Northwestern University
Clinical trials sponsored by Northwestern University, explained in plain language.
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Can a single dose before surgery shield kidneys after lung transplant?
Disease control ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis 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 check kidney function and other…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:51 UTC
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Liver cancer combo: radioactive beads plus immunotherapy or pills?
Disease control TerminatedThis study is for adults with advanced liver cancer. It compares two treatment combos: radioactive beads (Therasphere) followed by either immunotherapy (Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab) or targeted pills (Lenvatinib or Cabozantinib). The goal is to see which combo better delays cancer…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:51 UTC
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Smart home blood pressure monitoring may improve hypertension control
Disease control ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at whether automatically sending home blood pressure readings to doctors, along with automated advice, helps lower blood pressure better than patients reporting their numbers manually. About 1,300 adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure will take part. The g…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:47 UTC
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Prostate cancer combo study pulled before starting
Disease control TerminatedThis study was designed 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…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:47 UTC
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Simple stitch may keep prolapse from returning
Disease control OngoingThis study looks at whether adding a small vaginal repair (called posterior colpoperineorrhaphy) to standard prolapse surgery can reduce the risk of prolapse coming back within a year. About 200 women with stage 2 or worse prolapse will take part. The goal is to find a better way…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:45 UTC
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New pill for tough leukemia enters early testing
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase study tests a drug called tomivosertib in 15 adults whose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has come back or not responded to standard treatments. The main goal is to find a safe dose and see how the body handles the drug. Participants take the pill daily for 28-day c…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:45 UTC
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Can a diabetes drug help prevent uterine cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis 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 took part. The goal is to see if the comb…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:44 UTC
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Could an organ rejection drug help fight brain cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase trial tests whether adding mycophenolate mofetil (a drug usually used to prevent organ rejection) to standard chemotherapy and radiation can help treat glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The study involves 60 newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma patie…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:43 UTC
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Lemonade vs. pills: which fights kidney stones better?
Disease control OngoingThis study looks at whether a popular lemonade drink, potassium citrate, or both can lower the risk of forming kidney stones. Ten adults with a history of stones and low citrate levels will have their urine tested after each treatment. The goal is to see which approach best incre…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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Can a blood pressure pill protect the liver from cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether lisinopril, a widely used blood pressure medication, can slow liver scarring in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The goal is to see if it reduces the risk of liver cancer. About 45 adults with advanced liver scarring are taking lisin…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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Ultrasound implant blasts open brain barrier to deliver chemo in deadly cancer trial
Disease control OngoingThis trial tests an implantable ultrasound device that temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, allowing chemotherapy to reach brain tumors more effectively. It involves 57 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. The goal is to find a safe dose and se…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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New hope for older leukemia patients: drug combo targets hard-to-treat AML
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a new combination of two drugs, nintedanib and azacitidine, in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who cannot have or do not want standard intensive chemotherapy. The goal is to find the best dose of nintedanib when given with azacitidine and to see wh…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:39 UTC
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New hope for tough prostate cancer: targeted drug combo shows promise
Disease control OngoingThis study tests three treatment options for men with advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to hormone therapy and has specific DNA repair defects. Participants receive either abiraterone (a hormone-blocking drug), olaparib (a targeted drug), or both together. The …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 22, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New drug duo takes on tough lymphoma in Immune-Compromised patients
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a combination of two drugs, epcoritamab and lenalidomide, for people with a type of lymphoma that didn't respond to treatment or came back, and who have weakened immune systems. The goal is to see if the combo can shrink or eliminate the cancer. About 34 adults w…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 22, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New App-Based obesity treatment takes on gold standard in Head-to-Head trial
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a new, remotely delivered weight-loss program (EVO) against the current gold-standard Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in adults with obesity (BMI 30-45). Over 500 participants will use a smartphone app and video calls to lose weight. The goal is to see which pr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:51 UTC
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Immunotherapy drug shows promise for rare, aggressive thyroid cancers
Disease control OngoingThis phase II trial tests whether vudalimab, an immunotherapy drug, can shrink tumors in people with anaplastic thyroid cancer or hurthle cell thyroid cancer that has spread. The drug helps the immune system attack cancer cells and may stop them from growing. About 54 participant…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 19, 2026 12:01 UTC
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New drug cocktail aims to stop lymphoma relapse after powerful treatments
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether combining two drugs, pembrolizumab and tazemetostat, can help prevent aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma from returning in patients who have already had a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. About 32 adults will receive the drug combination. T…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 19, 2026 11:47 UTC
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New tool aims to catch memory decline early in everyday checkups
Diagnosis OngoingThis study is testing a new, easy-to-use screening tool called ToolBoxDetect that helps doctors find early signs of memory loss or dementia during regular checkups. Over 41,000 adults aged 65 and older from diverse primary care clinics will take a quick computer-based test, and r…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:48 UTC
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New scan aims to spot dangerous prostate cancer earlier
Diagnosis TerminatedThis study was designed to test whether a special type of PET/MRI scan (using a radioactive tracer called 18F-DCFPyL) can better detect aggressive prostate cancer compared to standard MRI in men with elevated PSA levels. The trial was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:44 UTC
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AI app could catch deadly skin cancer early in rare disease patients
Diagnosis OngoingThis study is creating an artificial intelligence (AI) app that can detect a dangerous type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from photos taken by patients or their families. The app is designed for people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), …
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated May 19, 2026 12:01 UTC
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Diabetes drug metformin tested as lung cancer shield for overweight former smokers
Prevention OngoingThis study tests whether metformin, a safe and widely used diabetes drug, can lower the risk of lung cancer in overweight or obese former smokers at high risk for the disease. About 50 participants will take metformin extended release for 6 months, and researchers will measure ch…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:51 UTC
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Cholesterol drug may block colon cancer in colitis patients
Prevention OngoingThis study tests whether atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug, 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 receive either atorvastatin or a placebo for…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:44 UTC
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New tool helps women choose HIV prevention in their doctor's office
Prevention OngoingThis study tests a technology-based tool that sends educational videos and information about HIV prevention (PrEP) to women in English or Spanish through their patient portal. The tool also lets women schedule a PrEP appointment if they are interested. The goal is to help women m…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:40 UTC
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New hope: program aims to stop postpartum depression in survivors of childhood trauma
Prevention OngoingThis study tests a program called ROSE to see if it can prevent depression during pregnancy and after birth in people who had difficult childhood experiences. About 76 pregnant individuals will either get the ROSE program or standard care. Researchers will track their mood with s…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Prevention
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:37 UTC
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Simple pad may prevent numbness after hip surgery
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at whether adding a traction pad during hip arthroscopy can lower the chance of numbness in the groin area after surgery. About 120 adults having hip surgery will be tracked. The goal is to see if the pad helps reduce discomfort and urination problems.
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:45 UTC
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Can Anti-Inflammatory drugs ease knee pain? new study investigates
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. About 20 adults over age 40 with moderate to severe knee pain will take NSAIDs in a carefully designed crossover pattern. Participants will rate thei…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:45 UTC
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Could a simple pill reverse permanent baldness from chemo?
Symptom relief OngoingThis early-phase study tests whether a low-dose oral minoxidil pill can help regrow hair in 14 adults who have permanent hair loss from chemotherapy. Participants take the pill and are monitored for 48 weeks to see if their hair grows back and if their quality of life improves. T…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:44 UTC
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New study tests muscle relaxant against bladder drug for stent pain
Symptom relief OngoingThis study compares two drugs—methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) and oxybutynin (a bladder spasm drug)—to see which better eases pain and discomfort from ureteral stents placed after kidney stone surgery. About 126 adults aged 18-80 who have a stent after ureteroscopy will take on…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:43 UTC
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New laser trick may speed up kidney stone removal
Symptom relief OngoingThis study compares two laser techniques for breaking up kidney and ureteral stones. About 150 adults with stones 6-20 mm will get either standard high-powered laser or the newer Moses 2.0 pulse modulation. The goal is to see which method shortens surgery time and clears more sto…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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Alexa lends an ear: new study tests voice tech for senior mental health
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests a voice-assisted program using Amazon Alexa to help older adults (65+) with depression and anxiety. Participants use the program for goal setting, reminders, and other services, with support from a caregiver or coach. Over 12 weeks, they complete surveys to see i…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:40 UTC
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New arm therapy shows promise for stroke recovery
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests a special arm exercise therapy for people who recently had a stroke and have trouble reaching outward. 86 participants will receive either the new therapy or standard care during rehab and be followed for a year. The goal is to see if the therapy helps reduce arm…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:38 UTC
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Can mindfulness and social support boost exercise in breast cancer survivors?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at whether adding mindfulness and social support to a phone-based exercise program helps breast cancer survivors become more active and stay active. About 304 women who finished cancer treatment within the past 5 years will take part. The goal is to see if these …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:38 UTC
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Lupus fatigue fight: coaching shows promise
Symptom relief OngoingThis 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…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:37 UTC
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Could a psoriasis cream tame lupus skin flares?
Symptom relief ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study tests whether a cream already approved for psoriasis can improve skin lesions in people with cutaneous lupus. Ten adults with active lupus skin patches will apply the cream for 16 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in lesion severity and examine skin and blood sam…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:50 UTC
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Can mindfulness and coaching get young cancer survivors moving?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests a 12-week mobile health program for 304 young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39) to help them increase physical activity and improve quality of life. The program includes optional features like e-coaching, a buddy system, and mindfulness training. Researchers wi…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 19, 2026 12:01 UTC
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New online course aims to ease the burden of dementia caregiving
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests an 8-week online program called SAGE LEAF that teaches positive emotion skills to family caregivers of people with dementia. The goal is to see if it can reduce stress, loneliness, and depression while boosting feelings of confidence and well-being. About 53 care…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 19, 2026 11:48 UTC
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Eyes may reveal how ears perform: new study on cochlear implants
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at whether simple visual tests can predict how well people with cochlear implants understand speech in noisy environments. Researchers will test 60 adults with cochlear implants using visual tasks like the Stroop test and compare them to hearing tests. The goal i…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:47 UTC
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New study aims to find best method to screen families for inherited high cholesterol
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study compares two new approaches to usual care for encouraging family members of people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) to get screened. FH is an inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol and early heart disease. The goal is to see which method helps mor…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:44 UTC
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Can a team approach to depression care transform primary care?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at how well a team-based program for depression works in primary care clinics. About 778 adults with depression symptoms are taking part. The goal is to see if this program helps doctors identify and treat depression more effectively, and improves patient outcome…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:43 UTC
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Checklist program aims to boost cancer screenings for Chicago's chinese community
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether a "Patient Navigation 2.0 Checklist" helps Chinese adults in Chicago get recommended cancer screenings, vaccines, and help with social needs like housing or food. About 600 participants from Chinatown zip codes will use the checklist with a navigator. The…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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Scientists unlock secrets of brain stimulation during surgery
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at how electrical brain stimulation (ECS) affects the brain during surgeries for epilepsy or brain tumors. Researchers want to understand how ECS changes brain cell activity and how it affects speech and language areas. About 65 adults having brain surgery will d…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:42 UTC
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Personalized hearing aids may boost speech understanding
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at whether hearing aids adjusted to match a person's unique listening style can help them understand speech better in noisy places. About 30 adults with hearing loss will take part in a 2-hour lab visit. They will listen to sentences in noise and repeat what they…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:41 UTC
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Can a body wash improve skin bacteria in lymphoma patients?
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis small study looks at whether daily use of CLn Body Wash (a mild bleach solution) can change the types of bacteria on skin lesions in people with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare skin cancer. Fifteen adults with active mycosis fungoides will use the wash for 8 weeks. The mai…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:39 UTC
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Video before C-Section boosts anesthesia understanding, study finds
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether watching a short video about anesthesia before a scheduled C-section helps patients make more informed decisions. About 70 English-speaking adults will watch the video at least 24 hours before their procedure. Researchers will then measure how well patien…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:38 UTC
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Scientists hunt for clues to crack ichthyosis code
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study looks at skin and blood samples from 200 people with ichthyosis (a genetic skin condition causing dry, scaly skin) and healthy volunteers. Researchers want to find biomarkers—natural signs in the body—that can help them understand the disease better. The goal is to use…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:37 UTC
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Digital nudges aim to curb dangerous pill overload in seniors
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests whether simple electronic reminders in doctors' charts can help reduce high-risk medication use in older adults, especially those with dementia. About 786 patients from primary care clinics will take part. The goal is to see if these 'nudges' make prescribing saf…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:37 UTC
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Can a doula checklist save Mothers' lives?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests a program called Well-Mama, where specially trained community doulas use a checklist to help pregnant women get the care they need. About 576 pregnant women who are uninsured or on Medicaid will either get standard care or standard care plus the Well-Mama support…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 26, 2026 02:37 UTC
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Stomach surgery predictor study fails to launch
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study aimed to see if two tests (EndoFLIP and ADM) could predict which patients with severe, hard-to-treat gastroparesis would get better after a surgery called G-POEM. The study was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no results are available. It was designed fo…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 14:05 UTC
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Prostate cancer drugs may cloud your mind – study investigates
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at how certain hormone therapies for advanced prostate cancer affect men's thinking skills, like memory and concentration. Researchers will use brain scans and thinking tests to see if these treatments cause changes in the brain. The goal is to understand why som…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:51 UTC
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1,200+ patients join landmark liver study to unlock cirrhosis secrets
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 1,222 adults with liver cirrhosis over time to understand why some develop serious complications like fluid buildup or confusion. Participants have check-ups every 6 months, including questionnaires, physical exams, and imaging. The goal is to create better pre…
Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:50 UTC
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Zapped back to consciousness? nerve stimulation study pulled before starting
Knowledge-focused TerminatedThis study was designed to see if a noninvasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (tcVNS) could help people wake up faster and think more clearly after anesthesia. It planned to enroll adults having lumbar spine surgery and compare the device to a sham (fake) treatment. Howe…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:50 UTC
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Smartphone study aims to crack the code on binge eating and weight loss
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study uses a mobile app to figure out which types of help work best for people who struggle with binge eating and obesity. About 300 adults will use the app, and researchers will track changes in binge eating episodes. The goal is to learn what helps, for whom, and in what o…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 22, 2026 13:50 UTC
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Light may help cochlear implants hear better
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study tests whether adding light to standard cochlear implants can improve hearing. Researchers will insert special light-delivery devices into the inner ear of 30 adults who are already having ear tumor surgery. They will measure how well the auditory nerve responds to ligh…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 20, 2026 11:55 UTC
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Toddler talk time: does early coaching pay off for deaf kids?
Knowledge-focused ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONThis study checks if a 6-month parent coaching program for deaf toddlers (ages 1-2) helps their language, reading, and social skills years later in elementary school. About 88 children who were in the original study will take tests and do activities remotely. Researchers want to …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Northwestern University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 20, 2026 11:55 UTC