University Of California, San Diego

This study is testing a special 3D-printed cage, called the TRUMATCH Graft Cage, to help repair large gaps in the arm or leg bones that are hard to heal. Five adults with these severe bone breaks will receive the cage during surgery. Researchers will track how well the bone heals…

This study tests a combination of two drugs (retifanlimab and ruxolitinib) in people with advanced lung or kidney cancer whose tumors grew despite prior immunotherapy. The goal is to find the safest dose of ruxolitinib and see if the combo can shrink tumors. About 40 participants…

This study tests a combination of an immunotherapy drug (cemiplimab) and chemotherapy (gemcitabine) in people with advanced pancreatic cancer that has a specific genetic change (SWI/SNF). The goal is to see if this combo helps patients live longer. About 43 adults who have alread…

This study tests whether a program led by peers—combining acceptance and commitment therapy, exercise, and social support—can help women living with HIV take their medication more consistently. About 300 women who have HIV, use substances, and have experienced violence will take …

This study tests whether adding an anti-inflammatory diet to standard care can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Researchers will enroll 124 adults with low to moderate disease activity. Participants will follow the diet for a period, and the study will measure changes in di…

This study is testing a new type of metal rod (nail) to fix broken thigh bones. About 40 adults will get this implant, and doctors will track how well the bone heals, pain levels, and any complications over 3 years. The goal is to see if this new nail reduces common issues like m…

This study tests whether trained community health workers can help refugees with high blood pressure stick to their medication and lower their numbers. About 250 adult refugees will either get extra support sessions or just standard information and a home blood pressure monitor. …

This study tests a new way to give radiation for prostate cancer. Instead of treating the whole prostate, doctors will focus the radiation only on the tumor. The goal is to see if this reduces side effects like bladder and bowel problems. The study involves 150 men with intermedi…

This study tests whether regular sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people with treatment-resistant depression maintain the benefits they got from an initial round of rTMS. 75 adults who previously responded to rTMS will receive either standa…

This early-phase trial tests whether adding the drug fostamatinib to standard chemotherapy can help people with pancreatic cancer that can be removed by surgery. About 36 adults will receive the combination before and after their operation. The main goal is to see if the treatmen…

This study tests whether a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (Opdualag) works better than one drug (nivolumab) alone for people with high-risk basal cell skin cancer. About 30 participants will receive the treatment before surgery to see if it shrinks or eliminates the tumor…

This study looks at whether time-restricted eating (eating only during a set number of hours each day) can improve health in people with metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes. About 140 adults will either follow their usual diet or limit eating to a specific time window. Researchers…

This study tests whether an artificial intelligence model can identify patients with advanced HR+ HER2- breast cancer whose tumors might still respond to a second CDK4/6 inhibitor after the first stopped working. About 105 participants will either receive the AI-recommended drug …

This study tests whether a cheap, once-daily pill called acetazolamide can help people with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP mask. Sixty adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea will receive either the drug or a placebo for 4 weeks each. The goal is to see if …

This study tests whether a high-quality form of coenzyme Q10, a natural substance, can help reduce symptoms and improve daily life for veterans with Gulf War illness. About 192 veterans will receive either the supplement or a placebo, and researchers will track changes in symptom…

This study looks at whether keeping very premature babies (born before 30 weeks) on CPAP breathing support until they are 32-34 weeks old helps them come off support more successfully. About 130 babies will either follow a structured weaning plan or be managed by their doctor's u…

This study tests a program that connects families struggling to afford food with community nutrition support, right from their child's clinic. About 600 children aged 5-18 with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and whose families face food insecurity, will take part. The…

This early-stage trial tests a new approach for people with advanced liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The treatment combines freezing the tumor (cryoablation) with a targeted drug infusion into the liver, followed by two immunotherapy drugs. The main goal is to che…

This study looks at whether a 14-week ketogenic diet can normalize brain metabolism and reduce lingering eating disorder thoughts in people who have already regained weight from anorexia nervosa. About 90 participants will have brain scans and assessments before and after the die…

This early-phase study tests whether adding fampridine to the standard drug imatinib is safe and effective for people with a specific type of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that has a KIT gene mutation. About 18 participants will take the drugs for at least 2 months before…

This study tests a 4-month online program called Women SHINE for 360 women living with HIV who have experienced violence and struggle to take their HIV medication regularly. The program includes one-on-one sessions with a peer navigator, support groups, and online resources. The …

This study provides families on Medi-Cal who have a child with type 2 diabetes with a prescription for free fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal is to help families eat healthier, reduce food insecurity, and improve the child's blood sugar and overall health. About 200 children …

This study tests a drug called elranatamab in people with multiple myeloma that has returned or not responded to previous treatments. About 33 participants who have already tried 1 to 3 other therapies will receive elranatamab alone. The goal is to see if the drug can make cancer…

This study tests whether adding precise, high-dose radiation (SABR) to standard treatments can keep cancer from growing longer in people whose cancer has spread to up to 10 spots. About 300 adults with solid tumors that have spread to a limited number of sites will be randomly as…

This early-phase study tests a new drug called SB-4826 in adults with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The main goal is to find a safe dose and see if it shrinks tumors. Some lymphoma patients will also get the drug combined with rituximab. Participants take SB-4826…

This study is testing a new, portable device called LiverScope that uses MRI-like technology to check for liver disease without needles or surgery. Researchers want to see if it works as well as standard MRI scans. About 26 adults with fatty liver disease will have one visit that…

This long-term study is looking for the best methods to detect glaucoma and track its worsening over time, especially in people with nearsightedness (myopia) and those of African or European descent. Researchers will use advanced eye imaging to monitor changes in the back of the …

This study aims to see if advanced ultrasound techniques can accurately detect fatty liver disease in children, potentially offering a faster, cheaper, and needle-free alternative to MRI. Researchers will enroll 120 children aged 9 to 18 who have risk factors for the condition. T…

This study tests a multimedia program using radio, TV, and community outreach to help women and couples in Nigeria make informed family planning decisions. Researchers will track 4,000 women aged 15-44 in three states over three years to see if the program increases use of modern…

This study tests a program called Regulation of Cues (ROC) adapted for Latinas with prediabetes and obesity. The goal is to see if it helps them manage food cravings, lose weight, and prevent type 2 diabetes. Thirty women aged 18-55 will attend 14 sessions and rate how helpful th…

This study tests a new approach for people with depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. It combines a type of brain stimulation called iTBS with digital mindfulness training to improve brain function and reduce symptoms. The goal is to help 120 adults with treat…

This study tests a smartphone app called mSITE that helps people with schizophrenia or related conditions increase their social interactions. Researchers will enroll 125 adults and use the app along with therapy to encourage real-world social engagement. The goal is to reduce soc…

This study tests a special gel, TriCalm Hydrogel, to see if it can reduce itching caused by immunotherapy drugs in cancer patients. About 28 adults will use either the gel or a standard steroid cream. The goal is to find a better way to manage this uncomfortable side effect and i…

This study tests whether having a full or empty bladder during pelvic radiation therapy leads to fewer side effects. About 300 adults with pelvic cancers will be randomly assigned to one of the two bladder protocols. The goal is to find which approach better reduces bladder and b…

This study looks at whether sleeping with a weighted blanket before breast surgery can lower anxiety and reduce pain after the operation. About 168 adults will use either a heavier or lighter blanket for up to 3 months and report their anxiety and pain levels. The goal is to see …

This study tests a simple idea: before surgery to reverse an ileostomy, participants will infuse their own ostomy contents back into the inactive part of the bowel. The goal is to 'retrain' that section to handle digestion again, potentially speeding up recovery of normal bowel f…

This study tests a 16-week video exercise program for breast cancer survivors who had surgery. Participants join small group classes online to improve fitness, balance, and strength. The goal is to see if the program is easy to follow and helps recovery.

This study tests whether a whole food plant-based diet can reduce pain in women with endometriosis. 120 participants will either follow the special diet or their usual diet for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if changing what you eat can ease pelvic pain, pain during sex, and period…

This study tests whether a safe, at-home brain stimulation method called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Ten adults with major depression will use a headset at home for 20-minute sessions, five times a week for two weeks, while …

This study tests whether a therapeutic ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) can reduce persistent eating disorder symptoms like drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and mood issues. It includes adults with anorexia nervosa (weight-recovered or underweight) and bulimia nervosa…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called accelerated theta burst stimulation (aTBS) to see if it can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will compare two types of stimulation (bilateral vs. unilateral) in 7…

This study tests whether higher doses of the drug levetiracetam can safely stop seizures in newborns. About 133 babies at risk of seizures will receive the medicine and be monitored with continuous EEG. The goal is to find the most effective dose that causes the fewest side effec…

This study tests whether combining a personalized cognitive training program with a type of brain stimulation called iTBS can help treat depression in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion). About 72 participants, including military members, veterans, and …

This study tests whether a computer-based cognitive training program can improve thinking skills like memory and attention in 128 adults with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Participants are randomly assigned to either the active training or a sham version. The goal is to see if th…

This study tests whether a mental health app can help adolescent dancers recover from foot or ankle injuries. About 50 dancers aged 13 to 18 will use the app to build self-compassion and track their return to dance. The goal is to see if the app improves emotional well-being and …

This study looks at whether eating only during a 10-hour daytime window (and fasting for 14 hours at night) can improve sleep, thinking, and brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment or early-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will compare two fasting schedu…

This study compares two standard surgical procedures for repairing a specific type of ankle injury called syndesmosis, often linked with ankle fractures. Researchers will randomly assign 140 adult patients to receive either a suture button or a Fibulink implant. The goal is to se…

This study looks at whether a Mediterranean diet and time-restricted eating can help college students with mild to moderate depression. Thirty students will track their food, sleep, and mood, and receive diet counseling. The goal is to see if these diet changes are practical and …

This study tests a meditation-based brain-training method to help people with moderate depression. 27 adults will learn to control their brain activity using real-time feedback while meditating. The goal is to see if this approach can reduce depression symptoms without medication…

This early-stage study tests whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can safely reduce burnout symptoms in doctors. Ten UCSD physicians with long-term burnout will receive the treatment in a small, open-label trial. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and worth studying f…

This study tests whether adding cannabidiol (CBD) to standard treatment can improve symptoms, thinking, and inflammation in people with early psychosis. About 120 adolescents and adults will receive either CBD or a placebo for 8 weeks. The goal is to see if CBD helps control symp…

This study tests a procedure called cryoneurolysis, which uses a small probe to freeze specific nerves in the foot, to see if it can reduce chronic pain from diabetic neuropathy. About 30 adults with painful diabetic nerve pain in their feet will either get the real freezing trea…

This study looks at a new way to help children in the child welfare system get the mental health services they need. Researchers are testing a tool called After Action Review (AAR) to improve team meetings and make sure families have a real say in planning. About 320 participants…

This study looks at how two cannabis compounds, CBD and THC, affect inflammation and brain health in people with HIV. About 90 participants will take both compounds in a random order over 6 weeks. Researchers will measure blood markers and brain changes to better understand how c…

This study looks at how sleep and light affect mood in women going through menopause. Researchers want to see if changing sleep timing for one night and using bright light for two weeks can help reset the body's internal clock and improve depression. Participants will provide uri…

This study enrolls 200 daily smokers aged 22+ to see if a virtual reality test can measure how much attention they pay to smoking cues. Half will take the medication varenicline and half a placebo for about two weeks. Researchers will track changes in eye gaze, cravings, and smok…

This study looks at better ways to provide cervical cancer screening and treatment to women living with HIV in Nigeria. About 2,400 women will take part. The goal is to see which methods work best to get more women screened and treated, ultimately improving their health and life …

This study tests whether trained peer navigators can help Hispanic families enroll their children in cancer clinical trials and better understand the consent process. About 450 parents of Hispanic children with newly diagnosed cancer will be randomly assigned to receive either pe…

This study looks at whether frequent neurological checks in the ICU disrupt sleep and worsen confusion (delirium) in older adults with a brain bleed. Researchers will compare checks every hour versus every two hours in 120 patients. The goal is to see if less frequent checks can …

This study looks at how the brain processes pleasure and desire in women with anorexia or bulimia. Researchers will use brain scans and computer tasks to compare women with eating disorders to healthy women. The goal is to understand these brain patterns better, which could help …

This study follows 100 people who had a new episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) during a hospital stay for surgery or medical illness. Participants receive a small implantable heart monitor to track their heart rhythm for up to 12 months. The goal is to see how often AF comes bac…

This study is testing a computer tool that helps doctors quickly identify Kawasaki Disease in children with fever. The tool uses patient information to give a score, aiming to speed up treatment. About 200 children with fever and signs of Kawasaki Disease will take part. The goal…

This study tests three methods of giving the antibiotic vancomycin during total knee replacement: injection into the joint, into the bone, or through a vein. The goal is to see which method best reaches the tissues to prevent serious infections. About 30 adults having knee surger…

This study is testing a new approach to suicide prevention that uses daily surveys and data analysis to create a personalized treatment plan for each person. Researchers will enroll 70 adults who are having suicidal thoughts. Participants will receive coaching based on their own …

This study aims to understand how male-level testosterone therapy affects the reproductive hormone system in healthy transgender men and cisgender women. Researchers will measure hormone levels and track menstrual bleeding patterns in 80 participants over time. The goal is to lea…

This study looks at how having both sleep apnea and COPD (called overlap syndrome) affects the heart and blood vessels. Researchers will compare 240 adults aged 40-79 with one or both conditions to understand why heart problems are more common in overlap syndrome. They will also …

This study is testing a program called iTEST for people with schizophrenia or related disorders. The program combines daily brain-training exercises on a mobile device with coaching to help participants accurately judge their own skills. Researchers want to see if this approach i…

This pilot study tests a program to help young female cancer survivors in rural Imperial County, California, get reproductive health care that matches their personal goals. About 64 women who have had cancer will receive screening, counseling, and telehealth consultations. The go…

This study aims to understand why people with anorexia nervosa process food differently than healthy individuals. Researchers will use a meal challenge to measure changes in metabolism and food-related anxiety. The study involves 300 participants, including those currently ill, r…

This study looks at how cannabis ingredients (THC and CBD) affect decision-making, attention, and motivation in people with and without HIV. About 138 adults aged 18-65 who use cannabis infrequently will take either THC, CBD, or a placebo for 5 days. Researchers will measure chan…

This study tests whether using a smartphone app that tracks your natural sleep-wake pattern (chronotype) and suggests when to do tasks can improve well-being in college students. About 400 UC San Diego undergraduates will use the app for seven weeks. Researchers will measure chan…

This study looks at how women with anorexia or bulimia nervosa learn to avoid certain situations, and what happens in their brains during this process. Researchers will use brain scans (fMRI) and computer tasks to compare 78 women—26 with anorexia, 26 with bulimia, and 26 healthy…

This study looks at why some people getting CAR T-cell therapy for cancer develop brain-related side effects called neurotoxicity. Researchers will use brain scans, thinking tests, and blood tests to find early warning signs. The goal is to create a tool that can predict who is a…

This study looks at how people who speak two languages (like Mandarin and English) or a spoken language and sign language control which language they use. Researchers will have participants do language tasks and measure accuracy and speed. The goal is to better understand languag…

This study tests a device called OneMark that helps doctors see breast cancer during surgery and follow-up scans. About 60 adults with breast cancer will take part. The goal is to see if OneMark is easier to see than the standard device used today.

This study looks at how blood pressure changes when standing up affect thinking and brain blood flow in people with Parkinson's disease. About 60 participants with and without orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing) will take thinking tests while lying down and s…

This study looks at how the brain activity of people who use opioids syncs with a therapist during meditation. Researchers want to see if this connection relates to less craving and better understanding. About 60 adults who use opioids daily will participate.

This study aims to track how common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV spread in communities and households. Researchers will enroll up to 25,000 people of all ages, collecting nasal swabs and symptom reports over time. The goal is to better understand infection rate…

This study tests a telehealth program designed to help young cancer patients (ages 0-50) get fertility care that matches their personal goals. Researchers will track whether the program increases the number of patients who receive fertility counseling or preservation services. Th…

This study is testing whether a special 3D ultrasound technique can help doctors better monitor how liver tumors respond to cancer therapy. About 80 adults with untreated liver cancer will have this imaging before and during treatment. The goal is to see if the method provides us…