diagnosed with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). About 53 participants will receive the combination to find the best dose and check …
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:01 UTC
-
New drug combo targets tough cancers in early trial
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase trial is testing a combination of two drugs—guadecitabine and durvalumab—in 55 people with advanced liver, pancreatic, bile duct, or gallbladder cancers that have spread. Guadecitabine aims to stop cancer cell growth, while durvalumab helps the immune system atta…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:01 UTC
-
New combo therapy targets bone metastases in prostate cancer
Disease control OngoingThis phase 2 trial studies whether adding radium-223 to enzalutamide works better than enzalutamide alone in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to bones. Enzalutamide blocks male hormones that fuel cancer growth, while radium-223 delivers targeted radia…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
-
New combo therapy aims to boost immune attack on kidney cancer
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding an experimental drug (PF-04518600) that boosts the immune system to the standard drug axitinib can help control advanced kidney cancer better than axitinib alone. About 62 adults whose cancer has spread and who have already tried an immune checkpoi…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
-
Immunotherapy before surgery shows promise for tough skin cancers
Disease control OngoingThis phase II trial tests whether giving the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab before surgery can shrink high-risk skin cancers that have not spread far. The study enrolls 35 people with resectable squamous cell carcinoma. Participants receive cemiplimab intravenously, then undergo s…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
-
Virus-Enhanced cocktail shows promise in stubborn myeloma
Disease control OngoingThis study is for people whose multiple myeloma has returned or stopped responding to at least three prior treatments. Researchers are testing whether adding a lab-modified virus (pelareorep) to a standard drug combination (bortezomib, dexamethasone, and pembrolizumab) can safely…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
-
Womb surgery breakthrough: two methods to fix spina bifida before birth
Disease control OngoingThis study tests two ways to surgically repair spina bifida in the womb using a tiny camera. The goal is to close the spinal defect and reverse brain changes caused by the condition. About 110 pregnant women carrying babies with spina bifida will take part. The two methods are co…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
Tiny paclitaxel particles aim to hit tumors harder
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase trial tests a new form of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, called FID-007, in 50 people with advanced solid tumors that have stopped responding to other treatments. The drug is wrapped in a special polymer to make it smaller, which may help it reach deeper into …
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
-
New drug combo shows promise in early cancer trial
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase trial tests a new drug called sEphB4-HSA combined with standard chemotherapy in people with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, including head and neck, pancreatic, lung, and gallbladder cancers. The goal is to find the best dose and see if the combination is sa…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
-
Can a common antibiotic beat syphilis?
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether the antibiotic linezolid can effectively treat early syphilis in 24 adults. Participants have primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis, and some also have well-controlled HIV. The main goal is to see if linezolid reduces syphilis infection markers in …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
-
Experimental combo targets hard-to-treat blood cancers
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase study tests two drugs—guadecitabine and atezolizumab—together in adults with myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia that has come back or not responded to prior therapy. The goal is to find the safest dose and see if the combination can shrin…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC
-
Lung cancer treatment goes home: can telemedicine replace hospital visits?
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether a lung cancer drug called atezolizumab can be safely given as a shot under the skin at home, with doctors monitoring patients through video calls. It involves 5 adults with non-small cell lung cancer. The goal is to see if this home-based approach is prac…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC
-
Can a blood injection stop hernias from returning?
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during hiatal hernia repair can lower the chance of the hernia coming back. About 150 adults with large hiatal hernias will be randomly assigned to get either standard surgery with mesh or surgery plus PRP. The main go…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
-
Can chemo before surgery make pancreatic cancer removable?
Disease control OngoingThis study looks at whether giving chemotherapy first can shrink pancreatic tumors that have grown into nearby arteries, making them safe to remove with surgery. Researchers want to see if this approach can completely remove the cancer without leaving any behind. Only 2 people ar…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
-
Gum surgery trial cancelled before it began
Disease control TerminatedThis study aimed to compare different surgical techniques for treating receding gums, including a flap procedure and a tunnel approach, with or without a platelet concentrate. It was designed for 100 adults with multiple gum recessions. However, the trial was withdrawn before enr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
-
AI takes on radiologists in prostate cancer detection showdown
Diagnosis TerminatedThis study compares a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to radiologists for reading prostate MRI scans to detect cancer. About 130 men who are already scheduled for a prostate biopsy will have their MRI read by both the AI and a radiologist. The goal is to see if the AI can…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
New study tests if MRI-Guided biopsy spots aggressive prostate cancer better than standard method
Diagnosis OngoingThis trial compares two biopsy methods for diagnosing prostate cancer in African American and white men with elevated PSA. One group gets a standard 12-core random biopsy, the other gets an MRI-guided fusion biopsy. The goal is to see which method more accurately detects clinical…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
-
Could a magnetic helmet ease bladder pain? new study investigates
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique, called rTMS, can reduce pain in women with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome. The treatment targets brain areas that control pelvic floor muscles, aiming to lower pain by improving how the …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Diet before chemo may cut side effects in breast and prostate cancer
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether eating a low-calorie diet before chemotherapy can reduce side effects like fatigue, nausea, and mouth sores, and also improve how well the treatment works. About 130 people with breast or prostate cancer will be randomly assigned to either follow the diet…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
-
Can a simple bladder tuck help men regain control after prostate surgery?
Symptom relief TerminatedThis study compares standard robotic prostate cancer surgery with or without an extra step called vesicopexy, which repositions the bladder to its normal place. The goal is to see if this addition helps men regain bladder control faster and improves their quality of life. About 1…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:01 UTC
-
Virtual reality headsets tested to calm cancer patients during painful procedures
Symptom relief TerminatedThis trial tests whether wearing a virtual reality headset during a bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture can reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients. About 60 participants will use the headset while receiving standard care. The study is currently suspended, so results are pen…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:33 UTC
-
Could cannabis compounds soothe dementia agitation? new trial investigates
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether an oral oil containing THC and CBD can reduce agitation in people with dementia who are eligible for hospice care. About 120 participants will receive either the active drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal is to see if agitation scores improve af…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
ICU delirium drug study pulled before starting
Symptom relief TerminatedThis study aimed to see if trazodone works better than quetiapine or a placebo for treating confusion (delirium) in adult surgical ICU patients. It planned to measure how long delirium lasts, sleep quality, and side effects. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling any p…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
New study tests better ways to help babies with cerebral palsy sit and reach
Symptom relief OngoingThis study compares two physical therapy approaches for children aged 8-24 months with or at high risk for cerebral palsy. One method focuses on sitting, reaching, and problem-solving, while the other targets general motor skills. The goal is to see which therapy improves sitting…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
-
Could fasting before immunotherapy boost skin cancer treatment?
Symptom relief OngoingThis early study tests whether short-term fasting (eating less than 200 calories per day for 3 days) before standard immunotherapy is safe and doable for people with advanced or metastatic skin cancer. Ten participants will receive their usual PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor drugs along wit…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
-
Can a monthly meal fight burnout? new study tests 'Commensality Groups' for med students
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests whether monthly group meals with guided conversation can reduce burnout and loneliness in medical students during their clinical rotations. Eighty students will be randomly assigned to attend at least three of six monthly meals led by a resident. The goal is to s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
-
New wound vacuum device tested for leg amputation recovery
Symptom relief TerminatedThis pilot study aimed to test a special wound vacuum device (CiNPWT) on people who had a leg amputation. The device applies gentle suction to the closed incision to reduce swelling and help healing. Researchers planned to compare it to standard wound care in about 6-10 adults, b…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:11 UTC
-
Stroke rehab breakthrough: biofeedback and exercise aim to fix walking
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests a new walking therapy for people who had a stroke more than 6 months ago. The therapy combines biofeedback (visual cues about how you walk) with aerobic exercise to improve walking symmetry. 50 participants will try the approach to see if it is feasible and what …
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
-
EHR nudges aim to curb sleep pill overuse in primary care
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether simple changes to electronic health records can help doctors prescribe fewer Z-drugs (like Ambien) for insomnia. About 444 primary care clinicians will be randomly assigned to receive either a default of only 10 pills for new orders, an alert suggesting a…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 28, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Can a phone-based parenting program boost child development as well as in-person visits?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether a parenting program that combines mobile health (mHealth) messages with some in-person group meetings can improve early child development as effectively as a fully in-person program. Around 1,200 mothers or primary caregivers of children aged 6-18 months …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Mailer may boost healthcare proxy designation in older adults
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study tests whether sending a letter before a doctor's visit encourages older adults and people with serious illnesses to officially name a healthcare proxy—someone to make medical decisions if they can't. About 10,000 participants will be randomly assigned to receive differ…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Massive Alzheimer's study aims to unlock secrets of memory loss
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study follows 1,500 volunteers with normal memory, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's over several years. Researchers use brain scans, memory tests, and blood samples to track how the disease progresses. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose and treat Alzheimer'…
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Short walks beat one big workout for Kids' health?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether taking short walks throughout the day is better for kids at risk for type 2 diabetes than one longer exercise session. Researchers will measure blood sugar, insulin, and thinking skills in 188 children aged 8-11 with overweight or obesity. The goal is …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
-
Super MRI scans peek inside brains of testicular cancer survivors
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study uses a very powerful 7 Tesla MRI scanner to take detailed pictures of the brain in testicular cancer patients who have low testosterone (hypogonadism) and are on testosterone replacement therapy. The goal is to see if the MRI can detect changes in brain structure and f…
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
-
Young cancer patients needed for landmark study on physical and emotional health
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at how colorectal cancer affects the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults (ages 18-39). Researchers will measure symptoms like fatigue, pain, and anxiety, as well as physical fitness, to better understand the challenges these patients…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
-
New imaging device could help surgeons spot bowel leaks early
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests a special camera that measures oxygen levels in the bowel during colorectal surgery. Surgeons will use it to see if low oxygen areas predict leaks after the procedure. About 52 adults having laparoscopic colorectal surgery will take part. The goal is to see if th…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
-
Gene hunt: could your DNA predict clot danger after hip or knee surgery?
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study aims to find genetic markers that may increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung) after hip or knee replacement surgery. Researchers will collect blood samples from 100 adults who have had a clot after such surgery and analyze their DNA. The go…
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
Trauma drug study pulled before it started
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study aimed to compare three medicines (propofol, etomidate, and ketamine) given to adult trauma patients to help them breathe with a breathing tube. The goal was to see which drug leads to the best outcomes, like survival and fewer side effects. However, the study was withd…
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
-
New test aims to spot kidney cancer early with just a blood or urine sample
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study is testing a new blood and urine test to see if it can find kidney cancer early and track how well treatment is working. Researchers will compare test results from healthy people, patients with early-stage kidney cancer, and patients with advanced kidney cancer. The go…
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
-
Stitches or staples? small study aims to settle the debate for leg fracture surgery
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis pilot study tests whether stitches or staples are better for closing surgical wounds after fixing broken leg bones. About 50 adults with certain leg fractures will be randomly assigned to one closure method. The main goal is to see if such a study is practical, not to prove …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:01 UTC
-
Vitamin d pills might tweak hormones in healthy young women
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis pilot study tests whether taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily for three weeks changes testosterone and other hormone levels in young, healthy women aged 18 to 35. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D or a placebo pill. The goal is to see i…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
-
New program aims to boost genetic testing awareness in Hispanic/Latino communities
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests an educational program designed to train Hispanic/Latino community members about colorectal cancer genetics. The goal is to increase knowledge and confidence so they can educate others in their community. About 20 participants will attend weekly training sessions…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
-
Can a simple screening stop elder abuse in dementia care?
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study aims to test a risk assessment screening and a caregiver coaching program to prevent elder abuse in people with dementia. Researchers will compare caregivers who receive the screening and coaching to those who do not, looking at stress, depression, and anxiety. The goa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
-
AI chatbot tested to help patients decide on tumor treatment
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study looked at whether ChatGPT could help patients with vestibular schwannoma (a non-cancerous ear tumor) feel less confused and more confident about their treatment choices. It planned to compare decision-making scores between a group trained to use ChatGPT and a group tha…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC
-
New web tool aims to help sinusitis patients choose surgery or not
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study is testing a new web-based tool designed to help people with chronic sinusitis make better decisions about their treatment, including whether to have surgery. About 50 patients from USC clinics will use the tool or receive standard information. Researchers will measure…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
-
Music lessons may boost brain development in kids, study hopes to prove
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether music training helps brain development in children ages 6 to 8. Over 2 years, 114 kids from Los Angeles will either take music lessons or join other after-school activities. Researchers will scan their brains and test their thinking skills to see if mu…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC