University Of Southern California
Clinical trials sponsored by University Of Southern California, explained in plain language.
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Chemo delivered straight to liver shows promise for unresectable cancer
Disease control CompletedThis study tested two chemotherapy drugs, cisplatin and mitomycin-C, given directly into the liver artery for people with liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. The goal was to see how long the tumors stayed stable and to track side effects. 76 participants were enrolled…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 01, 2026 15:59 UTC
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New heat therapy for prostate cancer shows promise in first patient
Disease control CompletedThis early study tested a new, less invasive approach for prostate cancer. One man received a targeted heat treatment (microwave ablation) guided by MRI and ultrasound before his scheduled prostate removal surgery. The goal was to see if the heat could safely kill cancer cells an…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 01, 2026 15:59 UTC
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Eczema study tests virtual care against doctor visits
Disease control CompletedThis study compared an online, team-based care model to standard in-person visits for managing atopic dermatitis (eczema) in 300 patients aged 1 year and older. The goal was to see if virtual care could match in-person care in controlling disease severity, improving quality of li…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated May 01, 2026 15:57 UTC
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Nicotine patch trial aims to boost memory in seniors
Disease control CompletedThis study tested whether wearing a nicotine patch every day can improve memory, thinking, and daily function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). About 348 participants wore either a nicotine patch or a placebo patch for two years. The goal was to see if nicotine, whi…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:01 UTC
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Mindfulness program shows promise for keeping women in substance use treatment
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a mindfulness-based program designed for low-income women in residential treatment for substance use disorders. The goal was to see if the program could help them stay in treatment longer and reduce the chance of returning to drug or alcohol use. Researchers enr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Apr 28, 2026 13:02 UTC
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Writing your way to wellness: new study tests storytelling for cancer patients
Symptom relief CompletedThis small study tested if narrative medicine—using close reading, creative writing, and discussion—could improve well-being in 8 adults with digestive system cancers who were receiving infusion therapy. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and helps patients reflect …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated May 01, 2026 16:01 UTC
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Virtual reality goggles beat dentist fear in kids
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether wearing virtual reality goggles during dental sealant placement helps children feel less anxious and in less pain. Twenty healthy kids aged 6 to 18 each received sealants on both sides of their mouth—one side with VR distraction and the other with standa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:04 UTC
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Bell ringing eases memory of cancer treatment pain, study finds
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at whether ringing a bell on the last day of radiation therapy helps cancer patients remember less distress from their treatment. 82 cancer patients took part. The goal was to see if this simple act could improve how they recall the pain and anxiety of their tre…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:03 UTC
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Can the metaverse help treat depression? new study says maybe.
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a new cognitive-behavioral skills program delivered in the metaverse (virtual reality or flat-screen) for adults with depression. 306 participants were split into three groups: VR, flat-screen, or a waitlist. The program ran for 8 weeks with a 6-month follow-up.…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:02 UTC
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New gel may ease pain during sinus surgery cleanouts
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a clear gel called PuraSinus against standard nasal dressings in 30 adults who had sinus surgery for chronic sinus disease. The goal was to see if the gel reduces pain and discomfort during follow-up cleanings of the nose. Researchers measured pain levels and ho…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:02 UTC
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Can Lower-Dose birth control pills protect breasts?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how different doses of estrogen in birth control pills affect breast cell growth in 82 women aged 18-35. Researchers compared breast cell activity in women taking pills with higher or lower estrogen levels. The goal was to see if lower-dose pills might reduce…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated May 01, 2026 15:57 UTC
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Meditation may alter Alzheimer's blood markers in young adults
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether a week of daily meditation could change certain blood markers linked to Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults aged 18-35. Participants meditated at home for 40 minutes each day and gave blood samples before and after. The goal was to see if meditation…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:04 UTC
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Large study examines how genetic panels impact cancer risk assessment
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at how a genetic test that checks 25 genes linked to hereditary cancers is used in clinics. Over 1,500 people with a personal or family history of cancer took part. The goal was to learn more about the test's results and how patients and families experience the …
Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:02 UTC
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Can a brief stress spike trigger Alzheimer's clues?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether a short stressful event can quickly change levels of certain proteins in the blood that are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers measured these proteins in 38 healthy adults before and after a stress test. The goal was to understand how the body…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Southern California • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Apr 29, 2026 15:01 UTC