Medical University Of South Carolina

This study tests whether simvastatin, a common cholesterol medication, can help the immune system better attack prostate cancer. Men with localized prostate cancer who are scheduled for surgery will take simvastatin for 8 weeks before their operation. Researchers will compare the…

This study tests a brief family-involved treatment (B-FIT) delivered via telehealth for veterans with alcohol use disorder. About 400 veterans and a family member or friend will take part. The goal is to see if adding B-FIT to standard therapy helps reduce drinking and improve fa…

This study compares a technology-enhanced therapy program (including a mobile app) to simple medication monitoring for pregnant people taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. About 37 participants will be randomly assigned to either four therapy sessions plus app access or …

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS) to see if it can reduce the desire to drink and lower heavy drinking days in people with alcohol use disorder. About 86 adults who drink heavily will receive either real or fake (sham…

This study is for people with HPV-related throat cancer who have surgery to remove the tumor. Usually, patients with certain risk factors get radiation after surgery, but this can cause long-term side effects. The trial uses a blood test two weeks after surgery to check for lefto…

This study tests different methods of removing blood clots from the brain in people having a stroke. It aims to find the best approach to reduce long-term disability and improve recovery. About 1,600 adults with a stroke caused by a blocked large or medium artery will take part.

This study looks at whether tobacco-free nicotine pouches (like Zyn) can help people who smoke cigarettes switch to a less harmful option. Fifty adult smokers will use the pouches for 4 weeks and report their smoking habits. The goal is to see if pouches reduce or replace cigaret…

This early-phase trial tests whether adding a patient's own bone marrow stem cells to an islet transplant can help preserve insulin production and reduce diabetes after pancreas removal for chronic pancreatitis. About 42 adults will be randomly assigned to receive stem cells or s…

This study tests two different chemotherapy combinations in people with advanced pancreatic cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery. About 52 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either NALIRIFOX or a modified gemcitabine-based regimen. The goal is to see wh…

This study tests a 12-18 week treatment using carboplatin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab for people with triple-negative breast cancer who cannot take standard heart-damaging chemotherapy due to existing heart conditions or high risk. The goal is to see if this heart-safe combina…

This study tests a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear while babies practice bottle feeding. The goal is to help preterm and full-term infants with brain injury learn to eat by mouth, so they can avoid feeding tubes and go home sooner. About 88 infants who are strugg…

This study tests whether taking the drug sirolimus once a week can safely shrink abnormal blood vessel growths (venous and lymphatic malformations) in people aged 2 and older. Current daily dosing causes many side effects, so researchers hope a weekly schedule will work just as w…

This study tests whether formoterol, a drug typically used for asthma, can help people with diabetic kidney disease. About 120 adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate kidney damage will be randomly assigned to receive either formoterol plus their usual care or usual care alone. …

This study tests a program called ENDURE that helps head and neck cancer patients start radiation therapy within 6 weeks after surgery, as guidelines recommend. About 532 adults with certain types of head and neck cancer will take part. The program uses patient navigators to guid…

This study enrolls 544 smokers who want to quit but have had trouble with standard medications. Participants receive free nicotine patches, lozenges, varenicline, or e-cigarettes for 12 weeks, with treatment adjusted based on individual response. All visits are remote, and the st…

This study tests a combination of two advanced radiation techniques for men with high-risk or advanced prostate cancer. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and effective at controlling the cancer while reducing side effects. Participants will receive treatment over about …

This study tests a shorter, 5-day radiation treatment before surgery for soft tissue sarcoma in the arms or legs. The goal is to protect healthy tissue while still treating the cancer and preventing its spread. About 40 adults will take part to see if this approach is safe and ef…

This study tests a simple online questionnaire (e-visit) to help people stop smoking. About 672 adults who smoke daily will be randomly assigned to receive the e-visit or not. The e-visit asks about smoking habits and preferences for quitting medications, and may offer a prescrip…

This study tests whether adding two drugs, hydroxychloroquine and nelfinavir, to standard maintenance therapy can help keep high-grade serous ovarian cancer from coming back. About 38 women whose cancer responded well to initial platinum chemotherapy will receive the drug combina…

This study compares two FDA-approved laser treatments for open-angle glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve due to high eye pressure. Both treatments aim to lower eye pressure and prevent vision loss. The newer technique, DSLT, does not require touching the eye and ma…

This study tests whether mailing buprenorphine to people with opioid use disorder after a hospital stay helps them stay in treatment. The goal is to overcome barriers like transportation and pharmacy access. Twenty adults who started buprenorphine in the hospital will receive the…

This study tests a new type of CAR T-cell therapy for adults with B-cell lymphoma or leukemia that has come back or not responded to treatment. The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells that are specially trained to find and attack cancer cells. The main goals are to find the…

This study looks at whether losing weight and exercising can improve walking ability and emotional well-being in veterans who are overweight and have had a stroke. About 130 participants will be assigned to a diet program, a diet-plus-exercise program, or a waitlist. The goal is …

This study tests whether varenicline (Chantix) helps people quit cigarettes and reduce cannabis use. About 200 adults in South Carolina who smoke and use cannabis will get either the drug or a placebo, plus counseling. All visits are done remotely.

This study tests whether switching to e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) helps people in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking better than FDA-approved nicotine patches and lozenges. About 240 adults who smoke and are in outpatient addiction treatment will participate for …

This study compares two standard radiation techniques for people with large brain metastases (tumors that spread from other cancers). The goal is to see which method better controls tumor growth and reduces the need for additional treatments or steroids. About 54 adults will be r…

This study tests a new way to help people living with HIV quit smoking. Researchers will compare a proactive, opt-out support program to standard care. About 231 adults with HIV who smoke will take part. The goal is to find the best method to help them stop smoking and improve th…

This study is for adults with chronic pain who have been taking daily prescription opioids for at least 3 months. It tests three approaches in sequence: a low-dose buprenorphine patch, a brief pain-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and a type of brain stimulation called rTMS.…

This study tests whether an online questionnaire (e-visit) can help rural smokers quit. About 288 adult smokers will be randomly assigned to get the e-visit or not. The e-visit asks about smoking habits and medication preferences, and may lead to a prescription. Participants comp…

This study tests the drug fingolimod (currently used for multiple sclerosis) in people with advanced non-small cell or small cell lung cancer whose cancer has worsened after standard treatments. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth. A…

This study tests a combination of five oral drugs (hydroxychloroquine, metformin, sirolimus, dasatinib, and nelfinavir) to see if they are safe and can control advanced solid tumors or relapsed prostate cancer. The trial has two phases: first finding the safest dose, then checkin…

This study looks at what happens when adults with cannabis use disorder cut back on cannabis. Over 8 weeks, participants get counseling, computer-based therapy, and financial rewards for reducing use. Researchers will track changes in sleep, thinking, cannabis-related problems, a…

This study tests whether a dye called Indocyanine Green (ICG) can help surgeons better see tumor tissue during head and neck cancer surgery. About 30 adults with squamous cell carcinoma who are at risk of recurrence will receive the dye before surgery, and special cameras will ca…

This study is testing a virtual reality tool designed to help young people who have experienced trauma reduce their risk of substance use and HIV. The study includes 50 participants, such as young men who have sex with men and adolescents with substance use disorder, aged 15 to 3…

This pilot study tests a new, faster version of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat apathy in people with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen participants will receive eight short stimulation sessions each day for six days over two weeks. The goal is to see if the treatment…

This study is testing a wearable exoskeleton designed to improve walking balance in people who have had a stroke. About 21 participants who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and have trouble walking will try the device on a treadmill under different conditions. The goal is to se…

This study tests a therapy program called HOPE for adults who have both opioid use disorder and PTSD. Participants must already be on stable medication for opioid use (like Suboxone or methadone) and will attend 10-12 weeks of therapy sessions. The goal is to see if HOPE reduces …

This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive nerve stimulation (taVNS) given during breastfeeding can help premature or sick newborns learn to breastfeed more effectively. Ten infants in the NICU will receive daily taVNS paired with breastfeeding for up to 14 days. Researchers…

This study tests a special sock called the ZIDA Control Sock that gives mild electrical pulses near the ankle to help people with overactive bladder who still have leaks despite taking medicine. About 20 adults will use the sock at home once a week for 12 weeks while staying on t…

This study tests whether training the leg reflexes can reduce nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. Researchers will enroll 15 adults who have had a spinal cord injury for at least a year and have nerve pain in their lower leg. Participants will attend about 50 sessions o…

This study explores whether a rapid form of brain stimulation, called accelerated iTBS-rTMS, is practical and well-tolerated for women with post-partum depression. About 40 mothers will receive multiple sessions per day over 5-6 days. The goal is to see if this approach can reduc…

This study looks at whether a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation method called rTMS can help treat depression in people with spinal cord injury. Fourteen adults with a spinal cord injury and major depression will receive rTMS daily for four weeks. The main goals are to check if…

This study tests whether a temporary nerve stimulation system called SPRINT can safely reduce chronic lower back pain caused by the sacroiliac joint. Ten adults with severe pain will receive the treatment and be followed for three months. The goal is to see if short-term stimulat…

This study tests whether giving n-acetylcysteine (NAC) during hysterectomy surgery can lower the amount of opioid painkillers patients need afterward. About 240 women having laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy will receive either NAC or a placebo. Researchers will track pain sco…

This study tests a brief computer program designed to help teenagers ages 13-17 reduce their use of cannabis and alcohol. Participants are teens who already use both substances and want treatment. The program aims to change their automatic reactions to drug cues, and researchers …

This pilot study looks at whether a telehealth program can help family members of ICU survivors cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. About 150 participants will use an online platform and have health check-ins. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and helpful for …

This study is developing and testing a mobile app to help people recovering from opioid use disorder sleep better. The app uses proven sleep therapy techniques and is designed for those starting medication-assisted treatment. Researchers will enroll 40 adults who are stable on bu…

This study tests two at-home treatments—smell training and a gentle nerve stimulation device—to help people with long COVID who have lost or distorted their sense of smell. About 145 adults will do daily sessions for 12 weeks and attend three clinic visits. The goal is to see if …

This study compares two sedative drugs, remimazolam and propofol, to see which one causes fewer breathing problems during laser treatment for burn scars. About 136 adults will receive both drugs in separate sessions to measure how often they need help breathing. The goal is to fi…

This study tests whether giving a single dose of methadone during hip replacement surgery can lower pain and reduce the need for other opioids afterward. Researchers will enroll 162 adults aged 18-75 who are having elective hip replacement. The goal is to improve pain control and…

This study looks at whether a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help older adults (ages 60-85) who have mild memory problems and depression. Researchers want to find the best dose of TMS to improve both mood and thinking. The goal is to gather informat…

This study tests whether a small, at-home device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can reduce long-term pain after a stroke. Researchers will enroll 24 adults who have had a stroke at least 6 months ago and still have arm pain. Participants will use the device daily for 4…

This study tests if a single infusion of donor stem cells can reduce long-term pain in people with chronic pancreatitis. Researchers will track pain scores, opioid use, and quality of life in 48 adults over six months. The goal is to find a new way to manage pain that doesn't rel…

This study tests a reflex training system to help people with chronic spinal cord injury walk faster and farther while reducing leg spasticity. Researchers will enroll 25 participants who have had a spinal cord injury for at least one year and can walk at least 10 meters with ass…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people stop smoking. Researchers will use MRI scans to guide the stimulation to specific brain areas involved in cravings and self-control. About 64 adults who smoke at least 10 cigarettes a d…

This study is testing whether a stronger version of a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression. About 20 adults with major depression will receive mild electrical pulses through electrodes on their scalp. The goal is to see if hig…

This study tests whether a gentle nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with intensive hand therapy can improve arm function in infants aged 8-24 months who have one-sided weakness (hemiplegia) from a brain injury. Ten infants will receive 40 hours of therapy over two weeks. Researc…

This study tests a fast form of brain stimulation (rTMS) to help people who feel apathetic after a stroke. Apathy means losing motivation and interest in daily life. The treatment targets a brain area linked to motivation and is given over a short period. The goal is to see if it…

This study compares a once-weekly vitamin A derivative (isotretinoin) to daily antibiotics (doxycycline) for treating moderate acne in 50 people aged 12 and older. The goal is to see if the weekly pill is safer and just as effective, while reducing antibiotic overuse. Participant…

This study tests whether trauma-focused therapy delivered via telehealth can reduce PTSD symptoms in 80 youth aged 7-18 in Puerto Rico who have experienced trauma. Participants will receive therapy from community providers online. The goal is to see if this approach is effective …

This study tests a new, noninvasive magnetic therapy for diabetic gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach doesn't empty properly, causing nausea and pain. 48 adults with moderate to severe symptoms will receive either active or sham treatment to see if it reduces symptom sev…

This study tests a new way to deliver transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with treatment-resistant depression. A portable TMS machine is set up inside a van and driven to three locations in South Carolina. Thirty adults will receive daily TMS sessions for 5 days to…

This study tests a treatment that combines gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation with computer-based thinking exercises for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that can lead to memory and thinking problems. About 50 older adults (ages 60-85) will receive the…

This study tests whether a low-level laser applied to the gums after a tooth extraction can speed up healing and reduce pain. About 39 adults will either receive standard care or standard care plus laser treatments on days 1, 3, and 7 after the procedure. Researchers will measure…

This study tests if using a small device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear, combined with computer-based brain training, can improve thinking skills and mood. Twenty adults aged 45-80 who have noticed changes in their memory or thinking will do the treatments at home for …

This study is testing whether a mobile app called SUPPORT-T can help people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (a type of lung scarring) and their caregivers get easier access to palliative care — care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. About 170 patients and their car…

This study tests a mobile app called Moodivate to help treat depression in people with incurable cancer. About 279 participants will either use the app or not for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if the app reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life. Risks include frust…

This study tests whether a rapid form of brain stimulation (TMS) is practical and tolerable for people with functional seizures (non-epileptic). Thirty adults will receive up to 30 sessions over 3-5 days. The main goal is to see if participants can complete the treatment and if i…

This study tests if a personalized, non-invasive brain stimulation method called rTMS, combined with walking exercises, can help people with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait—a sudden inability to start walking. Up to 15 adults aged 50-80 will receive the treatm…

This study compares two brief counseling programs for young adults aged 18-25 who use cannabis frequently (at least 20 days per month). Participants attend two 40-50 minute sessions one week apart and complete follow-up surveys and saliva tests over six months. The goal is to see…

This study tests a therapy called Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) delivered over video for 50 young children (ages 2-6) with behavior problems and a history of stressful events. Parents and children work with a therapist online to improve parenting skills and reduce child…

This study tests a new text-message program designed to help cancer survivors who feel depressed connect with mental health care. Researchers will enroll 60 cancer survivors who have signs of depression and own a cellphone. The program sends tailored texts and a referral link to …

This study tests whether a small electrical device (TENS) can reduce pain when an IUD is placed. About 86 women will either get real TENS or a fake device during the procedure. Researchers will compare pain scores to see if TENS helps.

This study tests a short video-based therapy called BRIGHT to help head and neck cancer survivors who feel distressed about changes in their appearance. About 180 survivors will be randomly assigned to BRIGHT or a supportive talk session. The goal is to see if BRIGHT reduces body…

This study tests a mental health support program for 150 people who recently left the ICU. The program includes digital tools, coaching, and psychiatric help to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Participants are compared to those receiving usual care over six months.

This study tests whether giving a single dose of methadone during knee replacement surgery can lower pain and reduce the amount of other opioids needed after the operation. About 162 adults having elective knee replacement will take part. Half will receive methadone and half a pl…

This study tests whether a web-based mobile app helps 272 teens and young adults with sickle cell disease learn to manage their symptoms and care for themselves. Participants use the app or standard care, and researchers measure changes in self-management behaviors. The goal is t…

This study looks at whether taking cannabidiol (CBD) pills can change how breast cancer cells grow or die before surgery. About 84 women with invasive breast cancer will take either a low or high dose of CBD or a placebo for 5 to 56 days before their tumor is removed. The goal is…

This early-phase study aims to understand how a device that stimulates nerves in the ear (tAN) reduces pain. Researchers will test if the pain relief comes from the body releasing its own natural opioids. The study involves 136 healthy adults and uses a drug that blocks opioids t…

This study is a large international registry that collects information from up to 40,000 people who have had surgery for stroke, brain aneurysm, or other blood vessel problems in the brain. The goal is to track complications, success rates, and retreatment needs to help doctors b…

This pilot study tests whether personalized brain stimulation can improve hand-eye coordination in people with brain injuries. Researchers will use a technique called rTMS, guided by brain wave readings, to stimulate specific brain areas while participants perform a hand-grip tas…

This study looks at how drinking problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) together may lead to violence between partners. Researchers will observe 70 couples in a lab and track their daily experiences for 28 days using phone surveys. The goal is to understand these conne…

This study looks at how stimulating certain nerves in the ear changes brain activity in healthy adults aged 18 to 65. Participants will have a one-time MRI session while mild electrical pulses are applied to different nerve targets. The goal is to see if stimulating two nerves at…

This study looks at how well a program called the Trauma Resilience and Recovery program (TRRP) helps people who have been through a traumatic injury get mental health support. About 350 English- or Spanish-speaking patients from a hospital trauma center will take part. Researche…

This study tests if a device that temporarily changes brain activity (rTMS) can alter how people with anxiety react to fear. About 80 adults who recently started anxiety treatment will have three visits involving surveys, brain measurements, and mild magnetic pulses. The goal is …

This study tests whether a brain stimulation training can improve the connection between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles in people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers will use a non-invasive magnetic stimulator to measure and potentially strengthen these pat…

This study looks at what might happen if menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes were banned. Researchers will give 240 adult menthol smokers either menthol or non-menthol products for 7 weeks to see how their smoking changes. The goal is to help the FDA understand the real-world imp…

This study looks at how men and women with cannabis use disorder react differently to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Researchers will use brain scans to measure changes in brain chemicals and activity related to reward. The goal is to understand these differen…

This study looks at whether a special alert in the electronic health record can help primary care doctors identify patients with MASLD who may have advanced liver scarring. About 225 adults with MASLD will take part. The goal is to see if the alert leads to more testing and earli…

This study tests a program called REPOSE, which assigns a patient navigator to help families of children with sleep-disordered breathing (like sleep apnea) overcome barriers to getting specialist care. The navigator provides resources, support, and coordinates communication betwe…

This study looks at whether a modified cardiac rehabilitation program can improve physical and emotional recovery in people who have had a stroke. Researchers will enroll 76 adults aged 18-80 who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and have some leg weakness. The goal is to see if…

This study is developing and testing a simple tool to help people with opioid use disorder make informed decisions about starting buprenorphine treatment in the emergency department. About 20 adults who meet criteria for moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder and are not currentl…

This study looks at how different kinds of social support—like emotional help, practical assistance, and companionship—affect the ability of people with COPD to manage their own health. Researchers will survey about 111 adults with COPD and interview 20 of them to understand what…

This study looks at whether a program called Project Support can help parents and children while they wait for trauma-focused therapy. About 100 families with a child aged 6-13 on a therapy waitlist will either get Project Support or continue with usual care. Researchers will mea…

This study looks at a feature called Smart Pass in implanted heart defibrillators (S-ICDs) that might tell the difference between muscle movement and dangerous heart rhythms. About 71 adults who already have the device will do simple arm exercises while the feature is turned on a…

This study looks at 150 adults taking GLP-1 or GIP medications who are scheduled for surgery or a colonoscopy. Researchers will use ultrasound to measure stomach contents after either standard fasting (nothing by mouth for 8 hours) or a 24-hour clear liquid diet. The goal is to s…

This study compares two ways of helping new mothers spot and treat health problems early: in-person visits versus text messages and phone calls. About 2,900 women on Medicaid in South Carolina will take part. The goal is to see if the technology-based approach reduces emergency d…

This study tests advanced MRI techniques to get clearer images of heart muscle damage in people with conditions like cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and ischemic heart disease. Researchers aim to improve diagnosis and treatment monitoring. About 240 adults aged 18-90 who are already…

This study looks at how young adults aged 18-25 with cannabis use disorder react to stress differently based on their sex. Researchers will measure withdrawal symptoms, stress responses, and how soon people return to cannabis use after a short break. The goal is to learn more so …

This study looks at how depression affects brain activity and whether a special brain scan method can track recovery during a 5-day TMS treatment. About 20 adults with major depression will get MRI scans before and after treatment. The goal is to understand individual brain chang…

This study looks at why deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease can sometimes cause thinking or memory problems. Researchers will use brain scans to compare how the brain works with the stimulator turned on versus off. The goal is to help doctors choose the best stim…

This study looks at a hospital-based program that helps people who have been injured by violence. Researchers want to see if the program improves mental health, reduces the risk of future injuries, and meets patients' needs. About 220 patients, family members, and healthcare prov…

This study looks at how social interactions and relationships impact treatment for opioid use disorder. Researchers will collect daily reports from 230 patients and their close friends or family members to understand links between social behaviors, cravings, and medication adhere…

This early study is testing whether a 10-week brain training program can improve arm and hand movement in people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Participants receive non-invasive brain stimulation and real-time feedback on their wrist muscle responses. The goal is to un…

This study looks at whether sending a text message to check for depression is a good way to screen cancer survivors. About 60 people who have had cancer and own a cellphone will take part. The goal is to see if this method is easy to use and works better than the usual way of scr…

This study uses a non-invasive technology called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) to temporarily change activity in a deep brain area involved in anxiety. Researchers want to see if this affects how people with anxiety disorders react to emotional situations. The study invo…

This study looks at how the brain works during tasks involving emotions, attention, and memory in both healthy volunteers and people with depression. Researchers use brain scans and gentle brain stimulation to measure activity. The goal is to gather information that could lead to…