Massachusetts General Hospital

This study tests whether an investigational drug (activin ligand-trap) combined with exercise training can improve exercise capacity and thinking skills in people with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. About 48 adults aged 40 and older with obesity will receive either the dru…

This early-phase study tests whether adding the drug venetoclax to a standard transplant procedure is safe for people with both kidney failure and a blood cancer. Only 3 adults aged 18-70 will take part. The goal is to see if the drug helps the body accept the new kidney and stem…

This study tests whether offering financial rewards based on a blood test can help people with alcohol-related liver disease stop or reduce drinking. The blood test detects alcohol use over the past month. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either escalating rewards fo…

This study tests a new drug, ivonescimab, alone or with chemotherapy, in 46 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has specific gene changes and has not responded to prior treatments. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth. Participan…

This study tests whether a new drug combination (elranatamab plus standard medications) works better than the current standard (daratumumab plus standard medications) for people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are not eligible for or choose not to have a stem cell trans…

This study tests a cream called SADBE on large congenital moles before they are surgically removed. The goal is to see if the cream can safely reduce the number of pigment-producing cells in the mole. About 30 adults with these moles will apply the cream for a few weeks before th…

This early-stage study tests two experimental drugs, ziftomenib and mezigdomide, given together to adolescents and adults with a specific type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has come back or not responded to treatment. The main goal is to find a safe dose and check for side…

This pilot study will test whether a program called Yuva Sath, led by trained peer counselors, can help young people (ages 18-29) who inject drugs in India stay engaged in addiction treatment and use HIV prevention services. Sixty participants will receive one-on-one sessions and…

This study tests whether setmelanotide can help a single patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (a rare genetic disorder) lose weight. The patient will take the drug for 6 months, and researchers will measure weight loss, body fat, and blood sugar levels. The goal is to se…

This study tests whether adding losartan (a blood pressure medicine) to weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy can shrink tumors in people with ovarian cancer that no longer responds to platinum-based drugs. About 27 adults with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal can…

This study tests a combination of the immunotherapy drug toripalimab with two chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin and docetaxel) as an initial treatment for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has a specific marker (CPS-positive). The goal is to see if this approach is safe …

This study compares five FDA-approved drugs to see which one works best to prevent relapses in people with NMOSD, a rare autoimmune disease that can cause blindness and paralysis. About 540 adults who test positive for a specific antibody will be randomly assigned to receive ritu…

This study tests whether empagliflozin, a drug used for diabetes, can lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation in people with gout. Sixty adults with gout and high urate levels will receive either empagliflozin or a placebo for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug can …

This early study tests whether a special laser treatment applied to a large area of skin can improve metabolism in adults who are overweight. Researchers will measure changes in body fat, weight, and waist size in 15 participants. The goal is to see if this non-invasive approach …

This study tests whether peer recovery coaches—people who have themselves recovered from opioid use—can help others quit smoking. About 60 adults on medication for opioid use disorder who smoke daily will receive either standard smoking-cessation support or coaching from a peer c…

This study will test whether a special PET/MRI scan can better detect and measure scarring (fibrosis) in the bile ducts of people with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Ten adults with PSC will receive two different radioactive tracers during the scan, and results will be com…

This study tests whether a special PET scan using 89Zr-girentuximab can detect kidney cancer that remains or comes back after initial treatment. Ten adults with clear cell renal cell carcinoma will receive the scan before and after standard cryoablation. The goal is to see if the…

This study tests a wearable ultrasound patch that sticks to the breast and is held in place with a sports bra. The goal is to see if it can find breast lesions as accurately as a standard handheld ultrasound. About 50 women will try the patch during a short imaging session. Resea…

This study tests whether a chest CT scan without contrast dye can accurately detect pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs). About 750 adults with suspected clots will undergo two extra low-dose CT scans and a simple breathing test. If successful, this approach could offer a …

This study tests whether extra support from a community crisis group (Samaritans of Boston) can help people who recently left the ER for suicidal thoughts. About 300 participants will either get weekly calls or texts plus standard care, or standard care alone. The goal is to see …

This study tests whether a compression sleeve with a built-in sensor can stop mild arm swelling from turning into lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. About 40 women who have early signs of swelling will wear the sleeve and be monitored. The goal is to see if the sleeve helps …

This study tests whether giving people a choice of where to get their follow-up injections (home, community, or clinic) helps them stick with a new long-acting HIV prevention drug called lenacapavir. About 400 HIV-negative adults in Massachusetts will start the injection on the s…

This study tests a nurse-led coping and support program called RESTORE for people who have finished treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. The goal is to see if the program is practical and helpful for reducing anxiety, fear of cancer returning, and improving quality of lif…

This study tests whether giving home health aides extra training in dementia care can help reduce troubling behaviors in older adults with memory loss or dementia and improve quality of life for both patients and their care partners. About 120 patient-care partner pairs will take…

This study tests whether having people with advanced chronic kidney disease (stages 4 and 5) regularly report their symptoms through an app—and sharing that info with their kidney doctor—can improve their quality of life. About 70 adults will either use the app for 12 months or r…

This study tests a personalized form of brain stimulation (PrTMS) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 100 military veterans. Unlike standard treatments, it uses a simple brainwave test (EEG) to customize therapy for each person. Participants will receive either active or…

This study tests whether buspirone, a medication used for anxiety, can safely reduce anxiety symptoms in autistic youth aged 7 to 17. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety severity over 16 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug is a good treatment option for this group.

This study tests whether a combination of smartphone messages and brief therapy sessions can help adults who have been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or attempts. About 360 participants will use a smartphone app to track their feelings and may receive automated coping reminde…

This study looks at whether eating only during an 8-hour window each day can help people with bipolar disorder who are overweight and depressed. Forty adults will either follow this eating schedule or stay on a waiting list for 8 weeks. Researchers will check weight, mood, and ot…

This study tests whether adding a type of brain stimulation (accelerated TMS) to a standard quit-smoking drug (varenicline) helps adults stop using nicotine products like vapes or cigarettes. About 30 adults who want to quit will receive either real or fake TMS while taking varen…

This study tests a short program called BREEZE+ that helps people with advanced lung cancer manage breathlessness. It includes three sessions with a nurse and a smartphone app that teaches coping skills. The goal is to see if it reduces how much shortness of breath bothers patien…

This study tests whether taking creatine, a supplement often used for muscle strength, can help protect the brain in older adults having surgery. Surgery can sometimes cause confusion or memory problems, especially in older people. Researchers will give creatine to 80 adults sche…

This study tests two mind-body pain management programs delivered via live video for adults with chronic (3+ months) hip pain not caused by arthritis. Researchers want to see if the programs are satisfying, believable, and practical for a future larger trial. About 50 participant…

This study tests whether N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a supplement, can help children ages 6-12 who struggle with emotional dysregulation (intense mood swings or outbursts). About 80 children with emotional dysregulation will receive either NAC or a placebo for 8 weeks, while 40 typic…

This study tests whether a long-acting local anesthetic (liposomal bupivacaine) can reduce pain during and after interventional radiology procedures. Ten adult patients will receive the drug as part of standard care, and report their pain levels at several time points. The goal i…

This study tests a smartphone app called TEC-S designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. About 60 adults who have frequent suicidal thoughts will use the app for two weeks. Researchers will check if the app lowers their desire to die and improves safety.

This study tests a type of anesthesia that uses fewer opioids during spine surgery in people aged 65 and older. The goal is to see if it lowers pain and the need for strong painkillers after surgery. Half the participants will get this opioid-sparing anesthesia, and the other hal…

This study tests a new program called Resilient Together-ALS for people recently diagnosed with ALS and their caregivers. The program uses mind-body techniques to help manage emotional distress and build coping skills. About 20 patient-caregiver pairs will participate to see if t…

This study aims to help teens (ages 12-19) with alcohol use disorder by using a visual tool called SIM-AiR. The tool helps them understand how their social groups and identities affect their recovery. Researchers will ask 60 participants and their clinicians about how useful and …

This study tests whether getting two cosmetic treatments (Sculptra and Sofwave) on the same day works better than having them one month apart. It involves 13 adults aged 40 and older with loose skin on the upper arms. The goal is to see which approach improves skin tightness more…

This study tests whether combining mindfulness practice with real-time brain feedback (neurofeedback) can reduce repetitive negative thinking in 90 teens aged 14-21 who are at risk for serious mental illness. Participants will practice mindfulness with either active or sham neuro…

This study tests a non-invasive light device that uses near-infrared LED light to relieve itch. The device does not break the skin or produce heat. Researchers will enroll 20 adults with acute or chronic itch to see if the light is safe and can reduce itch intensity. Participants…

This study tests a program called 'Resilient Families' (R-FAM) designed to reduce emotional distress and improve relationships for parents of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). About 50 parents will be randomly assigned to either the R-FAM program or receive stand…

This study tests a program called COMA-F designed to reduce emotional distress in caregivers of patients with severe acute brain injury. Researchers will compare it to a health education program in 150 caregivers. The goal is to see if the program improves anxiety, depression, an…

This study tests an 8-week program that sends encouraging messages to help adults with type 2 diabetes become more active and feel better. About 20 participants will use their smartphones to receive these messages. The goal is to see if the program is easy to use and helpful.

This study tests whether a mind-body resilience group program can help lymphoma survivors better cope with challenges after finishing treatment. About 254 adults who completed lymphoma treatment within the past two years will participate. The program focuses on relaxation, recogn…

This study tests whether a resilience-building program can improve quality of life for lymphoma survivors who finished treatment within the last two years. About 254 adults will take part, comparing the resilience program to a health education program. The goal is to see if learn…

This early-stage study tests whether LCFA-01, a natural gel containing oleic acid, is safe and comfortable when placed in the vagina. Thirty healthy women aged 18-40 will use the gel and be monitored for side effects, discomfort, and how much of the product enters the bloodstream…

This study tests if a safe, non-invasive electrical stimulation device called TENS can reduce pain in people with fibromyalgia. Researchers will enroll 60 adults who will use the device twice a day for 4 weeks. The goal is to see if this simple treatment can improve daily life an…

This study is testing a new device that takes detailed pictures of the lower gut during a standard colonoscopy. The device, called a CC-OCT probe, is inserted through the colonoscope to capture real-time images. The goal is to see if this tool works well for imaging. About 250 ad…

This study is testing a new program that helps people receiving medication for opioid use disorder connect with recovery community centers. The goal is to see if this program is practical, acceptable, and helpful for improving recovery. About 145 adults in Massachusetts who are o…

This study will use advanced PET scans to measure blood flow and energy use in the brain and body at the same time. Researchers want to see how these responses differ between healthy adults and people with heart disease, especially during mental or physical stress. The goal is to…

This study looks at whether using simple traffic light labels (green, yellow, red) on a food bank's online ordering system can encourage food pantries to pick healthier items. About 364 food agencies will take part, with some getting extra nudges to use the labels. The goal is to…

This study is for people with a certain type of rectal cancer that hasn't spread. Researchers want to see if a simple blood test that looks for tumor DNA can help track the cancer and find if it comes back earlier than usual scans. About 60 participants will give blood and tissue…

This study in South Africa, where HIV is most common, looks at how problems like depression, trauma, and not having enough food can make HIV worse. Researchers are developing a special therapy (CBT-SA) to help people with HIV handle these issues and stick to their medication. The…

This study tests whether personalized reminders help people get timely follow-up care after cervical cancer screening. About 7,500 participants from primary care clinics will be randomly assigned to standard care, visit-based reminders, or reminders plus outreach. The goal is to …

This study compares the usual timing of postpartum depression screening (at 6-8 weeks after birth) with an earlier screening at 2-3 weeks. Researchers will randomly assign 428 new mothers to either early or routine screening using a short online questionnaire. The goal is to see …

This observational study screens 500 people with early-stage ALS (within 24 months of weakness onset) to see if they are eligible for specific early-phase ALS trials. Participants undergo clinical tests, lab work, and biomarker analysis. The study also builds a bank of blood samp…

This study aims to better predict how people recover from severe brain injuries that leave them unconscious. Researchers will collect brain scans, EEG readings, and other medical information from 50 patients in the hospital. They will then check on patients 6 months later to see …

This study tests whether a special dye, called LUMISIGHT, can make inflammation in artery plaques visible after they are removed during surgery. Inflammation is a key driver of heart attacks and peripheral artery disease, but doctors currently lack a way to see it clearly. The st…

This study tests whether a combination of motivational phone calls for patients and informational alerts for doctors can increase attendance at cardiac rehabilitation after a type 2 heart attack. Researchers will compare this approach to usual care in 60 adults. The goal is to se…

This study tests whether a community organization can provide weekly calls or texts to people who recently visited the emergency room for suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see if this kind of support is practical and well-received. Twenty participants will receive outreach for 12…

This study looks at how different settings on a breathing machine (CPAP) affect heart and lung function in 60 severely obese adults after surgery. Participants will try two CPAP settings for 20 minutes each in the recovery room. The goal is to find which setting works better and …

This study will create and test a new learning tool to help radiation oncology residents better review and improve radiation treatment plans. Twenty residents in their second to fourth year of training will use the tool and then take a test to see if their skills improved. The go…

This study looks at whether a drug called elinzanetant, which targets hot flashes, can also improve blood vessel health in women aged 40-65 with moderate to severe hot flashes and heart disease risk factors. Researchers will measure blood vessel function and inflammatory markers.…

This study looks at whether 6 months of estrogen replacement therapy can improve heart health in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition that causes early menopause. Researchers will measure blood vessel function and metabolic markers in 45 women aged 30-40 be…

This study will test if a smart chatbot can help young adults aged 18-29 who drink heavily to reduce their alcohol use. The chatbot will have personalized conversations to encourage healthier drinking habits. The main goal is to see if young people find the chatbot easy and helpf…

This study tests a new type of eye scanner (PS-OCT) to see if it can take clearer pictures of the retina's nerve fibers. About 20 healthy adults aged 18-85 will have their eyes imaged. The goal is to measure how well the device works, not to treat any disease.

This study aims to reduce racial bias among pharmacy interns who may prescribe HIV prevention medication (PrEP). Researchers will adapt a bias-reduction program and test if it is acceptable and feasible for pharmacy interns. The goal is to improve care for people of color at risk…

This study compares a rapid point-of-care test for gonorrhea and chlamydia to standard lab testing in 400 asymptomatic adults at an urban sexual health clinic. The goal is to see if faster results reduce the time to starting antibiotics and increase the number of people treated w…