University Of Southern California

This study compares two common surgeries for a certain type of hip fracture in adults aged 60 and older: hip replacement (arthroplasty) versus internal fixation (using screws or pins). The goal is to see which approach helps people survive, walk independently, and spend more time…

This study tests whether using HEPA air filters at home can slow the progression of heart disease in adults aged 65-84 who have a history of ischemic heart disease. Over 112 participants in Los Angeles will use real or sham filters for several months, and researchers will measure…

This study compares a longer course of the fertility drug Clomid against the standard short course for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF. The goal is to see if the extended protocol leads to more mature eggs retrieved while reducing the number of injections and…

This early-stage trial tests a new drug called AU409 in 36 people with advanced liver cancers or solid tumors that have spread to the liver. The main goals are to find the safest dose and check for side effects. Researchers will also look for signs that the drug might shrink tumo…

This early-phase trial tests a new cell therapy for people with advanced triple negative breast cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. The therapy uses the patient's own immune cells, which are modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells carrying a …

This study explores whether daily mindfulness practice, combined with heart rate biofeedback, can improve attention and memory in adults aged 50-70. Participants will practice breathing patterns that either increase or decrease heart rate swings. Researchers will measure changes …

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 early-phase trial is testing whether combining two immunotherapy drugs (botensilimab and balstilimab) with a low-sugar, calorie-restricted diet and high-dose vitamin C is safe and tolerable for people with a specific type of advanced colorectal cancer (KRAS-mutant). The stud…

This study tests whether adding the drug sarilumab to chemotherapy (capecitabine) can eliminate tiny amounts of cancer left behind after standard treatment in people with triple negative breast cancer, a very aggressive type. The goal is to prevent the cancer from coming back and…

This study tests if a cream called imiquimod can treat pre-cancerous spots in the mouth. Twenty adults with these spots will apply the cream and get two follow-up biopsies. The goal is to see if the spots shrink and if the abnormal cells become less severe.

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 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 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 is testing whether a blood test that measures a substance called miRNA-371 can accurately detect active testicular cancer in people who have already had their primary tumor removed. Researchers will compare the blood test results with surgical findings to see how well …

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 490 women. If the blood test works well, it could offer a less invasive way to sc…

This trial tests whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with machine learning can more accurately tell if a breast mass is benign or malignant. 100 women with suspicious breast masses will receive CEUS with a contrast agent. The goal is to see if this approach can r…

This study tests whether a telehealth version of BASICS, a proven program for reducing heavy drinking, works as well as the in-person version. Researchers will enroll 600 college students aged 18-26 who binge drink. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive BASICS in pers…

This study tests whether personalized self-management training helps people with gastrointestinal cancer adopt healthier habits like better diet and more exercise. 120 participants will be randomly assigned to either personalized or standard training for 6 weeks. The goal is to s…

This study tests whether a friendly robot, personalized to each user, can help college students with anxiety complete their cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises at home. About 140 students with mild to moderate anxiety will use the robot for 6 weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether a gentle massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can reduce swelling, pain, and other side effects in women receiving radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer. Fifty women will be enrolled, and resea…

This study tests whether a very low dose of radiation (2 Gy) can relieve bone pain in people with multiple myeloma that has spread to the bones. The goal is to see if this gentler approach works as well as standard radiation but with fewer side effects and less disruption to chem…

This study tests whether a supervised golf exercise program can improve physical function, mental health, and quality of life in prostate cancer survivors who are on hormone therapy. Twenty men aged 55-85 with little or no golf experience will participate. The program includes wa…

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 taking zolpidem (Ambien) before and after lumbar spine fusion surgery can reduce pain and improve function. 140 adults with degenerative lumbar disease will receive either zolpidem or a placebo. Researchers will measure pain levels and disability up to 6 …

This study tests whether middle-school students who have received disciplinary referrals can benefit from being trained as peer coaches. The Peer Coach Training (PCT) program is a strengths-based behavioral intervention that teaches skills for helping peers. Researchers will comp…

This study tests whether blood flow restriction therapy or pneumatic compression can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise. Researchers will measure muscle function and soreness in 33 healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18-30. The goal is to find a bet…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a curcumin supplement (C3 complex with piperine) can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with certain blood disorders, including CCUS, low-risk MDS, and MPNs. Thirty participants will receive either curcumin or a placebo for 12 mont…

This study is testing 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 is easy to use and helps reduce stress and depression. The goal is to see if the app …

This study tests three types of diabetic boots to see which helps people with foot ulcers heal best. Some boots give reminders through a smartwatch to encourage wearing them as directed. The goal is to improve healing, sleep, and quality of life for 210 adults with diabetes.

This study tests whether a specially adapted dental environment—with dimmed lights, calming colors, and a headlamp for the dentist—can reduce anxiety, pain, and distress in children aged 6 to 12 during a dental cleaning. Some children will also watch a video showing a positive de…

This study tests a structured program called SENSE, where parents provide daily multisensory activities like massage, rocking, and skin-to-skin care for their preterm babies in the NICU. The goal is to see if this consistent approach improves infant brain development, language sk…

This study looks at how people with endometrial cancer find medical information and how satisfied they are with it. Researchers will also ask patients if they'd be interested in using an AI-powered educational tool. The goal is to understand current needs and see if AI could help…

This study collects saliva samples from 500 people with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia to look for genetic markers linked to liver damage from the drug asparaginase. The goal is to better understand why some patients develop liver problems during treatment. No new d…

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 explore what makes it easier or harder for them to follow through. About 150 women aged 30 to 75 with certain g…

This study enrolls 500 Hispanic adults with colorectal cancer to collect genetic and clinical data. Researchers hope to learn why some patients respond better to treatments than others. The goal is to pave the way for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to each p…

This study tracks T-cell changes in 250 acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving a stem cell transplant. By analyzing blood samples with advanced gene sequencing, researchers hope to understand if the immune system plays a key role in recovery and complications. The goal is to f…

This study follows 250 young adult cancer survivors to see how their social relationships and physical activity change over time and how these factors affect their quality of life. Participants wear an activity tracker and complete surveys. The goal is to learn how to better supp…

This study collects blood samples and health information from 1,300 women who have had stage I-III breast cancer and finished active treatment. The goal is to create a biorepository that scientists can use in the future to explore links between genes, molecules, and long-term can…

This study enrolls adults with Down syndrome ages 25-55 into a ready-to-test group. Researchers will track memory, thinking, and brain changes over time to better understand how Alzheimer's disease develops in this population. The goal is to make future clinical trials faster and…

This study collects small tissue samples (core biopsies) from people with known or suspected breast cancer to create a tissue repository. Researchers will use these samples to study the biology of breast cancer, including genes and proteins, to better understand how tumors grow a…

This study tests whether a training program for community specialists can help Hispanic/Latino adults learn more about colorectal cancer prevention and genetic testing. About 140 people from Los Angeles County will take part. The goal is to see if the program increases knowledge …

This study aims to objectively measure how social older adults with hearing loss are, and whether hearing aids improve social engagement and thinking skills. Researchers will use a wearable audio sensor to track conversation patterns and optional EEG to measure brain responses to…

This study is developing and testing a patient navigation program designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native cancer patients in rural California. The program helps patients overcome barriers like distance, mistrust, and complex healthcare systems. Researchers wil…

This study aims to identify different types of depression by tracking how people manage their emotions in daily life and how their nervous system responds. Researchers will test whether a simple biofeedback exercise done at home for 10 days can improve emotional regulation. The s…

This study looks at cells and biomarkers to understand why some head and neck cancers are more aggressive. Researchers will follow 50 newly diagnosed adults who have not yet received treatment. The goal is to learn more about how the cancer behaves, not to test a new treatment.

This study is creating a large repository of blood, tissue, and health information from 10,000 adults with cancer or a high risk of developing it. Researchers will combine genetic data with medical records to better understand why some cancers respond to treatment and others do n…

This study interviews 45 adults with non-small cell lung cancer who also had a past alcohol or substance use disorder (other than tobacco). Researchers want to learn what social factors help or hinder detection and treatment of their cancer. The goal is to identify ways to improv…

This research study collects blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples from people with cancer, blood disorders, and healthy volunteers. The goal is to study how the immune system changes during different treatments, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. By comparing samples fro…

This study surveys 10 adult cancer patients at USC Norris Cancer Center to learn what they know and think about integrative oncology services like acupuncture, massage, and nutrition counseling. The goal is to understand patient interest and identify barriers to offering these se…

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 tests whether a computer-generated character (PERLA) can effectively educate cancer patients about genetic testing, compared to a human genetics counselor. Researchers will enroll 800 people with certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate canc…

This study surveys 40 adults with non-small cell lung cancer who are already receiving immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda or Opdivo. Researchers want to know how satisfied patients are with IV infusions at the hospital versus the idea of getting shots at home. The goal is to under…

This study enrolls 50 adults with any type of cancer to test whether watching a video and reading a handout improves their knowledge and beliefs about cancer clinical trials. Participants complete a survey before and after the educational materials to measure any change. The goal…

This study is collecting blood, urine, tissue samples, and health information from 300 men with advanced prostate cancer. Researchers hope to build a resource that will help them learn more about the disease and improve future care. Participants will not receive any experimental …

This study looks at whether removing a urinary catheter one day after colorectal surgery is as safe as the standard three days. About 176 adults having certain pelvic surgeries will be randomly assigned to early or standard removal. The goal is to see if shorter use lowers infect…

This study looks at why exercise helps some people with shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy but not others. Researchers will use brain scans to see how exercise changes the brain and find out who is most likely to get better. The goal is to make exercise treatments more …

This study looks at why some people are diagnosed with liver cancer at a late stage, when treatment is harder. Researchers will survey 730 patients in Los Angeles about social and economic challenges like transportation, food, and housing. They will also interview doctors and com…

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 tests whether a smartphone app that sets daily exercise goals and helps you plan around barriers can change your automatic feelings about physical activity. Researchers will enroll 120 inactive adults who are overweight or obese. Participants wear a Fitbit and answer q…

This study looks at how memory and thinking problems after a stroke affect a person's ability to relearn walking. Researchers will use walking tests, brain scans, and thinking assessments in 65 older adults who had a stroke at least six months ago. The goal is to understand which…

This study tests whether offering a $25 gift card encourages older adults from diverse backgrounds to join an Alzheimer's prevention registry. Researchers will recruit 400 people aged 50+ at community events, comparing the gift card to a non-cash gift. The goal is to see if small…

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 rehab without surgery. The main goal is to see if a larger study is possible, not to prove which tr…

This study from the University of Southern California is testing new wearable sensors and AI software to measure mental states like mood and anxiety. Researchers will collect data from 90 healthy volunteers and epilepsy patients who already have brain electrodes implanted for med…

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 explores whether electrical brain stimulation can be personalized using a patient's own brain activity. Researchers will work with 25 epilepsy patients who already have electrodes implanted for medical monitoring. They aim to develop a system that tracks depression sym…