Washington University School Of Medicine

This study tested a new, faster way to give radiation therapy for small lung tumors. Instead of the usual two to three weeks of planning and multiple visits, the goal was to complete the entire treatment in just one day. Ten patients with early-stage lung cancer or limited lung m…

This study tested a personalized vaccine made from each patient's unique cancer mutations (neoantigens) in people with pancreatic cancer. The vaccine was given after chemotherapy and before or after surgery to see if it is safe and boosts the immune system. 33 patients took part …

This study tested a combination of targeted therapy (acalabrutinib) and chemotherapy in 13 people with untreated mantle cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. The goal was to see if this approach could safely shrink tumors enough to allow a stem cell transplant. The treatment was gi…

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation of a nerve in the ear (called taVNS) could reduce inflammation and improve recovery in 40 adults who had a severe ischemic stroke. Participants received either standard care or standard care plus the ear stimulation. The mai…

This study tested whether a drug called moxidectin works better than the standard drug ivermectin for treating lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. 164 adults in Ghana received one of four single-dose drug combinations. Researchers checked if the treatm…

This study tested a shorter course of pelvic radiation after hysterectomy in 25 women with advanced endometrial cancer. The goal was to see if the shorter treatment causes fewer side effects while still controlling the cancer as well as the standard 5-6 week radiation. Participan…

This study tested the drug mitomycin C in 48 adults with incurable head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard therapies. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors. The trial focused on two groups: patients with HPV-related and HPV-unrelated cancers. Re…

This study tested a drug called crizanlizumab in 18 people with RVCL, a rare and fatal genetic disease that damages small blood vessels in the brain and eyes. The goal was to see if the drug could slow the growth of brain lesions seen on MRI scans. While not a cure, the study aim…

This study looked at whether giving less intense, personalized treatment after surgery can lower side effects for people with HPV-related throat cancer. 63 patients had surgery to remove their tumors, then received follow-up therapy based on their individual risk. The goal was to…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, ramucirumab and pembrolizumab, in 43 people with head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and effective at shrinking tumors. The trial had two parts: first finding a safe dose,…

This study tested a mix of two drugs (retifanlimab and epacadostat) plus radiation and bevacizumab in 51 people with recurrent glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer. The goal was to see if this combination could help the immune system fight the tumor and improve survival. While th…

This early-phase study tested a combination of three drugs (cabozantinib, abiraterone, and nivolumab) alongside standard hormone therapy in 18 men with metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormone treatment. The main goal was to find a safe dose and check for side ef…

This study tested whether adding the drug efavirenz to standard HIV therapy is safe and can reduce the hidden HIV reservoir in the body. Seven adults with HIV on stable treatment took extra efavirenz for a period. Researchers measured virus levels in blood and tissues before and …

This study tested a new treatment for children and adults whose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) returned after a stem cell transplant. The treatment combined donor immune cells (lymphocytes) with specially trained natural killer (NK) cells designed to better attack the leukemia. The…

This study looked at two ways to help adults with low income and heart-related health problems get more fruits and vegetables. One group got money added to a rewards account to buy produce, and the other got free produce boxes delivered to their home. The goal was to see which me…

This study tested a drug called ADI-PEG 20 combined with two chemotherapy drugs (gemcitabine and docetaxel) in 98 people with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, or small cell lung cancer. The goal was to see if adding ADI-PEG 20, which starves cancer cel…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (MK-3475) before standard surgery could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back. It included 67 adults with advanced, surgically removable head and neck cancer. The main goal was to see if the drug c…

This early-phase study tested whether TUDCA, a natural bile acid, is safe and can reduce stress in gut cells of people with active ulcerative colitis. Fourteen adults took TUDCA for 6 weeks while researchers monitored side effects and measured changes in cell stress markers from …

This study tested a smartphone app called uMAT-R to help pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder stick with their treatment. 125 women participated, using the app to support medication adherence and reduce cravings. The goal was to see if the app was helpful and ea…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug called adrabetadex (VTS-270) in 4 infants with Niemann-Pick type C disease who had severe liver problems. The drug was given through a vein to see if it could lower abnormal bile acid levels in the blood, which are a sign of live…

This study tested a new way to give radiation to people with low-risk, early-stage breast cancer after they had a lumpectomy. Instead of many sessions, it uses just three doses aimed only at the tumor area. The goal was to see if this shorter treatment is safe and well-tolerated,…

This study tested whether helping people with type 2 diabetes get their basic needs met—like food, housing, and safety—can improve their blood sugar control. About 473 adults on Medicaid took part. The goal was to see if a navigation program to address these needs could lower HbA…

This early-phase study tested a new approach for people with metastatic esophageal cancer (cancer that has spread). It combined a short, strong dose of internal radiation (brachytherapy) with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The goal was to see if the radiation could help th…

This study tested a new way to treat advanced lung cancer (stages IIB to IIIC) that cannot be removed with surgery. It combined precise, MRI-guided radiation with chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug called durvalumab. The goal was to see if this approach is safe and helps cont…

This study tested whether short-course radiation followed by chemotherapy could eliminate rectal cancer without the need for surgery. 63 adults with early-stage rectal cancer were enrolled. The goal was to see if the tumor completely disappeared based on exams, scans, and biopsie…

This early study tested the drug belimumab (Benlysta) in 10 adults who had a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. The goal was to see if it could safely prevent chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious long-term complication where donor cells attack the patient's bod…

This study tested whether adding a special light-based imaging tool (called diffuse optical tomography) to standard ultrasound can help doctors tell the difference between harmless and cancerous breast lumps. The goal was to see if this could reduce the number of women who need a…

This early-phase study tested a new radioactive tracer called 68Ga-Galmydar for PET scans of the heart. The goal was to see if it can help doctors better detect reduced blood flow in people with coronary artery disease. Fifteen adults, including some with known heart disease and …

This early-phase study tested a new PET imaging agent (64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i) in 69 people with pancreatic cancer to see if it can detect a specific marker (CCR2) on tumors. The goal was to find out whether the scan can predict how well a patient will respond to standard chemotherapy o…

This study tested different strategies to increase RSV vaccination among 50 pregnant people between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The goal was to find the best way to encourage vaccination to protect newborns from severe RSV infection. Researchers compared early and late vaccine …

This study tested whether an economic empowerment program could reduce alcohol and drug use among adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24) living with HIV in poor communities in Uganda. The 95 participants were already receiving HIV care and had recently used alcohol or drugs. T…

This study tested whether giving a low, steady dose of ketamine after surgery could prevent depressive symptoms in patients who have had depression before. Researchers enrolled 32 adults having long surgeries at a single hospital. The goal was to see if a larger trial is possible…

This study tested a program called SSAGE that works with the whole family—including brothers—to prevent mental health problems in teenage girls who were forced to leave their homes. The program was designed for girls and their families who recently moved to Colombia from Venezuel…

This study tested a new way to prevent HPV by asking local communities in Nigeria to come up with their own messages and strategies. About 350 mother-daughter pairs took part, with daughters aged 9-14 getting the HPV vaccine and mothers aged 30-65 doing a simple self-test for HPV…

This study tested a program called ANZANSI to help prevent girls aged 11-14 from leaving school and migrating from rural to urban areas for child labor. The study involved 200 girls and their caregivers in Tanzania. The goal was to see if the program was practical and could chang…

This study tested whether a program made by and for women could help reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in women who use drugs. Over 500 women from the St. Louis area took part. They were split into three groups: one got basic HIV prevention advice, an…

This study tested whether regularly cleaning both people (with special soap or ointment) and their homes (with disinfectant wipes) could stop the spread of MRSA bacteria and prevent skin infections. Over 800 people with recent MRSA infections and their household members took part…

This study tested whether removing home hazards—like loose rugs or poor lighting—in low-income senior apartments could help prevent falls. Over 500 older adults took part. Researchers tracked how many enrolled, how well the program was delivered, and how many falls occurred over …

This study tested a program called HEALTH, which helps mothers prevent weight gain and lose weight through healthy lifestyle changes. The program was delivered by parent educators during home visits. 620 overweight or obese mothers took part. The goal was to see if this program w…

This study tested whether a web-based program teaching cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills could reduce stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression in medical students. 35 participants were randomly assigned to either the 4-week interactive program or a podcast-listening contr…

This study looked at whether adding NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to standard pain relief is safe for women with severe preeclampsia after giving birth. 287 women participated, and researchers measured how the drugs affected blood pressure and the need for additional blood pressure med…

This study tested two programs to help adolescents aged 10-14 with HIV feel less stigma and shame. One program used group therapy to build coping skills, while the other strengthened family support. The goal was to improve mental health and reduce the negative impact of HIV-relat…

This study looked at whether a cochlear implant in the poorer ear helps adults who have severe hearing loss in one ear and better hearing in the other. 59 adults received an implant and were tested on how well they could understand speech and locate sounds. The goal was to see if…

This study tested whether inserting a cold tube into the vagina can reduce pelvic floor muscle pain in women. 165 women with this type of pain were randomly assigned to use either a cold tube or a room-temperature tube. Researchers measured pain levels right after the treatment a…

This study tested a program that combines counseling and medication adjustments to reduce depression and anxiety in adults aged 60 and older who were scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery. 116 participants were split into two groups: one received the program plus usual ca…

This small study tested whether combining ketamine with a special type of talk therapy (RO DBT) is safe and doable for people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. Sixteen adults with moderate to severe depression took part. The goal was to see if this appro…

This study looked at whether a supplement called NMN can improve how the body processes sugar in people with prediabetes. Researchers measured changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance after supplementation. The trial involved 56 adults with prediabetes and a BMI betwe…

This study tested whether a stellate ganglion block (a nerve injection) can improve distorted sense of smell caused by COVID-19. 48 adults with long-lasting parosmia received either the nerve block or a placebo saline injection. The goal was to see if the treatment improves smell…

This study tested whether combining a low-intensity mental health program (Self Help Plus) with cash payments of $300 could reduce stress and depression in 40 Afghan refugee women in Türkiye. Participants were split into two groups: one received both the program and cash at the s…

This study tested a program that combines counseling (behavioral activation) with medication adjustments to help older adults feel less depressed and anxious before and after heart surgery. 105 people aged 60 and older took part. The goal was to see if this program works better t…

This study tested two rhythm-based walking exercises—walking to music and walking while singing—in 74 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Over 12 weeks, participants trained using these rhythms to see if they could improve their walking speed and brain activity. The…

This study tested a problem-solving therapy program for family caregivers of people with cancer who were receiving palliative care. Over 500 caregivers took part, and researchers measured changes in anxiety and depression symptoms. The goal was to see if learning practical proble…

This study tested if giving two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) at the same time works better than misoprostol alone for inducing labor in a nonviable second-trimester pregnancy. The goal was to shorten the time to delivery and reduce the risk of maternal complications…

This study looked at whether a cochlear implant in the poorer ear can improve hearing for adults who have hearing loss in both ears but worse in one. Forty adults received an implant and continued using a hearing aid in the better ear. The main goals were to see if they could und…

This study tested a program called PEEPS for people with endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Over eight weeks, participants attended group sessions with a doctor, pain psychologist, physical therapist, and yoga instructor. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce pain int…

This study tested a special radiation method called TMPRT in 13 people with recurrent IDH-mutant gliomas who had already received brain radiation. The goal was to see if giving radiation in many small, timed doses could reduce side effects and improve quality of life. The study f…

This study looked at whether a combination of behavioral counseling and medication adjustments could reduce anxiety and depression in adults aged 60 and older who were about to have surgery for cancer. About 105 participants were randomly assigned to receive this support or usual…

This study looked at whether repairing the subscapularis tendon during reverse shoulder replacement surgery leads to better short-term results. A total of 102 adults having this surgery took part. Researchers measured shoulder function using patient-reported scores to see if the …

This study tested two methods to control pain after total knee replacement: a nerve block plus an injection around the knee, versus the injection alone. 174 adults who had knee surgery took part. The goal was to see which approach provides better pain relief and helps patients us…

This study looked at whether using a robot (MAKO) during total knee replacement helps people recover faster and have less pain compared to traditional surgery. 123 adults with knee osteoarthritis took part. Researchers tracked pain scores and used Fitbits to measure activity. The…

This study looked at ways to help people with long-term back or neck pain who also feel anxious or depressed. Researchers tested a digital mental health app called Wysa and a printed resource guide with 30 patients. The goal was to see if these tools are easy to use and helpful f…

This study tested a device that gently stimulates the ear to see if it can reduce the bother of chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 40 adults with moderate to severe tinnitus were randomly assigned to use either the active device or a sham (fake) device for 8 weeks. Both grou…

This study tested whether fluvoxamine, an FDA-approved OCD medication, can improve long COVID symptoms like trouble concentrating, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Researchers enrolled 191 adults in Missouri and Illinois who had COVID at least 3 months earlier. Participants took…

This study tested a mobile app designed to help adults with anorexia nervosa after they leave intensive treatment. The app includes coaching and a social network to support recovery. 90 women who had recently been discharged from hospital or similar programs used the app or recei…

This study tested whether a stellate ganglion block—a shot that numbs certain nerves in the neck—could help people who lost their sense of smell after COVID-19. Twenty adults with smell problems lasting at least a year took part. Researchers measured changes in smell ability and …

This study looked at whether improvisational dance classes can improve thinking and daily life for people with Parkinson's disease. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either take weekly dance classes for 12 weeks or continue their normal routine. Researchers measured c…

This study tested whether a mobile app could help teens with eating disorders who weren't getting treatment. Researchers recruited 161 teens from Instagram and Facebook. Participants used a self-help app, some with coaching and a social networking feature. The goal was to see if …

This study tested two treatments for paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), a condition where the vocal cords close when they should open, causing shortness of breath. Fifty-one adults were randomly assigned to either biofeedback or laryngeal control therapy. The goal was to see w…

This early study tested whether a carefully controlled dose of propofol (a drug used for sedation) could safely create specific brain waves in people over 60 with hard-to-treat depression. Sixteen participants received two infusions days apart. The main goal was to check safety a…

This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp can improve attention and focus in healthy adults aged 18 to 45. Seventeen participants had their brain activity recorded with EEG while receiving real or fake stimulation and performing computer tasks. Th…

This study looked at how difficult early childhood experiences might affect how children feel pain and their mental health. 39 children from a larger study took part in a cold-water hand test, once alone and once holding a parent's hand. Researchers measured pain tolerance, pain …

This pilot study tested whether a personalized program could help older adults (65+) who take multiple medications and have trouble sticking to their schedule. Only 4 people took part, and the goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked. Researchers used home visi…

This study surveyed over 2,000 healthy adults to find better ways to explain epigenetics—how our environment and habits can turn genes on or off. The goal was to see if clearer communication could make people more comfortable with using epigenetics in medicine. No treatments were…

This study looked at 45 adults with single-sided deafness who use a cochlear implant. Researchers tested whether changing the implant's settings to better match pitch and loudness with the good ear could help them understand speech in noisy environments like a restaurant. The goa…

This study tested whether a special type of MRI (called DBSI) can predict how well people recover after surgery for a compressed spinal cord. 71 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy had this MRI before surgery and again 2 years later. Researchers looked for biomarkers th…

This study looked at whether viruses in pregnant women with diabetes might increase the risk of congenital heart defects in their babies. Researchers analyzed blood and stool samples from 114 women to detect enteroviruses and other viruses. The goal was to gather knowledge for fu…

This study tested a program called DRAUP to help intensive care unit (ICU) doctors and nurses stop using chest X-rays after placing a central line with ultrasound guidance. The program was tested with 101 healthcare workers in two ICUs. The goal was to see if the program could re…

This study aimed to find ways to predict whether the drug vedolizumab will help people with small bowel Crohn's disease. Researchers looked at blood markers and MRI scans in 48 adults to see if they could tell early on who would respond well. The goal is to help doctors choose th…

This study looked at the best way to test for COVID-19 in K-12 schools serving underserved communities in St. Louis. Over 1,300 students and staff took part. Researchers compared two strategies: testing only people with symptoms versus weekly testing of everyone plus symptom test…

This study looked at whether proteins in spinal fluid can reliably tell the difference between multiple sclerosis (MS) and other brain diseases, and also predict how MS will progress. Researchers analyzed fluid samples from 161 people with MS and compared them to standard clinica…

This study tested a hearing screening program for head and neck cancer survivors who had received cisplatin chemotherapy. Fifty-five adults took part to see if the screening was practical and well-received. The goal was to improve follow-up care for hearing problems caused by can…

This study looked at how the brain allows some people to move skillfully with their left, non-dominant hand after a nerve injury to the right arm. Researchers used brain scans to compare people with and without nerve injuries. The goal was to understand brain changes, not to test…

This study looked at how healthy adults' immune systems respond to the rabies vaccine. Thirty participants received the vaccine with or without additional antibodies (RIG) at different times. The goal was to measure antibody levels over a year to better understand immune response…

This completed study aimed to understand why pregnant women often have worse flu outcomes but not worse COVID-19. Researchers compared nasal samples from 48 pregnant and non-pregnant women to measure viral entry factors and immune responses. The goal was to uncover protective or …

This study used a special brain imaging technique called HD-DOT to understand how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects brain networks in people with Parkinson's disease. The goal was to learn why DBS helps movement but can also cause mood or thinking side effects. The study invol…

This study tested a non-invasive muscle vibration test (mechanomyography) to see if it can predict how well patients recover after nerve decompression surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome or peroneal nerve entrapment. Researchers followed 23 adults who had surgery and measured the…

This study looked at how to encourage regular COVID-19 testing for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their teachers. Over 1,100 participants from two special school districts took part. The goal was to find the best messages and strategies to keep scho…

This study looked at ways to help more people in rural Southern Illinois get a colonoscopy after a positive stool test (FIT). Only about half of people with a positive FIT currently get the follow-up colonoscopy needed to prevent colon cancer. The researchers worked with local cl…

This small early-phase study looked at how a class of diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors might reduce inflammation linked to heart and kidney disease. Six healthy adults took the medication for three days, and researchers measured changes in inflammation markers. The goal was…

This study followed 2,500 adults having major surgery to learn why some people develop pain that lasts months afterward. Participants answered daily questions on their phone about their mood and physical state, and researchers collected medical history and pain sensitivity tests.…

This study looked at how regular cannabis use affects brain health and immune function in people with HIV and those without. Researchers used brain scans and thinking tests to compare 80 cannabis users and 80 non-users in each group. The goal was to understand how cannabis and HI…

This pilot study tested whether doctors can safely adjust proton radiation therapy plans while the patient is still on the treatment table. Ten adults with solid tumors participated. The goal was to see if this real-time adjustment is practical and safe enough to study in a large…

This pilot study tested whether combining lifestyle changes, risk factor management, medications, and supplements could improve movement, thinking, and immune health in adults aged 50-70. The main goal was to see if the approach was feasible, not to prove it works. Only 23 people…

This study looked at whether sleeping longer (over 7 hours a night) can improve how the body processes sugar in people with obesity and early signs of insulin resistance. 31 participants were split into two groups: one aimed to sleep more, the other kept their usual sleep habits.…

This study used detailed brain scans to understand how psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) changes brain networks. Eleven healthy adults who had used psychedelics before took part. The goal was to learn about the brain mechanisms behind psilocybin's effects, not…

This study looked at whether people who inject opioids can safely complete their IV antibiotic treatment at home instead of in a hospital or nursing facility. Ten participants received medications for opioid use disorder (like Suboxone or methadone) along with social support such…

This pilot study tested a program called 'Nudges to Quit' that aimed to help people with serious mental illness stop smoking. The program used gentle reminders from case workers and pharmacists to encourage patients to try tobacco treatment. The study included 59 adult smokers an…

This study looked at how puberty changes pain sensitivity in healthy teens aged 9-16. Researchers measured pain responses to heat and cold, and checked hormone levels. The goal was to understand if early or mid-puberty affects how teens feel pain and who might develop chronic pai…

This study tested whether playing sounds in sync with brain waves during light sedation can boost deep-sleep-like activity. Eighteen healthy adults received a sedative and were exposed to sounds timed to their brain's slow waves, compared to out-of-sync sounds or no sound. The go…

This study looked at 175 adults with both coronary heart disease and depression to understand which depression symptoms, like fatigue and loss of interest, are linked to worse heart health. Researchers measured depression severity and heart risk markers to find better targets for…