Medical University Of South Carolina

This study tested a combination of two drugs, nivolumab and ALT-803, in 67 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that had already been treated. The goal was to find a safe dose and see how many patients' tumors shrank. The approach aims to boost the immune system to f…

This study looked at whether giving chemotherapy (docetaxel) before starting hormone therapy (degarelix) helps men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer that has spread. 52 men took part. The main goal was to see how many had a very low PSA level (0.2 ng/ml or less) after 10 month…

This study tested a medication called GET73 in 79 adults with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder who were not seeking treatment. Participants took GET73 or a placebo for 8 days and had MRI scans to measure brain chemistry and activity when shown alcohol-related images. The g…

This study tested whether a different medication, maribavir, is better tolerated and as effective as the standard drug valganciclovir for preventing CMV infection in 70 high-risk kidney transplant recipients. The goal was to see which drug causes fewer side effects like low white…

This study tested a smoking cessation program for hospitalized smokers across several South Carolina hospitals. Over 1,100 adult smokers were offered either enhanced support or basic care to help them quit. The goal was to see if the enhanced program led to more people stopping s…

This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cords could help adults with severe lupus that wasn't responding to standard treatments. 81 participants received either the stem cells or a placebo, plus their usual care. The main goal was to see i…

This study tested a special therapy (OPT-A) for teens aged 10-17 who have both substance use problems and mood or anxiety disorders. 140 teens took part and were followed for 18 months. The goal was to see if the therapy could reduce drug use and improve mental health better than…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug nivolumab before surgery could help shrink tumors in people with advanced oral cavity cancer. 17 patients received the drug before their planned surgery. The main goal was to see how many patients had a significant reduction…

This early-phase study tested whether a combination of brief therapy sessions and a mobile app could help pregnant women with opioid use disorder stay on their buprenorphine medication. Fifteen women participated, attending therapy appointments during pregnancy and after birth, a…

This study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear while babies bottle-feed, aiming to help them learn to eat by mouth and avoid needing a feeding tube. Seventeen infants with feeding difficulties participated. Some received the stimulation for 10 days, while ot…

This study tested whether offering prize-based rewards to caregivers could increase their involvement in juvenile drug court and their teen's drug treatment. Researchers enrolled 53 teens aged 13-17 and their caregivers. The goal was to reduce teen substance use and delinquent be…

This study tested two types of walking-balance training for people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and have a fear of falling or have fallen recently. Participants walked on a treadmill that gave gentle pushes to challenge their balance. The goal was to see if this trainin…

This study tested whether giving children a single oral dose of steroid right after tonsillectomy can reduce pain and lower the need for strong painkillers like opioids. It included 163 children aged 3 to 12 having outpatient tonsil surgery. Researchers measured pain scores and o…

This study looked at 170 adults getting a new heart valve (TAVR) to see if lighter sedation (MAC) or full anesthesia (GETA) is better. The goal was to find out which method leads to shorter hospital stays and fewer ICU admissions. Results can help doctors choose the best anesthes…

This study tested whether combining a type of brain stimulation (theta burst stimulation) with the supplement N-acetylcysteine could reduce cocaine cravings and brain activity triggered by seeing cocaine-related images. Thirty-two adults with cocaine use disorder participated. Th…

This study tested whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a supplement, can help people who struggle with both alcohol use disorder and PTSD. 182 adults took either NAC or a placebo for a period, and researchers measured changes in drinking habits, cravings, and PTSD symptoms. The goal w…

This study tested a new way to treat depression by timing magnetic pulses (TMS) to match a person's brain waves. The idea is that delivering pulses when the brain is in an 'excited' state may work better than random timing. 34 adults with depression received either synchronized o…

This study tested whether a video-based smoking cessation program is acceptable and helpful for cancer patients who smoke. 42 adults with cancer participated. The goal was to see if patients liked the program and if it increased their knowledge about quitting. This was a small pi…

This small study tested whether wearing special glasses that emit bright light each morning could improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce leaky gut. Five adults with IBS and a late sleep schedule wore the light glasses for two weeks and then a placebo versio…

This study tested a therapy called speech entrainment for people who have trouble speaking after a stroke (a condition called non-fluent aphasia). The therapy involves mimicking a speaker in real time to improve fluency. 80 participants were split into groups receiving therapy fo…

This study tested whether higher doses of nicotine patches and lozenges can help people quit both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. 46 adults who smoked and vaped daily took part. Researchers compared different doses to see which worked best for quitting both habits.

This study tested a handheld device that combines sound vibrations with gentle puffs of air to help people with Eustachian tube dysfunction (clogged ears, pressure, muffled hearing) and facial pain. Thirty adults used the device twice daily for six weeks. Researchers measured sym…

This study tested whether mailing free samples of varenicline or nicotine patches/lozenges helps smokers quit. 652 daily smokers were randomly assigned to receive a free sample of varenicline, nicotine products, or no sample. Participants completed surveys and daily diaries for 6…

This study tested a group video app that guides breast cancer survivors through yogic breathing exercises at home. The goal was to see if the app helps reduce stress and other long-term side effects from cancer treatment. Forty women who finished radiation therapy within the past…

This study tested whether a small nerve stimulation device worn on the ear at home could improve common symptoms of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, such as pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and mood. Twenty-five adults with the condition used the device daily for two weeks, with…

This study tested a program called Be Well Care Well to see if it could lower stress and boost well-being in preschool teachers. 244 teachers completed surveys about their job stress and personal strengths. The goal was to find ways to support teachers so they can better care for…

This study tested whether adding a gentle vibration to hand exercises helps stroke survivors regain hand function better than exercises alone. 61 adults who had a stroke at least 6 months earlier participated. The main goal was to see if the vibration group could perform hand tas…

This study tested whether adding a reward program (contingency management) to standard smoking cessation therapy helps cancer patients quit smoking. All 282 participants received counseling and nicotine patches; half also got incentives for staying smoke-free. The goal was to see…

This study tested a non-invasive ear stimulation device (taVNS) in 16 teens with autism to see if it could ease symptoms. Participants used the device at home for a month and had brain scans before and after. The goal was to track brain changes and check for side effects.

This study tested a 5-week behavioral program for women who experienced sexual assault and drink alcohol. The program aimed to reduce both stress symptoms and alcohol use. Participants completed surveys and daily smartphone check-ins. The goal was to see if early help could impro…

This study tested whether injecting a numbing medicine near the nerve that controls the voice box could reduce chronic cough. 17 adults with a cough thought to be caused by an overactive nerve were randomly assigned to get either the real nerve block or a placebo (salt water) inj…

This small pilot study tested whether adding cognitive (brain) exercises to standard arm/hand therapy done at home could help stroke survivors think better, use their arm more in daily life, and feel less depressed. Twenty adults who had a stroke at least 30 days earlier took par…

This study looked at whether listening to emotionally meaningful music can improve mood and alertness in people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Ten participants were exposed to special music and a control condition. Researchers measured changes in overall well-being …

This study tested a short, video-based therapy for young children (ages 2-6) with autism who have severe tantrums or aggression. 80 families were randomly assigned to either 10 sessions of telehealth parent-child interaction therapy or usual care. The goal was to see if the thera…

This study tested a new ear stimulation method in 30 adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) to see if it could improve quality of life. Participants used a device at home to stimulate the ear. The goal was to ease symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiet…

This small pilot study tested whether a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and practical for teens aged 12-17 with both autism and anxiety. Ten participants used the device at home twice a day for four weeks. The main goal was to see if it w…

This study tested whether gentle yoga and breathing exercises are practical and helpful for people with scleroderma. Thirty participants learned the exercises and practiced twice daily at home for 12 weeks. Researchers measured quality of life, stress, depression, and saliva mark…

This study tested a program to help African American adults with lupus manage stress. Thirty participants learned stress-reduction techniques, and researchers measured their stress levels and quality of life. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce stress and improve we…

This study tested two versions of a school-based mental health program to see which one better reduces aggressive behavior in middle school students. Nearly 5,000 students and their teachers took part. Researchers measured aggression through student and teacher surveys and school…

This study tested a thinner version of a standard bronchoscopy scope to see if it could help doctors see lung nodules more clearly. 51 adults with lung nodules took part. The goal was to check if the new scope works safely and can spot the nodules.

This study looked at how a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) changes brain activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers measured brain signals during a reaching task in 20 participants. The goal was to learn exactly how tDCS works, which could lead…

This study looked at how gender and sex hormones like progesterone influence whether people can stop or reduce cannabis use. 224 adults with cannabis use disorder received 8 weeks of counseling (one in-person session plus weekly computer-based therapy). Researchers tracked their …

This study looked at how dupilumab improves smell in people with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Researchers measured changes in inflammation inside the nose using CT scans, endoscopy, and mucus samples. The goal was to confirm that the drug works by directly reducing swellin…

This study tested a quick, non-invasive brain stimulation method called TMS to see if it could improve thinking skills like attention and memory, and help people bounce back from stress. Thirty-eight healthy adults received different doses of the stimulation. The goal was to find…

This study tested special safety kits designed to prevent children with autism from wandering away from safe places. Caregivers of 65 children aged 4-11 with autism used the kits and rated how helpful each item was. The study also looked at whether the kits reduced caregiver stre…

This study looked at whether starting more frequent or intense physical therapy within the first day after a stroke helps patients regain movement and balance. 102 adults with acute stroke were split into groups receiving standard care, more sessions, harder sessions, or both. Th…

This study tested whether a brief smartphone task could help women aged 18-25 who have experienced sexual assault reduce their alcohol use and risky sexual behavior. 46 women completed the task or a sham version over four days. Researchers then checked their drinking and condom u…

This study tested whether eating only during an 8-hour window each day (time-restricted feeding) changes certain blood markers linked to breast cancer risk. Twenty-nine postmenopausal women with prediabetes were randomly assigned to either an 8-hour eating period or a 12-hour or …

This study tested a mobile health resource called CAARE to help children under 12 and their caregivers recover emotionally after a traumatic injury. Researchers measured changes in distress, PTSD symptoms, depression, and quality of life. The goal was to see if a simple app could…

This study explored how stress affects African American women who have had breast cancer. Researchers measured stress responses (like heart rate and cortisol) in 110 survivors and looked at how those responses relate to their health habits. The goal was to understand why Black wo…

This study looked at lung ultrasound images in 90 teens who vape and those who don't, to see if vaping causes early lung changes. Researchers also tested whether showing teens their own lung images could motivate them to quit or change their vaping habits. The goal is to find a n…

This study tested a program where a patient navigator helped minority adults with lupus overcome barriers to care, like scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and understanding their health. The goal was to see if this support could improve quality of life and medicat…

This study looked at how the brain changes when people learn new movements after a stroke. Researchers used MRI scans to watch brain activity in 40 adults (some with stroke, some without) while they practiced gripping tasks. The goal was to understand why some brain changes help …

This study looked at whether people with spinal cord injury can strengthen the connections between their brain and leg muscles through a special training program. 21 participants completed sessions over several months, using brain stimulation and muscle monitoring. The goal was t…