Wake Forest University Health Sciences

This study looked at 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 were enrolled. The goal was to se…

This study tested whether regularly removing blood (like donating blood) can lower iron levels and improve diabetes control and fatty liver disease. 132 adults aged 40-75 with prediabetes or diabetes took part. The treatment group gave blood several times, while the control group…

This study tested whether adding Dermabond (a medical glue) to stitches helps keep spinal cord stimulator leads from moving after placement. 57 adults with chronic pain had their leads secured either with stitches alone or with stitches plus glue. The main goal was to measure how…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS to see if it 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 measure changes in drinking days,…

This study tested a new surgical device called the Femoral Neck System (FNS) for fixing a common type of hip fracture. Researchers wanted to see how often patients needed another surgery after the implant. The study included 43 adults with hip fractures and followed them for one …

This study tested special clothing made with Lumiton yarn that captures sunlight and turns it into red and near-infrared light, aiming to improve skin conditions like psoriasis, alopecia areata, and polymorphous light eruption. Eighteen adults with mild-to-severe forms of these c…

This completed study tested whether a high-intensity medical weight loss program, supported by a digital platform and continuous glucose monitors, could help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and achieve remission. 64 participants were enrolled and compared to a group recei…

This study tested whether weekly digital surveys and a skin hydration monitor could help people with rosacea use their ivermectin cream more consistently. Thirty adults with rosacea were given ivermectin and split into groups: some received no extra support, some got weekly digit…

This study looked at whether a modified Atkins diet combined with intermittent fasting is possible and has any effect in 25 people with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Participants followed the diet for several weeks while researchers checked if they could stick with it…

This study tested a combination of four drugs (elotuzumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) in 15 people whose multiple myeloma had returned or stopped responding to treatment. The goal was to see if this experimental mix could shrink the cancer more effectively than…

This study tested whether a smartphone app designed for people with serious mental illness can help them quit smoking better than standard methods. Researchers enrolled 343 adults with conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who wanted to quit. Participants used either …

This study looked at whether losing weight through a controlled diet, along with a regular exercise program, can improve fitness in obese older adults. 180 sedentary people aged 60 and older with a BMI between 30 and 35 took part. The goal was to see if more fat loss leads to gre…

This early-stage trial tested the safety of the drug nivolumab given after standard chemotherapy in 14 older adults (65 and up) with primary CNS lymphoma, a rare brain cancer. The goal was to see if adding nivolumab could help keep the cancer from coming back for at least 2 years…

This phase 2 trial tested a combination of a short, intense course of radiation (quad-shot) and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab in 21 people with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors and be safe. …

This study looked at whether using a continuous glucose monitor and working with a clinical pharmacist can improve blood sugar control in uninsured Black and Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty participants used the monitor and received medication management from a pha…

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 gum problems. 13 adults with at least 4 natural teeth and certain cancers took part. T…

This study looked at whether giving fewer antibiotics after appendix removal is safe and effective. 268 adults who had surgery for simple or complicated appendicitis took part. The goal was to see if a short course of antibiotics could reduce side effects without increasing compl…

This study tested whether a nasal insulin spray and a diabetes pill called empagliflozin, alone or together, could improve memory and brain function in 47 adults aged 55-85 with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. The goal was to see if these treatments are sa…

This study tested a program called STAR, where a nurse navigator helps sepsis patients for 90 days after they leave the hospital. The nurse checks medications, new health problems, and offers support by phone. Researchers wanted to see if this program lowers the chance of death o…

This pilot 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 symptoms of nerve damage underwent nerve ultrasounds, skin biop…

This pilot study tested a home-based lifestyle program for 7-to-10-year-old children living in rural areas. The program included activity packs, health coach sessions, and a resource toolbox to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Researchers measured changes in diet, fr…

This study tested whether text message reminders can encourage people to keep their opioid pain medication in a safe place and throw away any leftover pills after treatment. About 479 adults who received an opioid prescription took part. The goal was to reduce the chance of these…

This pilot study tested whether ramipril, a drug typically used for high blood pressure, can help prevent memory loss in people with glioblastoma who are receiving brain radiation. 75 patients took ramipril daily during and after chemoradiation. Researchers measured memory and th…

This study tested whether lifestyle changes—like a healthy diet, physical and mental exercise, and managing health risks—can protect memory and thinking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers enrolled 2,000 Americans who were sedentary and had a low-quality …

This pilot study tested whether involving young people in designing and running substance misuse prevention programs makes those programs more effective. Four community organizations in North Carolina took part; some used the youth engagement approach while others did not. Resear…

This completed phase 2 trial tested whether oxytocin, given as a nasal spray or through an IV, can reduce pain from heat in healthy adults. Twenty-four participants rated their pain on a 0-10 scale after skin heating. The study also looked at whether age, weight, or sex affect ho…

This study tests whether a chair-based yoga program is practical and acceptable for people with functional dyspepsia or gastroparesis—conditions that cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Ten adults will attend two one-hour yoga sessions and practice at home. Researchers will…

This pilot study tests whether a special cream (KeraStat) and a mobile app (MyCap) can help manage skin rashes caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Sixteen participants will apply the cream at least twice daily during radiation and use the app to report t…

This study tested whether a digital coaching platform paired with a wearable sensor could help first-year medical students build resilience and reduce burnout. Thirty-six students used the Arena Strive app, had two virtual coaching sessions, and wore a device to track heart rate …

This study tests whether giving IV lidocaine during paraesophageal hernia surgery can reduce pain and speed recovery. About 50 adults having elective laparoscopic hernia repair will receive either lidocaine or a placebo alongside standard pain management. Researchers will measure…

This study tested whether metformin, a standard diabetes drug, could help older adults with a specific type of heart failure (HFpEF) feel better and move more easily. Over 20 weeks, 86 participants took either metformin or a placebo. Researchers measured exercise capacity, qualit…

This pilot study tested whether a self-management program combining exercise classes and group discussions could relieve joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (AI) in older breast cancer survivors. Twelve women aged 60 and older who were starting AI medication took part. The …

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS 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 people found the dev…

This study looked at whether giving birth in water (waterbirth) is better than a traditional land birth for low-risk, healthy women. Researchers compared pain medication use, labor length, breastfeeding rates, and satisfaction between the two groups. The goal was to see if waterb…

This small proof-of-concept study tested a non-invasive device that uses sound and light to help people with hemianopia (blindness in half of the visual field). Five adults with stable hemianopia underwent training sessions where they were exposed to matching sound and visual cue…

This study tested whether giving insulin through the nose can help people with mild memory problems. Thirteen participants received either 20 or 40 units of insulin via a nasal device. Researchers measured how much insulin reached the fluid around the brain and checked memory wit…

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 study tested a device that delivers pain medicine directly to the spinal cord for cancer patients with severe pain not controlled by oral opioids. Researchers compared the pump to standard medical management in 30 adults. The goal was to see if the pump reduces pain intensit…

This early-stage study looked at whether giving two standard chemotherapy drugs (cytarabine and daunorubicin) in a different way could be safer for the heart in adults newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers used heart MRI scans to monitor for damage. The g…

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

This study tested a stepped-care telehealth program for cancer survivors living in rural areas who experience anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Participants received either low-intensity check-ins or high-intensity phone therapy with a licensed therapist, depending on sympt…

This study looked at whether acupuncture can reduce dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer. A total of 258 participants were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or usual care. The main goal was to see if acupuncture improved dr…

This study looked at whether working with a care manager (patient navigator) and using an online pain coping program can help people with chronic pain improve how they manage their pain and daily activities. The study included 32 adults who had daily pain for at least 3 months an…

This study measured anxiety in 100 patients undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Researchers compared anxiety levels between first-time and returning patients, and also tested whether reading a short story about a typical patient's experience helped reduce anxiety. The goal i…

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

This study tested whether giving oxytocin (a natural hormone) along with a vibrating device could raise the pain threshold in skin that had a mild sunburn. Thirty-eight healthy adults received either oxytocin or a placebo by IV, while a vibrator was applied to the sunburned area.…

This study tested whether a TENS unit, a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the skin, can help manage pain after surgery for broken leg bones. 205 adults who had surgery for fractures of the thigh, shin, or ankle were followed for a year. Researchers measured how…

This study looked at whether a 12-week, at-home walking program using a step counter is practical for adults with epilepsy. Twenty-six participants used a Garmin watch to track steps and attended virtual sessions. The goal was to see if people could stick with their step targets …

This study tested whether one dose of radiation works as well as two doses for reducing pain from cancer that has spread to the bones. 102 adults with painful bone metastases took part. The goal was to see if a single treatment could provide similar pain relief and reduce the nee…

This study tested whether giving calcium before the drug diltiazem can prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure in people with a fast heart rate due to atrial fibrillation or flutter. 92 adults took part. The goal was to make the treatment safer and more comfortable.

This study tested a program to improve sleep and daytime activity in frail adults aged 65 and older with insomnia. Seven participants tried a 24-hour approach to build healthier sleep-wake habits. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked, and to measure cha…

This study tested a special 'peppering' injection technique for people with chronic plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. 41 adults with heel pain lasting 6 weeks or more received the injection to see if it could reduce pain and improve foot function. The goal was to fi…

This study tested whether giving heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during surgery can improve quality of life for people with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. Fifty participants received the treatment after standard chemotherapy. Researchers mea…

This small study tested a combination wound dressing for people with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) who have non-healing wounds or draining abscesses. The dressing contains methylene blue, gentian violet, and a sheep stomach-derived material. Five adults were followed for 8 weeks …

This pilot study tested whether muscadine grape extract can improve fatigue in people aged 70 and older who have had cancer. 64 participants took either the grape extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The study measured changes in fatigue and physical function using questionnaires.

This study tested whether combining a non-opioid pain medication (duloxetine) with an online pain-coping skills program helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this approach reduces pain…

This study tested a 5-week digital program called EMPOWER that teaches emotion regulation skills to adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. 352 participants completed weekly lessons and brief daily exercises. The goal was to see if the program could improve positive feelings…

This study tested a device called Cereset Research that plays tones in response to a person's brainwaves, aiming to reduce stress and improve sleep. 94 stressed healthcare workers used the device for several sessions and were followed for a year. The goal was to see if the device…

This study follows head and neck cancer patients who received radiation therapy to see how many teeth they lose over two years. It also looks at other mouth problems like dry mouth and bone damage. The goal is to better understand and manage these long-term side effects.

This study follows up with head and neck cancer patients about 7 years after they finished radiation therapy. Researchers will check for cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, bone damage, and saliva flow. The goal is to understand the long-term dental side effects of cancer treatmen…

This study looked at whether using a physical activity screener, along with exercise coaching and self-monitoring, could help breast and colon cancer survivors become more active and spend less time sitting. Twenty survivors who had finished their main cancer treatment at least t…

This completed study surveyed 100 adults with brain tumors (gliomas) to understand how social factors like income, education, housing, and community support affect their health. Participants answered questionnaires about their neighborhoods, access to food and transportation, and…

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 outcome…

This study looks at how a common breast cancer medicine called an aromatase inhibitor changes the bacteria in your gut. Researchers will collect stool and blood samples from 25 women before and after starting the medicine to see how gut bacteria shifts and how that affects estrog…

This completed study collected information from 101 patients and healthcare providers to design a care pathway for COPD in people also being treated for lung or head and neck cancer. The goal was to identify common burdens and barriers to COPD care in oncology clinics. The findin…

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

This study looked at whether pharmacist-led medication reviews could help adults aged 75 and older who take six or more medications safely reduce their pill burden. Researchers tracked changes in the number of medications, fall rates, hospitalizations, and quality of life. The go…

This study tested whether a tool inside a patient portal could help people with mild memory problems discuss and document their future healthcare wishes. Researchers enrolled 300 older adults with cognitive impairment who had a patient portal account. The goal was to see if peopl…

This study looked at two ways to help families reschedule a missed well-child visit: sending up to three text messages, or having a community health worker reach out personally. Over 3,800 children who missed their appointment were randomly assigned to one of these approaches or …

This study looked at how smoking or not smoking affects the choices people make when they have to put in effort. Five adult smokers were tested after smoking as usual and after not smoking for at least 12 hours. Researchers used brain scans and behavior tasks to see if abstinence…

This study tested whether changes in pupil size can reliably measure pain. Twenty adults with hip or knee arthritis received brief heat pulses while researchers recorded their pupil responses and pain ratings. The goal was to see if pupil diameter could serve as an objective pain…

This study tested a tool built into electronic health records that prompts doctors to discuss heart health with cancer survivors during routine visits. Researchers enrolled 645 survivors of breast, prostate, colorectal, endometrial, and lymphoma cancers across 12 clinics. The goa…

This study looked at whether a telehealth program could help paramedics treat people having a severe heart attack (STEMI) more quickly. Researchers measured times from first contact to treatment in 11 patients in Wilkes County. The goal was to see if remote support from doctors c…

This small, early-phase study tested whether a single dose of sedatives like ketamine, midazolam, or dexmedetomidine could reduce cigarette cravings and smoking in 20 daily smokers. Participants received one of these drugs or a placebo (saline) and reported their cravings, withdr…

This study tested whether practicing on a special model (Miya Model) helps new surgeons perform vaginal hysterectomy better in the operating room. Twenty-five residents with little experience took part. Researchers compared surgical skill scores between those who had simulation t…

This study tested a program that screens older adults (60+) for memory and thinking problems after they leave the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal was to see if it's possible to identify issues like mild cognitive impairment or dementia early. 109 people took part, and the stu…

This completed study surveyed over 3,500 U.S. adults aged 18-65 to understand how they perceive health claims in CBD advertisements, including claims that are not allowed by the FDA. Participants viewed five real-world CBD ads and rated whether they thought the ads made claims ab…

This study looked at whether a family member or caregiver can reliably assess an elderly person's mobility by answering questions based on short video clips. Researchers compared the answers from 60 patients and their surrogates to see if they matched. If this approach works, it …

This study looked at whether having new mothers check their blood pressure at home for three weeks after leaving the hospital is a practical way to catch high blood pressure early. Over 1,600 women participated, and researchers tracked how many readings they took, whether they fo…

This study looked at how physical activity changes the body at a molecular level in 320 children and teens ages 10-17. Participants gave blood samples after exercise and some took part in a 12-week exercise program. The goal was to understand the health benefits of exercise, not …

This study looked at whether CBD ads with health claims (like curing cancer) make people more likely to buy CBD products. 460 adults completed a shopping task in a mini mart, seeing either CBD ads or non-CBD ads. Researchers tracked how many bought a CBD product and what they tho…

This study looked at how a high-fat, high-sugar Western diet changes immune cells called monocytes in healthy, normal-weight adults aged 20-45. Eight participants ate a controlled Western diet for 8 weeks. Researchers measured specific proteins and genes in the blood to understan…

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 design and improve the program. The goal was to figure out the best w…

This study looked at whether taking part in an action civics curriculum—where students learn about and engage in community issues—can improve the health and wellbeing of middle and high school students. Over 1,600 students completed surveys about their civic involvement, sense of…

This study looked at how exercise changes molecules in the body. About 1,800 adults were placed into endurance training, resistance training, or no exercise for 12 weeks. The goal was to create a detailed map of these molecular changes to help future research on the health benefi…

This study looked at whether posting health warnings in hookah cafés could reduce how much young adults smoke. Researchers measured carbon monoxide levels in 977 customers before and after they smoked. The goal was to see if warnings led to less smoking compared to no warnings.

This completed study looked at whether special outreach programs—using transplant social workers and coordinators—can help Black and non-Black patients with chronic kidney disease get kidney transplants earlier and more fairly. Over 1,100 adults took part. The goal was to see if …

This study tested a program called STAR, where a nurse helps sepsis patients manage medications, new health problems, and follow-up care for 90 days after leaving the hospital. Researchers wanted to see if this support reduces deaths and hospital readmissions. Over 1,800 adults a…

This pilot study tested whether a stress test combined with a heart MRI can detect early signs of heart damage in premenopausal women treated for breast cancer. The study involved 25 women who had already received treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Researchers used …

This study looked at 760 children under 8 years old who had surgery with a breathing tube. Some had cold symptoms, others did not. Researchers tested five simple signs—like facial grimace and eye opening—to see if they could predict a safe breathing tube removal. The goal was to …

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

This study tested a wearable device that buzzes to remind surgical residents when they are slouching during operations. The goal was to see if the device helps them spend more time in an upright posture and reduces muscle pain. Twelve surgical residents took part in this complete…

This pilot study compared two healthy eating plans for overweight or obese pregnant women in a low-resource clinic. Forty-one women were randomly assigned to either standard healthy diet advice or a Mediterranean diet program that included free meals, olive oil, and nuts. Researc…

This study surveyed 67 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) to better understand how the condition affects their quality of life. Researchers also tested a new tool that lets patients rate their own disease severity using photos. The goal is to improve how doctors and patien…

This study followed 70 women aged 70 and older with urinary incontinence to see how muscle loss (sarcopenia) and physical function affect the results of pelvic floor exercises. Researchers tracked incontinence episodes and muscle strength over 12 weeks. The goal is to better tail…

This study tested a special device that sprays insulin into the nose to see how much gets into the brain. Twenty people with mild memory problems or normal thinking took part. The goal was to measure insulin levels in spinal fluid and check if it helps memory. This is an early st…

This study tested four different ways to deliver anxiety and depression screening questionnaires to adults with epilepsy before their clinic visits. Researchers wanted to see which method led to the highest completion rates. The goal is to make mental health screening easier and …

This study looked at how oxytocin, a natural brain hormone, might reduce pain from heat. 25 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 a model of how oxytocin …

This pilot study tested whether older adults with extra weight could stick to either eating fewer calories or eating only within an 8-hour window for 9 months. About 90 people took part, with some getting in-person coaching and others doing it remotely. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested whether a digital health program using text messages could help parents adopt healthy feeding habits for their infants. Sixty-nine parents of newborns (up to 6 weeks old) who receive nutrition assistance benefits were enrolled. The program sent daily texts with …

This study aimed to create and test a new scale called TD-STIGMA to measure stigma and discrimination in children and young adults with chronic tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome. Researchers worked with 43 participants, including people with tics and their caregivers, to…

This study looked at how short-term pain from heat or cold affects thinking and concentration. Twelve healthy adults played an iPad game before, during, and after experiencing mild pain. The goal was to see if pain changes how quickly and accurately people can perform simple task…