Wake Forest University Health Sciences

This study looked at whether a modified Atkins-based diet with short-term fasting is possible for people with glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer. Twenty-five patients who had already completed standard treatments tried the diet for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if they could sti…

This study tested a combination of four drugs (carfilzomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone, and elotuzumab) in 15 adults with multiple myeloma that had come back or stopped responding to treatment. The goal was to see how many patients achieved a very good partial response or better…

This study tested a new treatment for people with advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer that cannot be cured with standard treatments. It combined a short, intense course of radiation (quad-shot) with immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system fight cancer. The goal was…

This study tested whether a nasal insulin spray combined with the diabetes drug empagliflozin can safely improve memory and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. 47 adults aged 55-85 with signs of Alzheimer's in their brain took part. The goal wa…

This pilot study tested whether applying prescription fluoride varnish to teeth every three months during the first year after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can reduce cavities and tooth loss. Thirteen adults with at least four natural teeth and certain cancers parti…

This study looked at whether giving fewer antibiotics after appendix removal is safe and works well. 268 adults who had surgery for simple or complicated appendicitis were followed for at least 30 days. The goal was to see if a short course of antibiotics could reduce side effect…

This study tested two types of brain stimulation (called TMS) to see if they could help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. 147 adults who wanted to cut back on drinking received TMS and were tracked for 4 months. The goal was to find out which TMS method worked better a…

This study looked at whether special programs can help people with chronic kidney disease get kidney transplants earlier and reduce racial differences in care. Over 1,100 adults took part. The programs included a system to find patients who might need a transplant early and a tea…

This study tested a new metal device called the Femoral Neck System (FNS) for fixing broken hips in 43 adults. The main goal was to see how many people needed another surgery within a year. The study also checked how well patients could walk and balance after treatment.

This study looked at 180 obese, sedentary older adults to see if losing fat through a controlled diet while exercising improves their heart and lung fitness more than exercise alone. Participants followed a standard exercise program and some also reduced calories to lose weight. …

This study tested a high-intensity medical weight loss program combined with a digital platform to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and achieve remission. 64 participants with recent diabetes diagnosis and obesity were enrolled. The program used a digital tool to tail…

This study compared two ways to help people with serious mental illness quit smoking: a smartphone app designed for them (Quit on the Go) versus standard care. 343 participants were followed for 6 months to see who stopped smoking, verified by a breath test. The goal was to find …

This study tested a program called STAR that helps people who survived sepsis recover better after leaving the hospital. About 3,900 adults with sepsis took part across eight hospitals. The program used a nurse to guide care for up to 90 days, focusing on physical and mental reco…

This early-phase study tested whether the immunotherapy drug nivolumab is safe and effective for older adults (65+) with primary CNS lymphoma after they finish high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy. Fourteen participants were enrolled to check for side effects and see if the treatm…

This study looked at whether using a continuous glucose monitor along with help from a clinical pharmacist can improve blood sugar control in uninsured Black and Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty participants used the monitor and worked with the pharmacist to manage …

This study looked at whether weekly digital surveys or a home skin hydration monitor can help people with rosacea use their ivermectin cream as directed. Thirty adults with rosacea used the cream daily and were split into three groups: one with no extra help, one with weekly digi…

This study tested whether giving heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during a second-look surgery is possible for people with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Ten participants who had already received standard treatment took part. The main goal was to see …

This study tested whether ultrasound can detect nerve damage caused by the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in people with gastrointestinal cancer. Twenty participants who had or were receiving oxaliplatin and had nerve symptoms were scanned. The goal was to see if ultrasound could …

This pilot study tested whether getting young people actively involved in prevention programs can reduce substance misuse. Four community organizations in North Carolina took part; some used a youth engagement strategy while others did not. Researchers surveyed staff and youth to…

This study looked at whether combining physical exercise, mental challenges, a healthy diet, and social activities can help protect memory and thinking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. About 2,000 sedentary Americans with low diet scores and no current memory prob…

This study tested whether text message reminders help people keep their opioid pain pills locked up during treatment and throw away any unused pills afterward. About 479 adults who had received an opioid prescription took part. The goal was to reduce the chance that leftover pill…

This study tested a 6-month home program for 7-10 year olds in rural areas to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, aiming to lower type 2 diabetes risk. 72 children took part, with some receiving activity packs, health coach calls, and a resource toolbox, while others …

This study tested whether sending personalized text messages to parents could help prevent rapid weight gain in infants from low-income families. 69 parents with babies 6 weeks or younger received tips and support on responsive feeding. The goal was to build healthy habits early …

This study tested a special 'peppering' injection technique for people with chronic plantar fasciitis (long-term heel pain). 41 adults received either the peppering injection or a standard one. The goal was to see if the new method provides better pain relief and foot function wi…

This study tested whether acupuncture can help relieve dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. 258 adults who had radiation and developed moderate to severe dry mouth took part. Participants received acupuncture, and researchers measured changes in dry mou…

This study tested whether a supplement made from muscadine grapes could reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in 106 men with prostate cancer who were already receiving hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy). Participants took either the grape extract or a placebo fo…

This early-phase study tested whether a supplement made from muscadine grapes could reduce fatigue in people aged 70 and older who had been treated for cancer. Sixty-four participants took either the grape extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if fatigue sco…

This study tested whether a 12-week, at-home step-goal program is doable for people with epilepsy. Twenty-six adults with epilepsy used a Garmin watch to track steps and attended virtual sessions. The goal was to see if they could stick with the program and how it might affect th…

This study tested whether one or two doses of radiation therapy works better to reduce pain in cancer patients whose disease has spread to the bones. A total of 102 adults with painful bone metastases received either a single dose or two doses of radiation. The goal was to see if…

This small study tested a non-invasive training program that uses both sound and visual cues to help people with hemianopia (blindness in half of the visual field) regain some vision. Five adults with stable hemianopia participated in a three-month program. The goal was to see if…

This study tested whether working with a care manager and using an online pain coping tool can help people with chronic pain improve their daily function and pain management. 32 adults with long-term pain and at least one social challenge (like food or housing insecurity) took pa…

This study tested whether giving oxytocin (a natural hormone) along with gentle vibration can raise the pain threshold for heat on sunburned skin. 38 healthy adults with mild sunburn received either oxytocin or a placebo while vibration was applied. The goal was to see if the com…

This early study looked at how safe and effective a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (cytarabine and daunorubicin) is for adults newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The main goal was to see if the treatment caused heart problems, using MRI scans to monitor hea…

This study tested whether giving calcium before the heart medication diltiazem can prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure. 92 adults with a fast heart rate due to atrial fibrillation or flutter took part. Researchers compared calcium pre-treatment to a placebo to see if it reduc…

This study tested whether the blood pressure medication Ramipril could help prevent memory loss in people with glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) who are receiving radiation and chemotherapy. 75 participants took Ramipril during and for four months after their cancer treatment…

This study tested a special wound dressing (a mix of methylene blue, gentian violet, and sheep stomach tissue) on 5 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa who had sores that wouldn't heal. The goal was to see how much the wounds shrank over 8 weeks and if pain improved. The dressin…

This study looked at whether a targeted drug delivery system (a pump that sends pain medicine directly to the spine) works better than standard pain pills for people with severe cancer pain. Researchers followed 30 adults whose pain was not controlled by strong opioids. They meas…

This study tested whether a TENS device, which sends mild electrical pulses through the skin, can help manage pain after leg fracture surgery. Researchers followed 205 adults for 12 months to see if TENS reduced the amount of opioids needed and improved overall well-being. The go…

This study tested a stepped-care program delivered by phone to help cancer survivors living in rural areas manage emotional distress like anxiety and depression. 68 adults who had finished cancer treatment for breast, colorectal, prostate, gynecologic cancers, or non-Hodgkin's ly…

This study compared waterbirth to traditional land birth for 186 low-risk pregnant women in a hospital. Researchers looked at whether waterbirth reduces the need for pain medication, shortens labor, and improves breastfeeding and satisfaction. The goal was to see if waterbirth is…

This small pilot study tested a program called Sleep Well 24 in 7 frail older adults with insomnia. The program aimed to improve both nighttime sleep and daytime activity. Researchers measured sleep efficiency with a wrist monitor and tracked daily steps. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested whether adding a special skin glue (Dermabond) to the usual stitches and tape can keep spinal cord stimulator trial wires from moving out of place. 57 adults with chronic pain took part. The main goal was to measure how much the wires shifted over 5-8 days, comp…

This study looked at whether giving heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen (HIPEC) after surgery helps improve quality of life for people with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Fifty participants who had already received standard chemotherapy were enr…

This study looked at whether taking a non-opioid medication (duloxetine) together with web-based pain-coping skills training helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. About 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this combined a…

This pilot study tested whether a program combining education and group exercise could reduce joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (AI) in older breast cancer survivors (aged 60+). Twelve women who were about to start AI medication were randomly assigned to either standard c…

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes medication, can improve exercise ability and quality of life in older adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). 86 participants took either metformin or a placebo for 20 weeks. Researchers measured o…

This study tested a gentle brain stimulation method called tDCS to see if it could help cancer survivors who smoke feel less distressed and smoke fewer cigarettes. 43 participants used the device at home via telehealth. The main goal was to see if the device was easy and comforta…

This study tested a digital program to help teens and young adults who have had cancer feel better emotionally. The program taught skills for healthy coping and mood management. 352 survivors participated, and the study measured changes in positive feelings and anxiety.

This small pilot study tested whether spinal cord stimulation could reduce painful muscle stiffness and spasms in people with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. Two participants received temporary stimulation for up to 10 days, and researchers measured changes in …

This study tested a light-based device called Lumiton to see if it could improve skin and hair conditions like psoriasis, alopecia areata, and polymorphous light eruption. Eighteen adults used the device at home, and researchers measured changes in disease severity using photos a…

This study tested whether a relaxation technique called Cereset Research, which uses gentle sounds to calm the brain, could help stressed healthcare workers feel better over a year. 94 healthcare workers with high stress levels took part. After an initial set of four sessions, so…

This study looked at whether a 10-week pelvic physical therapy program is practical for gynecologic cancer survivors who have sexual problems. Researchers enrolled 20 survivors to see if they would stick with the program and if it improved their sexual function and quality of lif…

This study looked at different ways to help families whose children missed a scheduled well-child checkup. Over 3,800 families were randomly assigned to receive either a simple text reminder, a call from a community health worker, or no special follow-up (usual care). The goal wa…

This study looked at how short-term pain affects thinking and focus. Healthy adults played an iPad game before, during, and after feeling mild heat or cold pain. The goal was to see if pain changes how quickly and accurately people can play. Results help us understand how pain im…

This study looked at how anxious patients feel during Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Researchers compared first-time patients to those who had the surgery before, and also tested whether reading a short story about another patient's experience helped lower anxiety. The goal was to…

This study tested a special device that delivers insulin through the nose to see how much gets into the brain. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, but it may also affect memory. The study included 20 people with mild memory problems or normal cognition. Researche…

This pilot study tested whether a Mediterranean diet program could help overweight pregnant women manage weight gain better than standard healthy eating advice. 41 women in early pregnancy were randomly assigned to either routine counseling or a Mediterranean diet with free food …

This study looked at whether a family member or caregiver can reliably assess an elderly person's mobility using a short video test. About 130 participants (60 patients and 60 family/caregivers) took part. Patients watched short video clips of tasks like walking or climbing and r…

This study tested whether a special recovery program (STAR) helps people who had sepsis stay healthier after leaving the hospital. Over 1800 adults took part. Researchers looked at whether the program reduced deaths and return hospital visits within 90 days.

This study looked at whether having new mothers check their blood pressure at home for 3 weeks after leaving the hospital can help find and manage high blood pressure early. Over 1,600 women took part. The goal was to see if home monitoring is practical and acceptable, and if it …

This study looked at whether showing health warnings inside hookah cafés could make young adults smoke less. About 977 hookah café customers took part. Researchers measured their carbon monoxide levels before and after smoking to see if warnings made a difference.

This study tested a program called FinFit to help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors deal with money problems caused by their illness. Researchers interviewed 16 people from community cancer clinics to understand how to best deliver financial support. The goal was to cre…

This study observed 760 children under 8 years old who had surgery with general anesthesia. Some had cold symptoms (upper respiratory infection) and some did not. The goal was to see if a simple checklist could help doctors decide the best time to safely remove the breathing tube…

This study looked at whether a special heart stress test using MRI can find early signs of heart damage in premenopausal women treated for breast cancer. 25 women who had chemotherapy or hormone therapy took part. The goal was to see if the test could help doctors catch heart pro…

This study tested whether changes in pupil size can reliably measure acute pain. Researchers gave short, painful heat pulses to 20 adults with hip or knee arthritis and measured how their pupils reacted. The goal was to see if pupil response could be a trustworthy, objective pain…

This study looked at whether a telehealth program could help paramedics treat heart attack patients faster. Researchers measured the time from when patients first called 911 to when they received treatment. The study included 11 adults with a severe type of heart attack called ST…

This study looked at how eating a Western diet (high in saturated fat, fructose, and calories) for 8 weeks affects immune cells called monocytes in healthy, normal-weight adults aged 20-45. Researchers measured changes in a protein called MKP-1 and analyzed gene activity to under…

This study tested a computer tool that helps doctors and cancer survivors discuss heart health during follow-up visits. 645 survivors of breast, prostate, colorectal, endometrial, or lymphoma cancers took part. The tool aimed to increase conversations about heart risks and referr…

This study looked at whether older adults who need to lose weight can follow either a reduced-calorie diet or a time-restricted eating plan (eating only within an 8.5-hour window each day) for 9 months. About 90 people took part, and researchers measured how well they stuck to th…

This study tested a wearable device that buzzes when surgical residents slouch during operations. Twelve residents wore the device while doing laparoscopic procedures to see if it helped them spend more time in an upright posture and reduced their muscle pain. The goal was to fin…

This study aimed to understand what happens inside the body when children and teenagers exercise. Researchers measured molecular changes in the blood after a single workout and after 12 weeks of regular endurance training. A total of 320 healthy kids and teens aged 10-17 took par…

This study looked at how oxytocin, a natural brain hormone, changes the way people feel pain from heat. Twenty-five healthy adults and people with chronic pain rated their pain during skin heating before, during, and after receiving oxytocin through an IV. The goal was to create …

This study looked at why many families leave pediatric weight management programs early. Researchers used data from over 1,200 children and their parents to build a tool that predicts dropout. The goal is to help programs keep families engaged and improve long-term health.

This study created a new questionnaire to measure stigma and discrimination in children and young adults (ages 8–30) with Tourette Syndrome or other chronic tic disorders. Researchers tested the scale with 43 participants to see how well it captures the challenges they face. The …

This study gathered information from 101 patients and healthcare providers to design a care pathway for COPD in people with lung or head and neck cancer. The goal was to reduce treatment burden and overcome common barriers to COPD care in community oncology clinics. Researchers u…

This study looked at whether CBD products advertised with health claims (like curing cancer or preventing Alzheimer's) influence what people buy. About 460 adults aged 18-79 completed a shopping task in a mini mart. The goal was to see if such claims change purchase behavior and …

This study looked at why Spanish-speaking Latinx communities face higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death. Researchers worked with community partners to understand social and ethical barriers to testing and vaccination. They tested a program that combined peer support and mo…

This study looked at how different sedatives (ketamine, midazolam, dexmedetomidine, or a placebo) affect cigarette cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking behavior in 20 daily smokers. Participants received one dose intravenously, and researchers measured their cravings and nu…

This study looked at whether giving insulin through the nose can help people with mild memory problems. Researchers measured how much insulin reached the brain fluid and checked if it improved memory. The study involved 13 adults who were either healthy or had mild cognitive impa…

This study surveyed over 3,500 U.S. adults to learn how they interpret health claims in real-world CBD advertisements. Participants viewed ads and rated whether they thought the ads made claims like curing disease or being FDA-approved. The goal was to see if people perceive proh…

This study looked at whether a special simulation model (Miya Model) helps new surgeons perform vaginal hysterectomy better in the operating room. Twenty-five residents with little experience took part. The goal was to see if practicing on the model improved their surgical skills…

This study followed 70 women aged 70 and older with urinary incontinence to see if muscle loss (sarcopenia) and physical function problems affect how well non-surgical treatments work. Participants kept a bladder diary and did pelvic floor exercises for 12 weeks. The goal was to …

This study looked at whether taking part in a special civics class (action civics) can improve the health and wellbeing of middle and high school students. About 1,659 students from participating schools filled out surveys during class and later online. The goal was to see if civ…

This study tested whether a program created through a community contest could encourage more people to get tested for COVID-19. Researchers enrolled 546 adults from specific areas in North Carolina who had not had COVID-19 or been tested recently. The goal was to see if the progr…

This study looked at how smoking versus overnight abstinence changes the way adult smokers make decisions requiring effort and how they handle distress. Five participants completed behavioral tasks and brain scans. The goal was to understand the effects of smoking state on motiva…

This study looked at how exercise affects the body on a molecular level. Over 1,800 adults were assigned to endurance training, resistance training, or no exercise for 12 weeks. The goal was to create a detailed map of the molecular changes caused by physical activity, which can …

This study tested a program that screens older adults (60+) for memory and thinking problems after a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). About 109 people took part to see if the screening was practical and helpful. The goal was to find cognitive issues early and connect patien…

This study tested whether a tool inside a patient portal could help people with mild memory problems discuss and document their future healthcare wishes. About 300 older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia took part. The goal was to see if they would use the t…

This study looked at how support from friends and family can help teenagers living with HIV stay in care and take their medicine regularly. Researchers worked with 60 teens in South Africa to understand which types of support work best. The goal was to design a better program to …

This study looked at different ways to screen adults with epilepsy for anxiety and depression. Researchers compared four methods of delivering screening questionnaires to see which one patients were most likely to complete before their clinic visit. The goal was to find the most …

This study involved 67 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, a painful skin condition. Researchers used surveys and photos to learn how the disease impacts quality of life and to test a tool that lets patients rate their own disease severity. The goal was to better understand the…