University Of California, San Diego

This study tested whether adding tadalafil (a drug often used for erectile dysfunction) to pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) could help control advanced head and neck cancer. Seven adults with recurrent or metastatic disease participated. The goal was to check safety and see if th…

This study tested a 12-month program to help Latina teenagers who are not very active get more exercise. The program included one-on-one coaching, a personalized website, text messages, a Fitbit, and an Instagram account. The goal was to see if this approach increased their weekl…

This study tested whether giving higher doses of a precise type of radiation (SBRT) over five sessions is safe for people with pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Thirty participants received the treatment to find the highest dose that does not cause severe side …

This study tested a combination of two drugs, ibrutinib and obinutuzumab, in 32 older adults (65+) with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who could not take chemotherapy. The goal was to see if the combo could safely reduce the amount of cancer cells in the body. Resul…

This early-phase study tested a combination of atorvastatin and anakinra in 5 children with Kawasaki disease who had coronary artery abnormalities. The goal was to see if these drugs could safely reduce artery inflammation and prevent long-term heart damage. The study focused on …

This study tested whether adding a medication to a computer-based cognitive training program could improve thinking skills and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 68 adults completed the 10-week program, which involved up to 30 training sessio…

This study tested the safety of an experimental drug called cirmtuzumab in 3 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who had received the drug before. The drug targets a protein on cancer cells while sparing most healthy cells. The goal was to see if giving the drug for 6 …

This study looked at 73 children with MIS-C, a rare but serious inflammatory condition that can appear weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Researchers compared three treatments (infliximab, anakinra, and steroids) to see which one helped children recover fastest without needing mor…

This study tested a new family-based treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa that uses insights from brain science. 93 adults with anorexia and a family caregiver participated. The goal was to see if this approach could help improve body weight and reduce eating disorder sympt…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, pembrolizumab and cetuximab, in 78 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors or slow the disease. Patients were grouped based on whether they had tried…

This study looked at whether adding targeted radiation (SBRT) to standard immunotherapy can improve tumor shrinkage in people with advanced cancer that has spread. About 106 participants received either immunotherapy alone or combined with radiation. The goal was to see if the co…

This study tested a gene therapy for cystinosis, a rare disease that causes cystine crystals to build up and damage organs. Researchers took blood stem cells from 6 patients, fixed the faulty gene in a lab, and put the cells back. The goal was to see if it's safe and if it can lo…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, blinatumomab and pembrolizumab, in 16 adults with a type of blood cancer (B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) that had come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal was to see if adding pembrolizumab could improve the numbe…

This study tested whether acetazolamide, a cheap and well-tolerated water pill, can reduce sleep apnea severity and improve blood pressure in young adults (18–50 years old) who cannot or will not use a CPAP mask. 54 participants received either the drug or a placebo for two weeks…

This study tested whether a shorter, contrast-enhanced MRI (called AMRI) works better than standard ultrasound for finding liver cancer early in people with liver cirrhosis. Researchers enrolled 79 adults with cirrhosis and compared the accuracy of both imaging methods. The goal …

This study tested a new computer software called AutocathFFR that analyzes heart X-ray videos to measure blood flow blockages. Researchers compared the software's results to the standard invasive method in 100 patients. The goal was to see if the software can accurately detect si…

This study tested a Spanish-language website designed to help inactive Latina women become more physically active. 207 women were randomly assigned to either the exercise program or a general wellness website. The goal was to see if the exercise group would increase their weekly …

This study looked at different ways to encourage people aged 50 to 75 to get screened for colorectal cancer. Participants were from a health center and were not up to date with screening. The study compared usual care, outreach (like mail or phone reminders), and inreach (reminde…

This study tested a group-based program called Jenga Dada ("Build a Woman Up" in Swahili) for women aged 15 and older in Kenya. The program aimed to help women prevent intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy by boosting their confidence to use family planning, cope wit…

This small study tested whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, could safely help people with chronic phantom limb pain after an amputation. Ten adults received either psilocybin or a placebo in a supportive setting. The goal was to see if it reduces pain in…

This study looked at whether providing medically tailored meals for 12 weeks could improve the diet quality of people with heart failure. Sixty participants from California took part. The main goal was to measure changes in their eating habits using a standard healthy eating scor…

This study tested a device called RELAY that delivers both numbing medicine and mild electrical pulses to nerves after shoulder or foot surgery. The goal was to see if it could safely control pain for up to 28 days, longer than current options. Twenty adults who had surgery took …

This study tested whether tesamorelin, a drug that increases growth hormone, can improve memory and thinking in people with HIV who have mild cognitive issues. Seventy-three participants took the drug along with a text-messaging app to help them stay on track. The main goal was t…

This study tested whether the medication acetazolamide can improve sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea) in adults with chronic pain who use opioids daily. 39 participants took either acetazolamide or a placebo for one week. The goal was to see if the drug could reduce breathi…

This study tested a digital tool that uses a smartphone and smartwatch to encourage physical activity in adults aged 25-80. Over 12 months, 386 participants used the tool or a standard wellness program. The goal was to see if the tool increased weekly moderate-to-vigorous activit…

This study tested a new approach for people with obstructive sleep apnea who struggle to use their CPAP machine. Many patients stop using CPAP because they wake up easily. Researchers gave a safe sleep medication to 42 adults to see if it would help them sleep more soundly and us…

This study tested a mobile web-based program to help caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease feel less depressed and stressed. 184 caregivers who provided at least 20 hours of in-home care per week and had mild depressive symptoms participated. The program aimed to improve …

This study tested a non-drug approach to manage pain after shoulder, ankle, or bunion surgery. Instead of relying on opioids, which can cause side effects like nausea and breathing problems, doctors placed a small wire near a nerve using ultrasound guidance and delivered mild ele…

This small early-phase study tested whether Botox injections can safely reduce the size of keloid scars and relieve symptoms like itching and pain. Ten adults with long-standing keloids received Botox, and researchers measured changes in scar volume and patient satisfaction. The …

This study looked at 90 veterans with obesity who took GLP-1 medicines (semaglutide or tirzepatide) for six months. Researchers found that participants reported significant improvements in depression symptoms, eating disorder behaviors, and quality of life—including less pain and…

This study tested a treatment called cryoanalgesia, which uses cold to freeze nerves in the thigh, to see if it can reduce phantom limb pain in people who have had an above-knee amputation. Twelve adults with daily phantom pain were randomly assigned to receive either the real fr…

This study tested whether customizing the frequency and location of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS could better treat depression that hasn't responded to medication. 75 adults with moderate-to-severe depression received either fully personalized, partially…

This study tested whether adding the drug memantine to a computer-based cognitive training program improves thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 62 adults took part in a double-blind trial where some received memantine plus trainin…

This study tested a type of brain stimulation called iTBS in 14 adults who have both hoarding disorder and depression. The goal was to see if it could improve depression symptoms and also help with hoarding behaviors and thinking skills. Researchers also looked at how brain conne…

This study tested a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) for people with anhedonic depression—a type of depression where you lose interest or pleasure in things. 60 adults were randomly assigned to receive either …

This study tested a new way of using mild electrical currents on the scalp (tDCS) to treat depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. Only 3 people took part, and the main goal was to see if the approach was safe and doable. The treatment involved stronger and more fre…

This study tested a 21-herb formula called modified Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (mQFPD) in 60 adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who were recovering at home. The main goal was to see if the herbal treatment was safe and feasible compared to a placebo. Researchers measured changes in …

This study tested whether a continuous nerve block (lasting until the second day after surgery) provides better pain relief than a single injection alone for people undergoing kidney stone surgery. 50 adults participated, and all received a single nerve block plus a catheter. Aft…

This study tested whether a digital tool called KardioPAC could help people in cardiac rehabilitation stay physically active and improve their quality of life. 43 adults with heart conditions used the app alongside standard rehab. The goal was to see if the app helps them exercis…

This study tested a new clip that holds the breathing tube in place to reduce pressure on the voice box. The goal was to see if it could prevent sore throat, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing after surgery. 100 adults having surgery with a breathing tube took part, and those wit…

This study tested whether a brief educational session in the clinic could encourage more men with prostate cancer to get germline genetic testing. Researchers enrolled 50 men who were recommended for testing based on national guidelines. The main goal was to see how many would ag…

This study tested a new way to help addiction treatment clinics use an AI platform that coaches counselors on best practices. Researchers worked with leaders at the state and clinic level to improve how well the AI tool was adopted. The study involved 479 people from state agenci…

This study looked at whether showing patients with cervical or uterine cancer a detailed video about brachytherapy (a type of internal radiation) improves their understanding and satisfaction. About 80 women took part, and researchers compared those who saw the video plus standar…

This study tested a special imaging agent, Tc-99m-tilmanocept, to see if it can help doctors tell different types and stages of diabetic kidney disease apart. 57 adults with diabetic kidney disease received a single injection and had SPECT/CT scans. The goal was to see if this me…

This study tested whether an artificial intelligence system could give doctors quicker feedback on how well they followed sepsis treatment guidelines. Sixty-six emergency room doctors were split into two groups: one got near real-time AI feedback, the other got standard delayed r…

This study looked at whether people with low-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) could stick to a whole-food, plant-based (vegan) diet for 8 weeks. Nineteen participants attended weekly cooking classes and met with health coaches. The goal was to see if this diet is practical…

This study tested a new mobile app called iTEST for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The app trains users to more accurately judge how well they perform on memory and emotion recognition tasks. The goal was to see if improving this self-awareness could lead …

This small pilot study tested whether mailing Cologuard or FIT stool tests to adults aged 45-49 helps more people get screened for colorectal cancer. Only 12 people took part, and the goal was to see how many completed screening and how many had abnormal results. The study was no…

This study tested a program that uses technology and a family navigator to help children with autism and their families get connected to mental health services more quickly. The program was offered in primary care clinics. Researchers measured how acceptable, feasible, and helpfu…

This study looked at how teenage girls with anorexia nervosa learn from rewards and punishments compared to healthy teens. Researchers used brain scans and computer tasks to see if differences in learning relate to eating disorder symptoms. The goal was to better understand the b…

This study tested a new step-by-step method called SEARCH to better classify what happens to people after a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). Researchers looked at 150 adults to see if different doctors using the same method would agree on the diagnosis and if the d…

This study looked at whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might help cause Alzheimer's disease. Researchers studied 182 older adults aged 65-85, some with and some without sleep apnea, using brain scans and breathing tests. The goal was to understand how sleep disruptions from a…

This study looked at whether certain brain measurements can predict how well people with Alzheimer's disease respond to the drug memantine. Fifty-three participants took memantine for 24 weeks, and researchers tracked changes in thinking and behavior. The goal was to find biomark…

This study partnered with community organizations to make COVID-19 rapid testing easier and more effective for Latino communities in San Diego. Over 6,500 English- and Spanish-speaking adults from local clinics and neighborhoods took part. The goal was to find the best ways to of…

This pilot study looked at whether giving the birth control shot (DMPA) to 40 women in Nepal within 48 hours of giving birth affects when their milk comes in and how well they breastfeed. The main goal was to see if a larger study on this topic is possible. The study was complete…

This study looked at whether getting up and moving more often during the day can help older women age better. Over 400 overweight women aged 55+ who sat a lot were asked to interrupt their sitting time. Researchers measured changes in blood sugar control and physical function aft…