Duke University

This study tests whether tirzepatide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can lower brain pressure in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). IIH causes high pressure inside the skull, leading to headaches, ringing in the ears, and vision problems. The trial…

This early-stage trial tests whether a daily supplement called HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) is safe and can lower certain blood markers linked to ALS. One hundred adults with ALS will take 3 grams of HMB daily. Researchers will track changes in blood markers and functio…

This study will screen 1,500 people with early signs of heart disease (plaque in arteries) to see if two common drugs—rosuvastatin and colchicine—can reduce or stabilize that plaque over two years. Participants will take pills daily and get heart-healthy lifestyle advice. The goa…

This study tests whether a vaginal probiotic containing healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus crispatus) can help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. About 156 adults with frequent UTIs will use the probiotic for 3 months. Researchers will measure changes in vag…

This study looks at whether preterm infants in the NICU can safely stop taking the antibiotic ampicillin after 24 to 36 hours instead of the usual 48 hours. Researchers will measure drug levels in the blood and monitor the babies for 30 days. The goal is to see if a shorter cours…

This study tests whether a 12-week program of healthy eating, supervised exercise, and wellness coaching can lower blood pressure and improve kidney health in adults with advanced chronic kidney disease. Participants are randomly assigned to either the lifestyle program or routin…

This study tests two new ways to treat talaromycosis, a serious fungal infection in people with HIV. It compares a single high dose of a newer antifungal drug (liposomal amphotericin B) against two weeks of the standard drug, and also checks if adding another medicine (flucytosin…

This study tests whether a one-visit, point-of-care test and treat approach helps more people with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C complete hepatitis C treatment within 24 weeks compared to standard care. About 1,280 participants will be randomly assigned to either the simplifie…

This study tests a new drug, asciminib, combined with trastuzumab in 42 adults with HER2+ breast cancer that has spread to the brain. Participants must have tried at least one prior treatment, including T-DXd and tucatinib. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink brain t…

This study tests whether giving additional chemotherapy after the usual chemoradiation can better control esophageal cancer and reduce the need for surgery. About 60 adults with stage II to IVA esophageal adenocarcinoma will receive chemoradiation followed by more chemotherapy. T…

This study will test a peer-led mental health program called iSYV for 5,000 youth aged 15-24 living with HIV in Tanzania. The program aims to help them stay in care and keep the virus under control by addressing mental health challenges. Participants will either receive the progr…

This study tests a 3-session telehealth counseling program called IDEAS for Hope, delivered by nurses, to help adults living with HIV in Tanzania who have had recent thoughts of suicide. The goal is to reduce suicidal thinking and improve engagement in HIV care, including medicat…

This study tests a new eye imaging device that takes pictures of the eye in seconds. Researchers want to see if it is easy to use, mobile, and reliable for diagnosing eye conditions. About 70 people with eye complaints will participate, and the device's diagnoses will be compared…

This study tests a new, low-cost tool called KeyScope that helps doctors see inside the belly to diagnose cancer. It is designed for use in countries like Uganda where resources are limited. Twelve adults with suspected abdominal cancer will have a biopsy using this device. The m…

This study aims to develop and test a robotically assisted imaging system for the front of the eye. About 93 adults with eye complaints like redness or pain will have their eyes examined by emergency doctors using both standard methods and the new robotic system. The goal is to s…

This study compares a new targeted breast ultrasound done during mammogram compression to the standard breast ultrasound. Researchers want to see if the new method finds breast masses more accurately and quickly. The study will involve 25 women with a breast mass visible on both …

This study looks at whether long-acting HIV prevention shots and opioid use disorder medications can help people in prison who are about to be released. Researchers will enroll 450 adults at participating prisons and follow them to see if they stick with treatment and avoid HIV, …

This pilot study tests whether adding a specialized radiation technique called Lattice Radiation Therapy (LRT) to standard palliative radiation can safely shrink large tumors (at least 4.5 cm) in adults. The study will enroll 25 people with various cancers who are already schedul…

This study tests a behavioral program to help women who have had pelvic radiation use vaginal dilators more regularly. Dilators can prevent or treat vaginal narrowing that makes exams or sex painful. 88 women will be randomly assigned to either the program (with coping strategies…

This study tests a nurse-led patient navigation program for 26 women with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer who are taking a specific combination of drugs. The program provides education, symptom management tips, and coping strategies over about 12 weeks. Researchers want to see if …

This study will test a mobile app called CALM designed to help veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) control their anger and impulsivity. About 100 veterans and a family member or friend will be split into two groups: one using the C…

This study tests a new way to improve vision loss caused by a stroke. It combines low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) with virtual reality therapy to stimulate the brain's vision areas. The study will enroll 28 adults who had a stroke 6 to 24 months ago and now have partial …

This study tests a program called BRIDGE that helps parents of young children in the intensive care unit make difficult medical decisions. About 495 parents will receive the program and report how prepared they felt and how much regret they had. The goal is to improve communicati…

This pilot study tests whether a pharmacist-led medication management program can improve safety and reduce shortness of breath in adults with COPD who also have other health conditions. About 92 participants will receive inhaler training and medication advice. The study focuses …

This study tests a program called CALM that helps Black adults with asthma cope with stress. Researchers want to see if the program is practical and well-liked by participants. About 50 adults who have persistent, uncontrolled asthma and moderate-to-high stress will take part.

This study tests whether a specific type of nerve block (ESP block) can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers after spinal fusion surgery. 75 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either a standard painkiller (bupivacaine) or a longer-acting version mixed with lip…

This study tests an online, self-guided program called TEAM-LEADS designed to help teens and young adults (ages 13-22) with lupus or dermatomyositis reduce stress and adopt heart-healthy behaviors. Researchers at Duke University will enroll 25 participants to see if the program i…

This study tests a home-based eye movement therapy for people with spatial neglect after a stroke. Spatial neglect makes it hard to notice things on one side of the body. The therapy involves watching moving dots on a computer screen to train the eyes to scan the neglected side. …

This study tests whether phenobarbital, a drug used for seizures, can safely treat agitated delirium in ICU patients. Agitated delirium causes confusion and dangerous impulsiveness. Researchers will compare phenobarbital to standard antipsychotic medications in 150 adults, measur…

This study tests a mobile mindfulness program called Lift for people who survived a serious illness in the ICU and now struggle with depression, anxiety, or stress. About 450 adults will use either the Lift app or a health education app for 6 months. The goal is to see if the min…

This study looks at two ways to help women aged 65 and older with hormone-positive breast cancer who have joint pain from their hormone pills. One program offers a special check-up and support from a geriatric team, and the other teaches coping skills. The goal is to see if these…

This study tests whether a program that helps people notice and manage smoking triggers can help light smokers (10 or fewer cigarettes per day) quit. About 60 adults will either get standard counseling or counseling plus a cue-based tool where they text about cravings. The goal i…

This study tests if adding a common anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone) to a long-lasting numbing medicine (liposomal bupivacaine) can make pain relief last longer after shoulder surgery. About 80 adults having shoulder surgery with a nerve block will be randomly assigned to g…

This study tests a digital program called FlexED that uses games and exercises to help young women and girls (ages 15-25) who struggle with body image and eating disorder symptoms. Participants are randomly assigned to either the FlexED program or online education modules. The go…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, applied overnight, can reduce abnormal electrical activity linked to seizures and improve sleep quality in adults with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Twenty participants will stay in a sleep lab for six …

This study tests a 30-minute online training for obstetric providers to help them counsel pregnant patients about workplace rights and accommodations. Researchers will compare how often work-related counseling is documented and whether patients experience less wage loss or better…

This study tests two different ultrasound-guided injection methods for numbing the abdominal wall in 25 healthy adults. One method uses a sideways (transverse) needle approach, the other a lengthwise (longitudinal) approach. Researchers will measure how much skin area becomes num…

This study explores whether doulas can effectively deliver a program called You Matter to prevent postpartum depression in new mothers. Researchers will work with 40 pregnant or recently postpartum women who have mild depression symptoms. The main goal is to see if doulas can del…

This study looks at how a targeted nerve block near the wrist changes blood flow in the fingers and hands of 20 healthy adults. Researchers will use sensors and thermal cameras to measure these changes before and after the block. The goal is to better understand how the nervous s…

This pilot study will test a web-based decision aid for Black and White patients with atrial fibrillation who are considering blood thinners to prevent stroke. The tool explains risks and benefits and helps patients clarify their preferences. The study will check if the tool is e…

This study looks at how two different treatments—massage and talk therapy—affect stress and bonding hormones in people with long-term back or neck pain. Researchers will measure oxytocin and cortisol levels from saliva samples before and after each session. The goal is to underst…

This study looks at whether teaching teens with epilepsy about their condition can improve their knowledge, help them take medication as prescribed, and reduce feelings of stigma. About 60 adolescents aged 12-18 will take part. Researchers will measure changes using surveys befor…

This study looks at how the nerves connecting the gut and brain affect Parkinson's disease. Researchers will compare people with Parkinson's, those at risk, and healthy volunteers. Participants will give blood, stool, and saliva samples, have X-rays and colon exams, and answer qu…

This study tests whether a short video of Black women sharing their labor pain experiences can increase empathy in doctors and nurses. About 120 providers and their Black postpartum patients will take part. The goal is to see if this simple tool improves trust and understanding i…

This study looks at whether a special simulation training program for emergency doctors can help them use heart ultrasound more effectively in patients with acute heart failure. The goal is to see if this training leads to faster treatment with diuretics, which help remove excess…

This study looks at why people with HIV who have their virus under control sometimes struggle to take blood pressure medicine as prescribed. Researchers will interview patients and providers to identify barriers, then test a nurse-led support program in a small group of 60 partic…

This study looks at how the hormone glucagon works with insulin in the liver to manage blood sugar. Researchers want to understand glucagon's multiple, sometimes opposite, roles to create better diabetes medicines. Forty healthy adults aged 18-45 will have two 5-hour sessions whe…

This study will see if using virtual care technologies in hospital units can reduce problems like patient falls, infections, and readmissions, while also improving patient satisfaction. About 10,000 adults admitted to six hospital units will take part, with three units using the …

This study tests three different ways to numb the abdomen in healthy volunteers to see which works best. Each volunteer gets all three blocks on separate days, and researchers map the numb areas and check leg strength. The goal is to improve pain relief after surgery without usin…

This study looks at how quickly food DNA passes through the digestive system. Twenty healthy adults will eat a special powder and give stool samples for up to five days. Researchers will measure the food DNA in the samples to learn about digestion and gut health.

This study aims to adapt a proven suicide prevention program for people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania, where mental health resources are scarce. Researchers will enroll 30 adults who drink heavily and have had recent suicidal thoughts, then test whether the telehealth int…

This study tests whether a mobile app-based program called mSTARS is practical and well-liked by adults who drink heavily and have recently been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Thirty-five participants will be randomly assigned to the app, standard care, or stand…

This study will collect blood samples from 25 people with small cell lung cancer who are being treated with the drug tarlatamab. Researchers will analyze the samples to learn more about how the drug works, who might benefit most, and how to predict side effects like cytokine rele…

This study tests if waking epilepsy patients with an alarm during their hospital stay can trigger seizures sooner. The goal is to see if this approach can shorten the time patients need to stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit. The study will include 75 people aged 14 to 60 who ha…

This study compares two digital education methods—text messages versus multimedia modules—to see which better informs caregivers of children with cancer. Researchers will enroll 400 caregivers in Kenya to measure knowledge, attitudes, and whether better education reduces treatmen…

This study tests a new tool to help ICU doctors have fairer conversations with families of patients on breathing machines. The goal is to see if the tool is practical and can reduce racial differences in how decisions are made. About 106 doctors and patients will take part at Duk…

This study compares a new device called Calibre with a standard system (COSMED) to see if it accurately measures heart and lung fitness during exercise. About 40 healthy adults aged 18 to 55 will do a maximal exercise test while wearing both devices. The goal is to see if the Cal…

This study aims to make a community weight loss program called TOPS more helpful for breast cancer survivors. Researchers will first gather feedback from survivors in focus groups, then use that feedback to tailor the program. The study will enroll 25 women who have finished prim…