Dana-farber Cancer Institute

This study tests a personalized vaccine made from unique markers on a person's CLL cells. It is for 15 people with untreated, slow-growing CLL. The vaccine aims to train the immune system to fight the cancer, and may be given alone or with other drugs to boost its effect.

This study tests whether giving focused radiation (SBRT) early to people with adenoid cystic carcinoma that has spread to a few spots can delay the cancer's growth and improve quality of life. About 32 participants will either receive SBRT or standard care. The goal is to see if …

This early-phase trial tests whether specially trained natural killer (NK) cells, called CIML NK cells, given with interleukin-2 can safely prevent relapse in people with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or related blood cancers after a stem cell transp…

This phase 2 trial tests whether the drug belumosudil can help people who develop bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), a type of lung scarring, after a stem cell transplant. The study will enroll 45 participants with new or early-stage BOS. Participants will take belumosudil …

This early-phase study tests a new stem cell transplant method for people with aggressive or hard-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The approach uses specially engineered donor cells to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease, potentia…

This phase 2 study tests the drug pemigatinib in 24 people with advanced SDH-deficient GIST, a rare stomach cancer that has spread. The drug is a pill that blocks certain growth signals in cancer cells. Researchers will measure how many patients' tumors shrink and track side effe…

This early-phase study tests whether giving specially trained natural killer (NK) cells along with a standard drug (venetoclax) is safe for people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). About 10 adults whose leukemia has come back or is hard to treat will receive the cell infusion af…

This study tests whether a 16-week, culturally tailored exercise program (aerobic and resistance training) can lower heart disease risk in Black men with prostate cancer who are receiving hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy). The study will enroll 62 participants, who w…

This study tests whether a 16-week supervised exercise program (circuit training with resistance, functional, and aerobic exercises) can improve frailty and muscle loss in 80 men with metastatic prostate cancer who are on hormone therapy. Participants must be pre-frail or frail. …

This study tests a drug called abemaciclib in people with advanced solid tumors that have certain genetic changes (in CCND1, CCND2, CCND3, CDK4, or CDK6 genes). The goal is to see if the drug can stop or slow cancer growth. About 38 participants will receive the drug and be monit…

This study is for people with HPV-related throat cancer who have had surgery. It tests whether a lower, personalized dose of radiation (and sometimes chemo) can control the cancer while causing fewer side effects and improving quality of life. About 111 adults whose cancer was re…

This early-phase study tests a new drug called SL-401 combined with two other drugs (azacitidine and venetoclax) in people with certain blood cancers—acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. The main goal is to find the s…

This study is testing a new way to deliver radiation therapy called SMART, which uses real-time MRI images to precisely target tumors. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and effective for treating various cancers, including pancreas, lung, and prostate cancer. Researcher…

This study tests a combination of three drugs—pembrolizumab, ibrutinib, and rituximab—in people whose primary central nervous system lymphoma has come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal is to see if the combo can stop the cancer from growing for at least 6 months.…

This phase 2 trial is testing two different drug combinations for people with stage I HER2-positive breast cancer after surgery. One group gets trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) followed by trastuzumab injections, while the other gets paclitaxel plus trastuzumab. The goal is to see w…

This study tests a program called CHEF that helps childhood cancer survivors and their families cook and eat healthy foods. The goal is to support heart health after cancer treatment. About 17 children who finished chemotherapy or radiation will take part. Researchers will measur…

This study tests whether combining two drugs, sacituzumab govitecan and atezolizumab, can clear leftover cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes of people with triple negative breast cancer. About 40 participants who still have cancer after standard chemotherapy will receive th…

This study is for people with metastatic urothelial cancer (a type of bladder cancer that has spread). It tests two or three drugs together: sacituzumab govitecan, enfortumab vedotin, and pembrolizumab. The goal is to find the safest doses and see how well the combination shrinks…

This study tests whether the drug casdatifan, alone or with zimberelimab, can safely shrink kidney tumors before surgery. About 32 adults with clear cell renal cell carcinoma that can be removed will receive the drugs before their operation. The goal is to see if the tumor size d…

This early-phase study tests whether adding pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) to standard chemotherapy is safe and effective for people newly diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma, a rare brain cancer. About 15 participants will receive the combination and be moni…

This study tests whether adding the targeted drug T-DM1 to standard chemoradiation can prevent HER2-positive salivary gland cancer from returning after surgery. About 37 adults with advanced but removable tumors will receive the drug alongside standard care. Researchers will trac…

This early-phase study tests a new treatment called CIML NK cell therapy for people with recurrent ovarian cancer that no longer responds to platinum chemotherapy. The therapy uses specially trained natural killer cells from a donor to attack the cancer. The study aims to find th…

This study tests whether combining two targeted drugs, zanubrutinib and venetoclax, can make cancer undetectable in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) whose disease came back after prior treatment. About 45 adults who have not used …

This study tests a daily pill called elacestrant in 30 people with advanced uterine sarcomas that have high levels of estrogen receptors. The drug works by blocking and breaking down estrogen receptors, aiming to shrink or slow tumor growth. The main goals are to see how many pat…

This study tests whether adding pembrolizumab to sacituzumab govitecan helps control metastatic triple-negative breast cancer that is PD-L1-negative. About 110 adults with advanced TNBC will be randomly assigned to receive either the combination or sacituzumab alone. The goal is …

This study tests whether adding AGuIX nanoparticles to precise, MRI-guided radiation can better control centrally located lung tumors and advanced pancreatic cancer. About 100 adults with these cancers will receive the combination therapy. The goal is to find the safest dose and …

This early-stage trial tests a special type of immune cell (CIML NK cells) combined with a low dose of IL-2 in people whose blood cancer (like AML or MDS) came back after a stem cell transplant. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if it can put the cancer back into remission.…

This study tests a drug called belzutifan in people with a rare, hard-to-treat type of gynecologic cancer called clear cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors or stop them from growing. About 32 participants will receive the drug, and researchers will mon…

This study tests whether two drugs, abemaciclib and letrozole, can help keep advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer from getting worse. About 32 people with a specific type of estrogen-sensitive cancer will take these pills daily after initial treatment. The goal is to see if t…

This phase 2 trial tests two drugs, ficerafusp alfa and pembrolizumab, given before surgery to people with advanced head and neck cancer that can be removed. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink tumors and improve outcomes. About 32 participants will receive the treat…

This study is testing a new blood test that looks for DNA from tumor cells to screen for a specific type of lung cancer (EGFR-positive) in people of East Asian, Southeast Asian, or Hispanic/Latinx background who are at risk but cannot get regular lung scans. The test is simple an…

This study is testing a blood test called Galleri that looks for signs of many different cancers early. It involves 1500 veterans who served on active duty for at least four years. The goal is to see if this test can find cancers sooner than standard methods, potentially leading …

This study is testing a blood test (GRAIL Galleri) that looks for many types of cancer early. It involves 1000 people who have a high genetic risk for cancer due to inherited conditions. The goal is to see if the test helps find cancers sooner and understand its benefits and harm…

This study aims to see if adding simple blood tests and symptom reviews to standard screening can catch pancreatic cancer earlier in people with a high genetic risk. Researchers will enroll 5,000 participants who have certain gene mutations linked to pancreatic cancer. The goal i…

This study looks at whether a 12-week aerobic and resistance exercise program can lower breast cancer risk in women with dense breast tissue. Researchers will measure changes in blood markers and breast tissue samples from 46 physically inactive women aged 18-59. Participants are…

This study tests a light therapy device (like a lollipop with LEDs) to prevent severe mouth sores in 20 adults receiving a stem cell transplant. Patients use the device daily in the hospital. The goal is to see if it reduces the number of days with painful sores.

This study tests whether an 8-week home-based exercise program, done before a stem cell transplant, can improve muscle strength and physical fitness in people with multiple myeloma. Thirty participants will either exercise via Zoom or continue normal activities. The goal is to se…

This study tests whether a 16-week virtual high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, done on a stationary bike at home, can improve physical fitness, thinking skills, and emotional well-being in young adults (ages 18-45) who survived a pediatric brain tumor. Thirty partici…

This study is testing a program called UPLYFT, designed to help lymphoma survivors manage their fear of cancer coming back. The program includes six sessions with tools and information to improve quality of life and reduce worry. Researchers are enrolling 74 lymphoma survivors wh…

This study tests a new program that brings blood transfusions to the homes of people with advanced blood cancers who are in hospice care. The goal is to see if this improves their quality of life, mood, and reduces hospital visits near the end of life. About 700 patients will tak…

This study tests a counseling and education program designed for Chinese and Korean American smokers at high risk for lung cancer. The program includes individual counseling, family coaching, nicotine replacement therapy, and information about lung cancer screening. Researchers w…

This study tests whether a 16-week, virtually supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program can help patients with ovarian or endometrial cancer maintain leg function and reduce chemotherapy-induced nerve pain. Thirty newly diagnosed patients receiving first-line chemotherap…

This study tests whether a 12-week virtual tai chi program is practical and acceptable for cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which causes pain, numbness, and balance problems. Researchers plan to enroll 21 participants who have completed che…

This study tests a program called BOLSTER, designed to help patients with advanced gynecologic or gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers manage complex care needs. About 600 participants will receive either the BOLSTER program or standard support. The goal is to see if BOL…

This study looks at whether a 6-month home exercise and nutrition program can improve thinking and physical abilities in cancer survivors aged 65 and older, along with their support person. About 1,500 participants will be assigned to either a virtually supervised or unsupervised…

This study looks at whether 12 weeks of different exercise programs can help people with advanced lung cancer who are already receiving immunotherapy. The goal is to see if exercise is safe and doable, and if it can improve immune markers. About 30 adults with non-small cell lung…

This study tests a tool called CASI that helps ovarian cancer patients, their caregivers, and doctors set a shared plan for each visit. The goal is to see if using this tool is practical and helpful. About 112 people with advanced ovarian cancer and their caregivers will take par…

This study is testing whether a 12-week virtual dance program can improve quality of life, reduce pain, fatigue, and help body image in breast cancer survivors who have ongoing pain after surgery. Thirty participants will take part in seated and standing dance classes taught over…

This study tests whether a 12-week program of short exercise breaks (walking, cycling, resistance bands) can improve heart health and reduce chemotherapy side effects in 24 newly diagnosed lymphoma patients. Participants will use activity trackers and get coaching to interrupt lo…

This study looks at whether a home-based resistance exercise program combined with protein supplements can help people with pancreatic cancer maintain muscle mass while on chemotherapy. About 45 participants will be assigned to one of three groups: exercise plus protein, exercise…

This study looks at how to best treat people aged 65 and older with advanced bladder cancer who cannot take the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Researchers will compare two treatment plans: one using a different chemo drug followed by immunotherapy, and another using a combination o…

This study looks at whether a telehealth exercise program with protein support can help women aged 65 and older with breast cancer receive all their planned chemotherapy at the right dose. Participants will either do resistance exercises and take protein or receive health educati…

This study tests whether a special cooling cap can reduce hair loss in people with metastatic breast cancer who are receiving certain chemotherapy drugs. About 120 participants will either use the Paxman Scalp Cooling System or not, and researchers will compare hair loss rates an…

This study tests a mobile app program called PRISM to help teens and young adults (ages 12-25) who have finished cancer treatment manage stress and build resilience. Participants will use the app to learn skills to cope with difficult situations. The goal is to see which version …

This study looks at whether adding a special support program (called RISE) to usual care can reduce financial and material hardships for low-income families of children with high-risk neuroblastoma. About 84 children and their parents will take part, with half getting the extra s…

This study explores whether regular video or phone check-ins between hospice patients with advanced breast cancer and their oncology team can improve the hospice experience. About 200 participants, along with their caregivers and nurses, will take part. The goal is to see if this…

This study tests a telehealth program called REVITALIZE to see if it can reduce how much fatigue interferes with daily life for adults with advanced ovarian cancer who are taking PARP inhibitors. About 240 participants will either receive the REVITALIZE program or educational mat…

This study is testing an online educational program called On-Trac to help adult cancer survivors cope with anxiety. The program teaches practical strategies based on well-known therapies like CBT and ACT. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety levels and emotional well-bein…

This study looks at whether a home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program is feasible for adults with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant. Participants will either do aerobic and resistance exercises or simple stretching. The goal is to see if exe…

This study tests whether a device that cools and squeezes the arms and legs during chemotherapy can help prevent or reduce nerve damage, which often causes numbness, tingling, and pain. About 50 adults with breast or gynecologic cancer receiving a specific type of chemo (taxanes)…

This study is collecting tissue samples and medical information from up to 2,750 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or related conditions. The goal is to learn more about what causes CLL and how it behaves. Participants will not receive any experimental treatment, but…

This study is testing a new online platform called Nest for young adults aged 18-39 who have had genetic testing for cancer risk. The platform gives both patients and their doctors access to updated information about genetic findings. Researchers want to see if the tool is easy t…

This study looks at whether a video can help people with certain cancers (like breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer) understand genetic testing before they decide to have it. About 1,020 adults who have or had cancer will watch the video and answer questions. The goal is to see if…

This study is testing a web-based tool called TRIAL that provides information and resources about acute leukemia and clinical trials. Researchers want to see if the tool is easy to use and if people will complete the surveys. About 75 English-speaking adults with suspected acute …

This early-phase trial is testing whether injecting the seasonal flu vaccine directly into skin cancer tumors can boost the immune system's attack on the cancer. About 25 adults with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma will receive one injection into th…

This early-phase trial is looking at how vitamin D affects colon cancer at the genetic level. About 80 people with stage I-III colon cancer or resectable liver metastases will take either high-dose vitamin D or a placebo for 14-28 days before their scheduled surgery. Researchers …

This study looks at whether families of children with cancer are willing to join a program that provides financial support. About 40 families will be randomly assigned to either receive the PediRISE support program or standard care. The goal is to see if the program is feasible a…

This research study is collecting tissue samples from 240 adults with malignant pleural mesothelioma to test a new method that combines molecular, radiological, and blood tests. The goal is to create a score that helps doctors predict how the disease will progress. Participants m…

This study aims to uncover genetic factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer, especially in children and families with a strong history of the disease. Researchers will collect medical history and blood or saliva samples from 250 participants to look for inherited gene cha…

This study looks at genetic changes in people with early-stage blood cancers or conditions that may lead to cancer. Researchers will analyze blood, bone marrow, or cheek cell samples from up to 10,000 participants to find DNA errors linked to cancer risk and progression. The goal…

This study looks at whether special imaging and dye can help doctors find the first lymph nodes that cancer might spread to in people with inflammatory breast cancer. About 50 women with this rare and aggressive cancer will take part. The goal is to see if these methods work well…

This study aims to make clinical trials more inclusive by training 40 adults who are in remission from blood cancer to review and give feedback on trial plans. The goal is to see if this community-based review process is practical and acceptable. The study does not test a new tre…

This study looks at whether adding a geriatrician (a doctor who specializes in care for older adults) to cancer treatment can improve outcomes for people aged 70 and older with gastrointestinal cancers like stomach, colon, or pancreatic cancer. Researchers will test if an online …

This study collects tumor samples and medical information from people with lymphoma or related blood cancers who have a family history of these diseases. Researchers want to find genetic changes that may increase the risk of developing lymphoma. Participants provide blood or tiss…

This study follows 30,000 people who have early signs that may lead to multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Participants have conditions like MGUS or smoldering myeloma, or have a family history of blood cancers. Researchers will track them over time to learn what factors in…

This study looks at whether a pre-surgery program of exercise and nutrition advice is practical for people with stage II or III rectal cancer. About 40 participants will either join the program or receive usual care. The main goal is to see if enough people sign up and stick with…

This study aims to learn more about lung cancer in adults diagnosed at age 45 or younger. Researchers will collect blood samples and medical information from 500 participants to study the biology of these cancers and look for genetic changes that could lead to better treatments. …

This study is collecting information and samples from 1,500 people with TP53 gene changes (linked to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a condition that raises cancer risk) and their relatives. Researchers want to better understand how these gene variants affect cancer risk and how accurate f…

This study tests a shared decision-making toolkit for women aged 80 and older who have had breast cancer. The goal is to help them and their doctors decide together whether to continue yearly mammograms. About 364 participants will use the toolkit, and researchers will track how …