Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

This study looks at whether a special care plan called the Beating Lung Cancer in Ohio protocol can help people with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer live longer and feel better. It compares using targeted therapies and immunotherapies (which have fewer side effects than chemo…

This study looks at the safety of giving heated chemotherapy directly into the belly during surgery for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer. About 45 people will receive either chemotherapy before surgery or heated chemotherapy during surgery. The goal is to se…

This study compares two hormone therapies, Orgovyx and Eligard, used alongside radiation for prostate cancer. The goal is to see which one is less harmful to the heart. About 70 men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer will take one of the drugs for 6 months and undergo heart t…

This study looks at whether the flavor of e-cigarettes helps people smoke fewer cigarettes or quit entirely. About 1500 adult smokers will be assigned to use either tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes, or nicotine patches and lozenges. Researchers wil…

This study tests two drug combinations—acalabrutinib plus venetoclax or obinutuzumab—in people with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma. The goal is to see if these combinations can shrink tumors and reduce cancer cells to undetectable level…

This early-phase trial is for people with head and neck cancer that has persisted or returned after prior treatment. It combines an immunotherapy drug (pembrolizumab) with radiation therapy before and during surgery to see if this approach is safe and can kill more cancer cells. …

This study tests a drug called Vyxeos in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) whose cancer did not go away after the first round of standard chemotherapy. Vyxeos combines two common chemo drugs inside a tiny fat bubble (liposome) to deliver them more directly to cancer cells,…

This study looks at whether adding a procedure called vertebroplasty (which strengthens broken spine bones) to radiation therapy can help prevent further spine fractures and improve outcomes in people whose cancer has spread to the spine. About 200 adults with spine metastases wi…

This study tests whether a blood test that measures HPV levels can help doctors safely give lower doses of radiation to people with HPV-related throat cancer. About 45 participants will receive either lower-dose radiation plus chemotherapy or the standard dose. The goal is to see…

This study tests a procedure called endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) to treat pancreatic cysts that have a high risk of turning into cancer. The goal is to shrink these cysts by at least half using heat energy delivered through a thin needle, avoidin…

This early-phase study tests a new treatment called anti-GARP CAR T-cell therapy for people with recurrent high-grade glioma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. The therapy involves taking a patient's own immune cells, modifying them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells,…

This early-stage trial tests a new type of immunotherapy called TriCAR19.20.22 T cells for people with certain blood cancers (non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia) that have returned or not responded to prior treatments. The therapy…

This early-phase study tests a combination of two drugs, osimertinib and tegavivint, as the first treatment for people with a specific type of advanced lung cancer (EGFR-mutant NSCLC that has spread). The main goal is to find the safest dose and see how well the drugs work togeth…

This early-stage trial explores whether a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet can help standard immunotherapy drugs work better in people with advanced melanoma or kidney cancer. About 60 adults will follow the diet while receiving treatment, and researchers will monitor safety a…

This study is testing a less invasive robotic surgery called TORS for people with head and neck tumors (both non-cancerous and cancerous). The goal is to see if this approach is safe and effective, with the hope of causing fewer side effects and speeding up recovery. About 600 ad…

This study is testing whether a special type of PET/CT scan, using a radioactive tracer called 68Ga-DOTATATE, can produce clearer images of soft tissue sarcomas. The goal is to see if this scan can help doctors decide if a patient might benefit from a specific type of radiation t…

This study tests a community program to increase cancer screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in low-income women in Central Ohio. The program includes patient education, media campaigns, and training health workers to help women get screened. About 2,067 women w…

This study looks at better ways to get people in Appalachia to complete a simple at-home test for colorectal cancer. About 500 adults who are due for screening will receive a mailed FIT kit and may also get help from a patient navigator. The goal is to see which approach leads to…

This study looks at whether specially designed messages about alcohol and breast cancer risk can help young women ages 18-25 drink less alcohol and become more aware of the risks. About 500 women who already drink will receive these messages and report their drinking habits. The …

This study tests whether minoxidil (a hair-growth drug) can reduce hair loss caused by hormone therapy in breast cancer patients. About 50 women with stages I-IV breast cancer who are on hormone therapy and have noticed hair thinning will take either a pill or apply a solution da…

This study tests whether a 10-week stress reduction program is practical and helpful for people with triple negative breast cancer. The program teaches relaxation, coping skills, and communication, and also connects participants with social services for needs like transportation …

This study tests whether a diet called MIND (a mix of Mediterranean and DASH diets) can help protect memory and thinking skills in women with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy or other systemic treatments. The study will enroll 43 postmenopausal women with stage II-IV …

This study tests whether a bowel management program using a retrograde enema works better than standard medical care for people with bowel control problems after rectal cancer surgery. About 80 adults with moderate to severe symptoms who haven't improved with standard care will t…

This study tests whether taking probiotics can improve gut and vaginal health in 161 women with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer who are receiving platinum chemotherapy. Participants will take either a probiotic or a placebo pill. Researchers will check stool and vaginal samp…

This study looks at whether a healthy eating plan called the MIND diet can reduce memory and thinking problems (chemobrain) and other symptoms like fatigue and anxiety in women with stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer during chemotherapy. About 60 women will be randomly as…

This study tests a telemedicine program called FOCUS for people with advanced cancer. The program uses counseling techniques to help manage common symptoms like trouble sleeping, worry, tiredness, and low mood. Researchers will enroll 120 adults with advanced lung, breast, prosta…

This study tests whether a vaginal DHEA cream can help women who have had radiation for gynecologic, anal, or rectal cancer. Radiation often causes vaginal dryness, burning, and pain. The trial will enroll 25 women to see if the cream is safe and tolerable, and if it improves vag…

This study looks at whether a short upper-body massage after each radiation treatment can reduce muscle and joint pain, improve arm and shoulder function, and enhance quality of life for people with breast cancer. About 55 participants will receive chair massages during their rad…

This study looks at whether adding emotional and mental health support to standard pre-surgery treatment helps people with localized pancreatic cancer. About 60 adults will receive counseling and support while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. The goal is to see if this appro…

This study tests whether a simple breathing muscle training program can help obese breast cancer survivors exercise longer and with less difficulty. About 78 participants who finished breast cancer treatment will do breathing exercises for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if this impr…

This study tests whether a simple breathing exercise using a small handheld device can strengthen breathing muscles and reduce shortness of breath in women receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. About 58 participants will use the device regularly during treatment. …

This study tests whether a short guided meditation session before cancer surgery can lower patients' anxiety more than sitting in silence. About 300 adults scheduled for cancer surgery will take part. Researchers will measure anxiety levels and also track pain medicine use after …

This study tests if adapted Argentine Tango dancing can help breast cancer survivors who have nerve pain, numbness, and balance problems caused by chemotherapy. About 140 people will take part in dance sessions to see if it improves symptoms and reduces fall risk. The goal is to …

This study tests whether EMLA numbing cream can reduce pain from Technetium 99 injections used in lymphoscintigraphy, a standard mapping procedure for skin cancers like melanoma. About 100 adults with skin cancer will receive either EMLA cream or a placebo before the injection. R…

This study is for people with advanced cancer. Researchers will use a special genetic test on tumor samples to look for changes that might guide treatment. The goal is to see if this approach helps doctors choose more effective therapies. Up to 1000 participants will be enrolled.

This study tracks 70 skin cancer patients to see how long it takes to get insurance approval for 'off-label' drugs given before surgery. Researchers will measure costs, approval times, and whether delays lead to worse surgical outcomes. The goal is to understand barriers to timel…

This study tests whether changing your position (lying down, sitting, or moving freely) affects how long the BCG medicine stays in the bladder during treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. About 40 people will try each position and researchers will measure the time the…

This study is creating a large database of health information from 1,500 people diagnosed with bone or soft tissue tumors. The goal is to collect high-quality data that researchers can use to better understand these rare diseases. No treatments or experimental drugs are given—par…

This study looks at how synthetic cooling agents in oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) influence user appeal and sensory experience. Researchers will have 30 adult smokers try different ONPs and rate their satisfaction, cravings, and sensations. The goal is to understand if these pouch…

This study looks at nicotine pouches (pouches with nicotine but no tobacco) to see if they are a good substitute for cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Researchers want to know which pouch features help people switch completely. About 160 adult tobacco users will test different pou…

This study follows 3,000 adults with spine tumors (either starting in the spine or spread from elsewhere) who have surgery to relieve pressure on the spine, followed by radiation. Researchers will track how long people live, whether the tumor stays under control, and how well the…

This study looks at how certain immune cells, called MDSCs, affect the body's ability to fight breast cancer. Researchers will collect blood and tumor samples from 99 adults with stage I-III breast cancer. The goal is to understand how these cells work and whether they can predic…

This study looks at how Ohio State graduate students think about and use oral nicotine pouches. Researchers want to understand the role of social norms and health beliefs in these behaviors. The goal is to create better ways to communicate the risks of these products. About 2,000…

This study looks at how synthetic cooling agents (like WS-3 and WS-23) in e-cigarettes change how people perceive and use them. Researchers will measure satisfaction, sensory effects, and toxicant exposure in 300 young adult e-cigarette users aged 21-29. The goal is to understand…

This study looks at how sleep changes in women with early-stage breast cancer during treatment. Researchers will track sleep patterns and quality in 100 participants before, during, and after chemotherapy or radiation. The goal is to understand why sleep problems happen and how s…

This study uses virtual reality to show people two versions of the same neighborhood—one clean and well-kept, the other with litter and graffiti. Researchers measure heart rate, sweat, and mood to see how these environments affect stress. The goal is to understand how neighborhoo…

This study measures how young adults (18-24) who don't use tobacco and adult tobacco users (18-65) pay attention to and remember nicotine product labels. Researchers track eye movements and heart rate to see what parts of the packaging people focus on. The goal is to understand h…

This study looks at young adults who use both oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) and alcohol. Researchers want to see if the nicotine strength or flavor of the pouches changes how much people drink. The goal is to understand if this combination raises cancer risk and to help create bet…

This study is creating and testing a smartphone app to help people who have had colorectal cancer, along with their family caregivers, follow diet and exercise recommendations. The goal is to see if the app is easy to use and helpful. About 70 survivors and their caregivers will …

This study collects blood and tumor samples from 1,000 people with melanoma and healthy volunteers. Researchers want to learn more about what causes melanoma and how tumors behave. The samples will be stored for future research that could lead to better ways to diagnose or treat …

This study looks at how the cut (fine vs. long) and nicotine form in moist snuff affect how addictive it is. Researchers will study 80 moist snuff users to see how these features influence how much people use it and how much nicotine gets into the blood. The goal is to provide ev…

This study looks at how reducing nicotine in filtered little cigars changes the way people smoke them and affects their lungs. Researchers will compare regular cigars, normal-nicotine study cigars, and very low-nicotine study cigars. About 50 current adult little cigar users will…

This study is creating a large database of up to 5,000 people in Ohio with plasma cell disorders like multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Researchers will track treatments, outcomes, and quality of life, while also offering patients access to expert consultations and information ab…

This study talks to 50 people with advanced breast cancer to learn what has helped them, what has been hard, and what kind of support they still need. It does not test any new drug or treatment. The goal is to design better supportive care programs for the future.

This study looks at how the amount and type of nicotine in e-cigarettes influence addiction and potential health risks. Researchers will measure nicotine levels in the blood, puffing habits, and harmful substances in the vapor. The goal is to gather information that could help se…