Northwestern University

This study tests whether training popular community leaders to share vaccine information can increase COVID-19 booster shots among Black individuals with rheumatic conditions like lupus. About 60 people will take part, including leaders and their social network members. The goal …

This study is for people with liver cancer who need surgery but don't have enough healthy liver left. Doctors use a special radiation treatment (Y90) to help the liver grow larger. Once the liver is big enough, patients can have surgery to remove the cancer. The study compares st…

This phase II trial tests whether combining pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and tazemetostat can help prevent aggressive B-cell lymphoma from returning after patients have already received a stem cell transplant or CAR-T cell therapy. The study enrolls 32 adults and will measure how lon…

This study is testing two simple tools to help women with type 2 diabetes better manage their condition and understand reproductive health risks. The tools include a personalized medication list for patients and an alert for doctors during checkups. Researchers will track blood s…

This study tests whether a community program centered in churches can help people on Chicago's South Side better control their blood pressure. Researchers will work with local health workers and church leaders to adapt proven strategies from a large health system. The goal is to …

This early-phase trial tests adding mycophenolate mofetil, a drug usually used to prevent organ rejection, to standard chemotherapy and radiation for glioblastoma. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if the combination can make tumor cells more sensitive to treatment. About 6…

This study tests a special toolkit designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who are starting insulin for the first time when they leave the hospital. About 120 English-speaking adults will be randomly assigned to receive the toolkit or usual care. The goal is to see if the to…

This phase II trial tests whether lisinopril, a widely used blood pressure medication, can prevent liver damage from getting worse in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study enrolls 45 adults with advanced liver scarring and measures changes in fibrosis m…

This study tests a drug called vudalimab in people with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer or aggressive hurthle cell thyroid cancer that has spread. The drug helps the immune system attack cancer cells and may slow tumor growth. About 54 participants will receive the treatment t…

This trial investigates whether giving six doses of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before a limited course of chemotherapy can effectively treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The study includes patients with advanced or high-risk disease, as well as elderly patients. Particip…

This study tests whether high-intensity treadmill exercise can slow the worsening of motor symptoms in people with early-stage Parkinson's disease. 370 participants who have not yet started Parkinson's medication will be assigned to either moderate or high-intensity treadmill ses…

This study tests whether adding a fractional CO2 laser to compression bandages helps heal leg wounds after surgery. About 80 adults with leg wounds from skin excisions will be randomly assigned to receive compression bandages alone or with laser treatment. The goal is to see if t…

This study tests whether glycolic acid or salicylic acid chemical peels are safer and more effective for treating melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the face. Adults with melasma patches on both sides of their face receive one type of peel on each side, and a dermat…

This study investigates whether injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a person's own blood can improve mild to moderate eyebrow thinning. Participants receive either PRP or saline injections into the eyebrows, and changes are tracked through photographs over nine months. The …

This early-phase study tests whether giving multiple doses of a special virus carried by neural stem cells is safe and possible for people with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma. Participants receive the therapy directly into the brain before, during, and after standard radiation…

This study tests two drugs—abiraterone and olaparib—alone or together in men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and no longer responds to hormone therapy. Only men whose tumors have certain DNA repair defects (like BRCA or ATM mutations) are included. The goal is to se…

This study tests whether simple electronic alerts in doctors' charts can reduce high-risk polypharmacy—taking multiple medications that may interact dangerously—in older adults, especially those with dementia. About 786 patients from primary care clinics will be included. Doctors…

This study tests whether a special suture called Duramesh™ can prevent hernias at the stoma site after ileostomy closure. About 106 adults who had a temporary ileostomy for cancer surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either Duramesh™ or standard suture during closure. The…

This study looks at whether automatically sending home blood pressure readings to doctors and getting automated advice through a patient portal can help people with high blood pressure lower their numbers better than just writing them down. About 1,300 adults with uncontrolled hy…

This study tests a smartphone-based weight loss program (EVO) against the standard Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in 524 adults with obesity. Participants use an app to track diet, activity, and weight, with remote coaching. The goal is to see which approach leads to more weig…

This early study tests whether tapinarof cream, already approved for psoriasis, can improve skin lesions in people with cutaneous lupus. Ten adults with active lupus lesions will apply the cream daily for 16 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in skin activity and study immun…

This study tests whether adding a posterior repair (tightening the vaginal opening) to standard prolapse surgery helps prevent the prolapse from returning within a year. About 200 women with advanced prolapse are taking part. Half get the extra procedure, half do not, and researc…

This trial tests an implantable ultrasound device that temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy to reach brain tumors. It includes 57 adults with recurrent glioblastoma who have already tried 1-2 treatments. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if this …

This study tests whether giving a TNF-alpha antibody before lung transplant can prevent kidney injury that often happens after surgery. About 20 adults waiting for a lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital will take part. Researchers will measure kidney function and oth…

This study looks at whether drinking lemonade (Crystal Light) and taking potassium citrate can improve urine chemistry in people who have had kidney stones and have low citrate or acidic urine. Ten adults will try each combination for a week and collect their urine for 24 hours. …

This study looks at whether adding metformin (a diabetes drug) to standard hormone therapy (megestrol acetate) works better to control uterine pre-cancer and stop it from turning into cancer. About 51 people with this pre-cancer condition will take one or both drugs before their …

This phase 1 trial tests the combination of nintedanib and azacitidine in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. The goal is to find the safest dose of nintedanib when given with azacitidine and to see how well patients t…

This study aimed to compare two treatment plans for men with low-volume metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy. One group would receive hormone therapy plus abiraterone, while the other would get those two drugs plus chemotherapy (docetaxel). The goal w…

Researchers at Northwestern University are testing an artificial intelligence tool that reads prostate MRI scans to find suspicious lesions. The goal is to see whether this AI can detect clinically significant prostate cancer as well as or better than the standard PIRADS scoring …

This large study tests whether a simple iPad-based cognitive test, called MyCog, can help primary care doctors detect early dementia and cognitive impairment in underserved communities. Over 57,000 older adults from 24 clinics will take the test during routine visits. The goal is…

This study tests a computer system that automatically finds fatty liver disease on emergency room scans and alerts doctors to tell patients and arrange follow-up care. About 4,700 adults with fatty liver seen on an ER scan will take part. The goal is to improve how often this hid…

This study is developing an artificial intelligence app to detect squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a rare genetic blistering condition. Twenty adults with RDEB and a history of skin cancer will submi…

This study aimed to see if a special PET/MRI scan could better find aggressive prostate cancer in men with high PSA levels (2 ng/mL or more). The scan uses a radioactive tracer that attaches to cancer cells, making them show up on images. The trial was withdrawn before enrolling …

This study tests whether a virtual group program called Mothers and Babies can prevent postpartum depression in immigrant Latinas who are at risk. About 300 pregnant women and new mothers will either join the program via Zoom or receive usual support services. Researchers will tr…

This study tests a program called ROSE to see if it can prevent depression during pregnancy and after birth in people who experienced childhood adversity. About 76 pregnant individuals will either get the ROSE program or standard care. Researchers will track their mood with surve…

This study tests a program called S.A.F.E. Firearm in up to 15 Illinois health centers. Pediatric clinicians will talk with parents about storing guns securely and offer a free cable lock during well-child visits. Researchers want to see if training and support help clinics adopt…

This study tests whether using a smartphone app and a home blood pressure monitor can help prevent heart disease in women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. 120 women who gave birth at Northwestern Memorial Hospital will use these digital tools for 12 months after deli…

This study tests whether atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol medication, can reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with long-standing ulcerative colitis who carry a specific genetic mutation (P53). About 42 participants will take either atorvastatin or a placebo for a per…

This study tests whether easy-to-use tools like a decision aid and text messages can encourage people with prediabetes to take proven steps—like joining a lifestyle program or taking metformin—to prevent type 2 diabetes. Nearly 1,000 adults from primary care clinics are taking pa…

This phase 2 trial tests whether metformin, a safe and widely used diabetes drug, can lower the risk of lung cancer in overweight or obese former smokers who are at high risk. About 50 participants will take metformin for 6 months to see if it reduces certain immune cells linked …

This study tests a program called FOREST that teaches positive emotion skills to staff working in gun violence prevention. The goal is to reduce burnout, anxiety, and depression, and improve well-being and job retention. One hundred employees from UCAN in Chicago will take part o…

This study looks at how having a new stoma (an opening in the body for waste to leave) affects both patients and their partners, and whether resiliency training can improve their quality of life. Researchers will measure quality of life and psychological resilience in patients un…

This study tests a program called Well-Mama, where community doulas use a checklist to help pregnant women get better care. About 576 pregnant women who are uninsured or on Medicaid will either receive standard care or standard care plus the Well-Mama support. The goal is to see …

This study compares two common surgeries for removing kidney stones: mini-PCNL (a small incision in the back) and flexible ureteroscopy with a special suction tube. About 80 adults with kidney stones between 1 and 3 cm will be randomly assigned to one procedure. The main goal is …

This study tests a 6-8 week running program adapted for children with mobility challenges like cerebral palsy. The program uses a special device called a RaceRunner to help kids participate. Researchers will measure endurance, speed, and heart rate to see if the program improves …

This study tests a 12-week mobile health program for 304 young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) who finished treatment within the last 5 years. The program combines social support and mindfulness training to encourage moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The goal is to see …

This study looks at whether a mobile health program that combines physical activity tracking with mindfulness lessons can help breast cancer survivors become more active and feel better. About 304 women who finished cancer treatment within the past 5 years will take part in a 24-…

This study tests a new exercise therapy called Progressive Abduction Loading Therapy for people who recently had a stroke. The goal is to reduce a common arm problem called 'flexion synergy' that makes it hard to reach outward. 86 participants will receive either the new therapy …

This study explores whether a type of improvised music, designed with calming sound parameters, can reduce anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease and in healthy adults. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety scores, blood pressure, and heart rate before and after listeni…

This study tests whether an online pain coping skills training program can reduce joint, bone, and muscle pain in breast cancer survivors who take aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Participants are women who have completed primary cancer treatment and experience AI-related joint pain. …

This study tests whether injecting bupivacaine, a common numbing medication, into the surgical site after skin surgery can improve pain control. About 100 adults having skin surgery will receive either bupivacaine or a saline placebo injection. Participants will track their pain …

This study tests whether smelling essential oils during skin surgery can reduce the unpleasant smell of burnt flesh from electrocautery and lower patient anxiety. About 111 adults having same-day skin procedures will be randomly assigned to receive either a real essential oil inh…

This study tests whether combining two types of laser treatments—pulsed dye laser (PDL) and fractional photothermolysis—can improve how surgical scars look. Adults who had a dermatologic surgery on their trunk or limbs can join. Some participants receive the laser combination at …

This study compares two ways to reduce pain during laser hair removal of the armpits: a simple ice pack or a numbing cream called EMLA. Thirty women will have one armpit treated with ice and the other with EMLA before laser treatment. The goal is to see which method works better …

This study investigates whether injections of botulinum toxin A (Botox) can treat persistent facial flushing. In a split-face design, each participant receives Botox on one side of the face and a saline placebo on the other, allowing direct comparison. The trial enrolls 16 adults…

This study tests three different treatments for sebaceous hyperplasia—small, benign bumps on the skin. Participants receive either a combination of pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser, an erbium:YAG laser, or a procedure called electrodesiccation and curettage. Each bump is treated…

This study tests whether freezing fat cells (cryolipolysis) works better for cellulite when combined with a minor procedure that cuts the fibrous bands pulling down the skin (subcision). Fifteen healthy women with moderate to severe cellulite on both outer thighs will receive one…

This study compares two popular wrinkle treatments—Botox and Xeomin—for forehead lines and frown lines between the eyebrows. Twenty healthy adults aged 20 to 65 with moderate wrinkles receive both treatments on different sides of their face, and doctors rate the results over six …

This pilot study compares two noninvasive devices—one that freezes fat (cryolipolysis) and one that uses ultrasound energy—to see which works better for reducing belly fat and improving body shape. About 15 healthy women aged 30 to 65 with a normal or slightly overweight body mas…

This study compares two devices—ePrime (radiofrequency) and Fraxel (laser)—to see which improves acne scars more. Each participant gets both treatments on different sides of their face, and a blinded dermatologist rates the results. The goal is to find a more effective way to red…

This study compares two laser methods for breaking up kidney and ureteral stones during surgery. One method uses standard laser pulses, the other uses a newer 'Moses 2.0' pulse mode. Researchers want to see if the newer mode reduces surgery time and improves stone clearance. Abou…

This study tests whether using a far red light device on the legs for 10 minutes twice a day can improve walking distance in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The trial involves 32 adults aged 50 and older with PAD. Participants use the light at home for four months, a…

This study tests whether wearing inflatable leg cuffs (intermittent pneumatic compression) for six months can improve walking distance in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Some participants also combine the cuffs with walking exercise. The goal is to see if the cuffs h…

This study tests whether dronabinol, a drug made from cannabis, can help control pain after knee arthroscopy. About 30 adults will take part to see if it reduces the need for opioid painkillers and causes fewer side effects. The results will help decide if larger studies are need…

This study tests whether a special traction pad placed between the patient and the surgery table can reduce numbness in the groin area after hip arthroscopy. About 120 patients having hip surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be asked about numbness and difficulty urinat…

This study compares two drugs—methocarbamol and oxybutynin—to see which works better for pain and discomfort caused by a ureteral stent placed after kidney stone surgery. About 126 adults aged 18 to 80 who have the surgery will take one of the study drugs along with standard pain…

This early study tests whether a low-dose oral medication (minoxidil) can help regrow hair in people who have permanent hair loss after chemotherapy. Fourteen adults who finished chemo at least six months ago will take the pill and be checked every 12 weeks for hair regrowth and …

This study tests whether a dietary fiber called resistant maltodextrin is safe and tolerable for people with Parkinson's disease. Half of the 30 participants will take the fiber, and the other half will take a control substance. Researchers will check for side effects and see if …

This study tests a voice-assisted program using Amazon Alexa to help older adults (65+) with depression and their caregivers. Participants use the program for goal setting, reminders, and other mental health support over 12 weeks. Some participants also receive a guide to help th…

This study tests whether personalized coaching on physical activity and nutrition can reduce fatigue in people with lupus. 200 participants are split into two groups: one gets coaching on exercise and diet, the other gets general lupus education. The goal is to see if the coachin…

This pilot study tests whether the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen can reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty participants will take naproxen or a placebo in a crossover design, meaning each person tries both treatments at different times. The study measures daily…

This early study will test a special microbubble bath system (Thera-Clean) on 20 people with certain skin diseases like epidermolysis bullosa, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis. The goal is to see if the chemical-free bubbles can clean wounds, reduce itching, and improv…

This study aims to test new MRI sequences in 2000 adults (patients and healthy volunteers) to see if they can produce better images than current methods. Participants will undergo additional scans during their regular MRI. The goal is to improve diagnostic capabilities without di…

This study follows 285 older adults with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment to learn how they make decisions about aging in place or moving to long-term care. Researchers will track planning and preferences over time. No treatment or intervention is being tested.

This study follows 120 stroke survivors for six months, using brain scans and movement tests to understand why some people develop arm stiffness and weakness. Researchers hope to find early signs that predict recovery, which could guide future rehabilitation. Participants must ha…

This study looks at whether giving men with low-risk prostate cancer two extra tests—a genomic test (GPS) and a special MRI—helps them stick with active surveillance (monitoring instead of immediate treatment). Researchers will track 222 men for 18 months to see if these tests im…

This study explores how children with bilateral cerebral palsy (a condition affecting movement on both sides of the body) step, by adding or reducing body weight during walking tasks. Researchers will measure joint movements, forces, and muscle activity to understand lower limb i…

This study looks at whether showing a short video to pregnant women at least 24 hours before a planned C-section helps them better understand the risks and benefits of anesthesia. Researchers will compare how well these women make informed decisions about their care versus those …

This study looks at a program called the Collaborative Behavioral Health Program (CBHP) for treating depression in primary care. The program brings together primary care doctors, behavioral health managers, and psychiatrists to work as a team. Researchers will track how well the …

This study looks at how electrocortical stimulation (ECS) affects brain cells and speech areas during brain surgery for epilepsy or tumors. Researchers will have 65 participants perform simple tasks while their brains are mapped, sometimes with mild cooling. The goal is to unders…

This study tested a new MRI method to better predict stroke risk in people with intracranial atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries in the brain become narrowed. Researchers measured how well different parts of the brain responded to changes in blood flow. The goal was to fi…

This study looks at how dapagliflozin, a diabetes drug, affects heart function and metabolism in people with chronic kidney disease. Researchers will measure heart strain, oxygen use during exercise, and blood chemicals in 60 adults. The goal is to understand how the drug works b…

This study tests whether a school program that helps teens explore and feel proud of their ethnic-racial background can lower stress, improve sleep, and boost academic performance. About 400 ninth graders from diverse suburban high schools will take part. Researchers will measure…

This study looks at whether text messages can encourage teenagers (ages 13-19) to get tested for HIV. About 360 teens who have had sex and are HIV-negative or don't know their status will receive either helpful texts or general information. Researchers will check if more teens ge…

This study looks at how skin elasticity differs by age and skin type, both on normal facial skin and on surgical scars. Researchers will compare people who have had a skin resurfacing or tightening procedure with those who have not. The goal is to create baseline elasticity score…

This study looks at how men weigh the benefits of improved urination against changes in sexual function after a prostate surgery called HoLEP. Researchers will interview participants and ask them to complete questionnaires over two years. The goal is to understand what matters mo…

This study tests a strategy called EMPOWER that uses patient portals to send women educational materials about PrEP (medication that prevents HIV) and lets them easily schedule a doctor visit if interested. The goal is to see if this approach improves women's knowledge about PrEP…

This study follows 88 deaf or hard-of-hearing children who, as toddlers, were randomly assigned to receive a 6-month parent coaching program or standard care. Researchers want to see if the early coaching leads to better language, reading, and social skills when the children reac…

This study looks at 60 adults with cochlear implants to see if tests of visual attention and processing can predict how well they understand speech in noisy environments. Because hearing tests are tricky for those with hearing loss, researchers will use vision-based tasks like th…

This study looks at why some people with early rheumatoid arthritis develop long-lasting chronic pain while others do not. Researchers will use pain sensitivity tests and brain scans to find clues. The goal is to better understand the transition from acute to chronic pain, which …

This study aims to understand how common childhood conditions develop and whether providing parents with health education and resources can promote healthy development. It will enroll 1,800 infants and their caregivers, who will be randomly assigned to receive either the extra gu…

This study tests a web-based tool called WellPrept that gives patients clear information before their urology procedures. Researchers want to see if it helps patients feel more confident and understand their condition better, and if it shortens clinic visits. About 300 men and wo…

This study tests a new type of cochlear implant that uses light instead of electricity to stimulate the hearing nerve. Researchers hope light can target smaller nerve groups, leading to clearer sound. The trial involves 30 adults who are already having ear surgery for tumor remov…

This study looks at whether hearing aids programmed to match a person's unique listening style can improve speech understanding in noisy environments. Thirty adults with sensorineural hearing loss will attend a 2-hour lab visit, where they will listen to sentences in noise with b…

This pilot study looks at how daily use of CLn Body Wash (a mild bleach solution) affects the bacteria on skin lesions in people with mycosis fungoides, a type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. The main goal is to see if the wash reduces harmful Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The st…

This study looks at skin and blood samples from 505 children with eczema (atopic dermatitis) to find biological markers that explain the disease. Researchers compare these markers to those in adults to see if they are similar. The goal is to better understand what causes eczema i…

This study looks at skin and blood samples from 200 people with ichthyosis (a genetic condition causing dry, scaly skin) and healthy volunteers. Researchers want to find specific markers that could help them understand the disease better and develop new treatments. No treatment i…

This study looks at how certain hormone therapies for advanced prostate cancer might affect memory, thinking, and brain structure. Researchers will use brain scans and thinking tests in 100 men to track changes over time. The goal is to understand which patients are more likely t…

This study tests two new ways to help people with familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic high cholesterol condition) get their family members screened. About 800 adults from Penn Medicine will be assigned to receive automated reminders, a patient navigator, or usual care. The g…

This observational study follows 1,222 adults with liver cirrhosis to understand why some develop serious complications like fluid buildup or bleeding. Participants have check-ups every six months, including questionnaires, physical exams, and imaging. The goal is to build better…

This study looks at how well a medicated gel (afimoxifene) is absorbed through the skin of the breast in women who have had radiation for breast cancer. Researchers want to understand if differences in skin type or past radiation change how much gel gets into the breast tissue. T…

This study planned to test a noninvasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the skin to see if it could help people recover consciousness more quickly after anesthesia. The researchers wanted to enroll adults undergoing lumbar spine surgery and measure how fast they w…

This study aimed to find out if two tests—EndoFLIP and antroduodenal manometry—could predict which patients with severe gastroparesis would benefit from a procedure called G-POEM. The plan was to measure stomach muscle activity and pressure before the procedure. However, the stud…