Unc Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

This study tests a new treatment for people with certain types of lymphoma or leukemia that have come back or not responded to standard therapy. The treatment uses the patient's own immune cells (T cells) that are modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells. The main g…

This study tests whether tirzepatide, a drug used for weight loss and diabetes, can slow tumor growth in people with obesity-driven endometrial cancer. About 20 participants will take the drug before their scheduled hysterectomy. Researchers will compare tumor cell activity from …

This early-phase study tests whether giving two drugs (XL092 and cemiplimab) before surgery can safely help remove anaplastic thyroid cancer completely in people with a specific gene type (BRAF V600E wildtype). About 12 adults with this rare, aggressive cancer will receive the dr…

This study tests whether a mobile health program can help young adults (ages 18-39) who have survived cancer and are now overweight or obese lose weight. Participants will either get a full smartphone-based weight management program or just digital tools and support. The goal is …

This early-stage trial is testing the safety of combining two drugs, atezolizumab and ONC201, for people with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. The study includes both obese and non-obese participants to see how body weight affects treatment. The goal is to find the best …

This study is for people with a high-risk type of breast cancer (triple-negative) who still have cancer cells left after standard chemotherapy and surgery. Researchers will use a simple blood test to look for tiny bits of cancer DNA (ctDNA) that might signal the cancer is coming …

This study tests a program called HomeGrown that helps families of young children with Down syndrome (ages 2-6) make healthy changes at home. The goal is to improve eating habits and physical activity. About 38 families will join a 6-month trial to see if the program is easy to u…

This early-phase study tests whether a new treatment using a patient's own modified immune cells (called CAR T cells) is safe for women with ovarian cancer that came back after standard platinum-based chemotherapy. The cells are designed to target a protein called B7-H3 found on …

This study tests if adding a low-dose targeted drug (erlotinib) to standard chemotherapy works better for people with a specific, aggressive type of advanced pancreatic cancer called basal-like. About 104 participants will first have their tumor type identified, then receive eith…

This early-stage study tests a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer that has come back or stopped responding to standard therapy. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, which are modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The main goal is …

This study tests a three-drug combination (isatuximab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) at lower-than-standard doses in 50 adults newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The goal is to see if the lower doses can still control the cancer while reducing common side effects. Participants…

This study compares two ways to offer cervical cancer screening to women living with HIV: standard clinic-based screening versus adding community outreach where women receive HPV self-collection kits at home or other community spots. About 7,600 women will take part across multip…

This study tests a shorter, 5-day radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer or DCIS after surgery. The goal is to see if this approach causes fewer side effects and is as effective as longer treatments at preventing cancer from coming back. About 90 women aged 50 and olde…

This study tests a new treatment for people with advanced lung cancer that has not responded to standard therapies. The treatment uses the patient's own immune cells, which are modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The main goal is to find a safe dose and…

This study looks at whether an online weight management program for child care teachers can lead to healthier eating and more physical activity for the 2-5-year-old children in their care. About 84 child care centers and over 900 participants (directors, teachers, and children) w…

This study tests a new treatment for people with Hodgkin lymphoma whose cancer has come back or stopped responding to standard therapies. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The goal is to find a safe dos…

This study tests a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that has returned after standard therapy. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to target a protein called B7-H3 on cancer cells, and includes a safety switch to control side effects. About 27 adults will …

This study is for people with operable, lymph node-positive triple negative breast cancer. It tests whether adding low or high dose radiation to standard chemo and immunotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes. Participants receive radiation to the breast tumor over 3 days, t…

This study tests a new treatment for people with a rare blood cancer called peripheral T-cell lymphoma that has not responded to standard therapy or has returned. The treatment uses the patient's own immune cells, which are modified in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells c…

This early-phase study tests a new treatment for children whose neuroblastoma or osteosarcoma has returned or not responded to standard therapy. The treatment uses the patient's own T-cells, which are modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The main goals a…

This study is for people with head and neck cancer that has returned after standard treatments. It tests a new therapy where a patient's own immune cells are modified in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The main goals are to see if the treatment is safe and to f…

This early-stage study tests whether a new type of immune cell therapy (CAR T-cells) is safe for people with glioblastoma that has come back or not responded to standard treatment. The cells are given directly into the fluid around the brain. The main goal is to check for side ef…

This early-stage study tests two drugs, ulixertinib and palbociclib, together in people with advanced solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer and certain melanomas. The main goal is to find the safest dose and check for side effects. About 45 adults whose cancer has not respond…

This study is for people with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread). It aims to see if choosing treatments based on specific tumor markers (biomarkers) can help control the disease longer. About 700 participants will receive standard therapies matched to their biomark…

This study tests whether a special type of radiation called GRID, given before standard radiation and surgery, is safe and effective for people with soft tissue sarcoma in their arms or legs. The goal is to improve tumor removal and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back, wi…

This study looks at how the genetic makeup of pancreatic cancer affects response to FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy given before surgery. About 45 adults with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer will receive chemo, then have their tumors analyzed. The goal is to see if certain tumor types r…

This study tests whether adding trilaciclib to the standard drug lurbinectedin can lower the risk of dangerous low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) in people with advanced small cell lung cancer that has stopped responding to initial treatment. About 30 adults will receive t…

This study is testing a new ultrasound technique called Contrast Enhanced Super-Resolution (CESR) imaging to see if it can better find and tell apart cancerous and non-cancerous lesions in the breast, liver, and kidney. About 40 people will take part, including 10 healthy volunte…

This study compares a newer X-ray-based breast imaging method (contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis, or CE-DBT) with standard MRI to see how confident radiologists are in identifying breast lesions. About 20 women with suspected breast lesions will receive both scans. T…

This study looks at whether a community-based exercise program called Get Real and Heel can help people with metastatic breast cancer become more physically active. Researchers want to see if the program improves quality of life, physical function, and social support. About 50 pa…

This study tests whether combining the drug memantine with a structured exercise program can improve memory and thinking in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. About 90 women with early-stage breast cancer will be split into three groups: memantine plus exercise, mema…

This study tests if a combination of three treatments—kyphoplasty (to stabilize the spine), radiofrequency ablation (to heat and destroy tumor tissue), and radiation therapy—can better relieve pain in adults with cancer that has spread to the middle or lower back. All 70 particip…

This study tests whether a tailored exercise and support program before cancer treatment helps adults with cancer feel better and function better. About 60 people referred to UNC will be randomly assigned to the program or usual care. The goal is to see if this approach improves …

This study tests a gel spacer placed between the cervix and rectum during radiation therapy for cervical cancer. The gel aims to reduce radiation exposure to nearby healthy organs, potentially lowering side effects. About 14 participants will be enrolled to see if the procedure i…

This study tests whether a smartphone app called ARTCan can help young adults (ages 18-25) who survived childhood cancer feel better emotionally. Participants will use the app for 6 weeks to do art therapy activities and answer weekly surveys about their mood. The goal is to see …

This study looks at whether a program called enCompass Humana can help family caregivers of people with cancer and diabetes feel more supported and less stressed. About 162 caregivers will be randomly assigned to receive the program or usual care. The program offers coaching and …

This study tests whether taking a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) supplement can reduce stomach and bowel side effects caused by radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis. About 122 adults with cancer will receive either the supplement or a placebo during their radiation treatment…

This study tests a remote stress-management program called PRISM for people recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The goal is to see if it improves resilience, quality of life, and possibly survival, especially for Black women who often face worse outcomes. About 120 …

This study looks at whether providing free, healthy frozen meals to families of children with cancer is practical and helpful. About 30 children aged 12-17 and their parents will take part. The goal is to see if families find the meals easy to use and acceptable during a child's …

This study tests a new way to give radiation for head and neck cancer that may reduce dry mouth, a common and severe side effect. About 98 adults with oropharynx cancer will be randomly assigned to standard radiation or a technique guided by MRI that spares the saliva ducts. The …

This study is testing whether HPV DNA found in blood and urine can be used to detect cervical cancer and monitor how well treatment is working. Researchers will collect samples from 30 women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer before and after treatment. The goal is to see if th…

This study looks at whether a blood test can find tiny bits of tumor DNA left after surgery in women with early-stage breast cancer. It includes 100 women, with a special focus on African American/Black women, who are often left out of this type of research. The goal is to see if…

This study creates a registry of 500 children, teens, and young adults (ages 1-39) diagnosed with cancer. Researchers will collect health surveys, physical tests, and blood samples over time to understand how cancer and its treatment affect aging and quality of life. The goal is …

This study looks at how willing and able women with non-metastatic breast cancer are to change their diet to reduce cancer risks. About 200 women who have finished primary treatment will complete online surveys and review an educational flyer. The goal is to understand what helps…

This study tests a decision-support tool called PRIME for adults aged 60 and older with blood cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma. The tool helps patients clarify what matters most to them and shares that with their doctors. The goal is to see if using PRIME lead…

This study looks at whether showing short educational videos to people with ovarian or endometrial cancer can increase the number who get genetic testing. About 30 participants will watch a video about genetic testing and then fill out a satisfaction survey. Researchers will comp…

This study is testing a values assessment tool for women with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers. The goal is to see if using the tool helps patients and caregivers feel less conflicted about decisions and improves communication with their cancer doctors. About 40 peop…

This study is creating a Spanish version of a decision aid called BREASTChoice to help Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors learn about breast reconstruction options. About 50 women who prefer Spanish health information will test the tool. The goal is to improve knowle…

This study watches how people with gastrointestinal or sarcoma cancers do on standard treatments like radiation. It collects information on cancer return and side effects to help doctors improve care. About 180 adults will take part, and no experimental drugs are given.

This study looks at how words on alcohol cans and bottles change what people think about the drink and how likely they are to try it. About 1,500 adults who drink alcohol will see pictures of drinks with different marketing claims and answer questions. The goal is to understand i…

This study tests whether specially designed ads can motivate people who use both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes to quit. Over 5 weeks, 90 participants will receive these ads and answer surveys about their interest in quitting. The goal is to learn which messages work best, n…

This study is testing a mobile decision tool for breast cancer patients who have had surgery. 20 participants will use the tool on their phones and share their thoughts out loud. Researchers will measure how much patients learn about reconstruction options and gather feedback to …

This study collects fluid from around the lungs (pleural fluid) from patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, or lung infections. The goal is to build a registry of samples and health information for future research. No new treatments are tested—this is purely for understanding …

This study is a registry that collects information from 2000 adults with metastatic cancer who are receiving radiation therapy as part of their standard care. The goal is to gather clinical data and patient-reported outcomes to help researchers better understand how radiation the…

This study tests whether visual decision-support tools help surgeons better discuss risks and benefits of surgery with patients who have prostate or kidney cancer. About 20 urologists and 200 patient visits will be studied, comparing conversations before and after the tools are i…

This study looks at how chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer might speed up aging in organs like the heart and brain. Researchers will measure aging markers in blood samples from 80 women before and after treatment. The goal is to find patients at higher risk for long-term …

This study looks at a blood test that measures tiny bits of tumor DNA in people with head and neck cancer. Researchers want to see how these levels change after surgery and whether they can help predict if the cancer will come back. About 50 adults planning surgery will provide b…

This study surveys 100 young adults (ages 18-39) receiving cancer treatment at a hospital to compare their satisfaction in two different infusion spaces. Participants fill out surveys and may join interviews about their experience with the room design and mental health staff. The…

This study follows 220 people with HPV-related throat cancer after treatment to see if two things can predict if the cancer returns: changes in certain genes (TRAF3 and CYLD) and levels of HPV DNA in the blood. Participants will give blood samples and have regular CT scans. The g…

This study looks at whether adding a special helper called an oncology research navigator (ORN) to standard cancer care helps patients learn about and join clinical trials and support services. About 686 adults with new cancer appointments at UNC Medical Center will take part. Th…

This study looks at whether giving doctors extra genetic information about a patient's breast cancer tumor helps them choose better treatments. About 500 people with metastatic breast cancer will join. The goal is to see if this new type of testing changes treatment plans and imp…

This study is building a registry of 2,000 adults with plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Participants will fill out health questionnaires and may give a blood sample to study aging markers. The goal is to gather information to support future researc…

This study collects blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples from up to 15,000 people with blood cancers or related disorders. The samples are stored in a central bank for researchers to use in future studies. Participants do not receive any treatment as part of this study. The goa…

This study enrolls 3,300 women in North Carolina with invasive breast cancer to understand why some groups have worse outcomes. Participants receive a program to improve communication with their doctors and self-advocacy. The goal is to see if this support can help reduce differe…

This study is creating a large registry of lymphoma patients in Malawi to collect detailed information about the disease and its treatment. Researchers will enroll 800 people with suspected lymphoma, perform biopsies, and follow their health over time. The goal is to better under…

This study uses special MRI scans to see how radiation treatment for brain tumors affects thinking and memory. Researchers will follow 15 people with newly diagnosed brain metastases who are getting stereotactic radiosurgery. The goal is to better understand the brain changes tha…

This study is developing and testing a mobile app designed to help Black people with pancreatic cancer learn about and discuss clinical trials with their doctors. The goal is to increase participation in clinical trials among Black patients, who currently join at much lower rates…

This study interviews 15 doctors and nurses who care for people with metastatic breast cancer. The goal is to find out if a new computer tool that predicts how the disease may progress is easy to use and helpful. The results will guide how to best bring this tool into everyday ca…

This study tests a new tool that lets cancer patients report any issues that might delay their treatment. Researchers want to see if this tool can help identify and address problems sooner, especially for racial groups that often face longer delays. The study will enroll 240 adul…

This study looks at which features of vaping prevention ads are most effective for teens and young adults aged 13-20 who either vape or are open to trying it. Participants will watch a few short ads online and rate how convincing each one is. The goal is to learn what makes an ad…