University Of Southern California

This phase II trial tests a combination of two drugs—sEphB4-HSA and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 70 people with advanced bladder or prostate cancer that has not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can shrink tumors. Participants rece…

This phase II trial is testing whether giving the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab before surgery can help shrink high-risk skin cancers that have not spread far. The study involves 35 people with resectable squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers will check how many tumors shrink or d…

This early-phase trial tests a new form of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, called FID-007, which is wrapped in a tiny polymer to help it reach deeper into tumors while sparing healthy cells. The study includes 50 adults with advanced solid tumors that no longer respond to stand…

This study tests whether injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during hiatal hernia repair can prevent the hernia from coming back. About 150 adults with large hiatal hernias will be randomly assigned to get either standard surgery with mesh or surgery plus PRP. The main goal is t…

This study combines two drugs—regorafenib (a chemotherapy pill) and pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy)—to treat metastatic colorectal cancer that has spread and not responded to earlier treatments. The trial has two phases: first to find the safest dose, then to see if the combo he…

This early-phase trial is testing a combination of two drugs—guadecitabine and durvalumab—in people with advanced liver, pancreatic, bile duct, or gallbladder cancers that have spread. Guadecitabine aims to block cancer cell growth, while durvalumab helps the immune system attack…

This study looks at men with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy and has spread to bones. It compares the drug enzalutamide alone versus enzalutamide plus a radioactive treatment (radium-223) to see how they affect the immune system and bone tumors…

This study tests two ways to surgically repair spina bifida in the womb using a tiny camera. The goal is to close the spinal defect and reverse brain changes caused by the condition. About 110 pregnant women carrying babies with spina bifida will take part. The two methods are co…

This early-stage study tests whether a mix of immune-boosting drugs and targeted radiation can help the body fight advanced solid tumors that cannot be removed by surgery. About 14 adults with certain types of skin cancer, sarcoma, or breast cancer will receive the treatment dire…

This study is for people whose multiple myeloma has returned or stopped responding to at least three prior treatments. Researchers are testing whether adding a lab-modified virus (pelareorep) to a standard drug combination (bortezomib, dexamethasone, and pembrolizumab) can safely…

This study looks at whether giving chemotherapy first can shrink pancreatic tumors that have grown into nearby arteries, making them safe to remove with surgery. Researchers want to see if this approach can completely remove the cancer without leaving any behind. Only 2 people ar…

This study tests a new drug called pevonedistat alongside standard chemotherapy for people with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The goal is to see if the combination is safe and works better at putting the cancer into remission. About 53 adults with certain types of high-…

This study tests whether a lung cancer drug called atezolizumab can be safely given as a shot under the skin at home, with doctors monitoring patients through video calls. It involves 5 adults with non-small cell lung cancer. The goal is to see if this home-based approach is prac…

This early-phase study tests two drugs—guadecitabine and atezolizumab—together in adults with myelodysplastic syndrome or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia that has come back or not responded to prior therapy. The goal is to find the safest dose and see if the combination can shrin…

This study looks at whether a surgery called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) can be used as the first treatment for testicular seminoma that has spread to lymph nodes in the belly (1-3 cm). The goal is to avoid long-term side effects from chemotherapy or radiation, …

This study compares a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to radiologists for reading prostate MRI scans to detect cancer. About 130 men who are already scheduled for a prostate biopsy will have their MRI read by both the AI and a radiologist. The goal is to see if the AI can…

This study compares two biopsy methods—standard random biopsy and MRI-guided fusion biopsy—to see which better detects significant prostate cancer in African American and white men with elevated PSA levels. About 288 men will participate. The goal is to improve accuracy and reduc…

This study tests whether a risk screening and a caregiver support program can help prevent elder abuse in people with dementia. About 1,000 caregivers will complete surveys and some will receive the screening or a 3-session intervention. The goal is to see if these tools reduce c…

This pilot study aimed to test a closed incision negative pressure wound therapy device (a type of wound vacuum) after lower leg amputation. Researchers planned to compare it to standard wound care in 6–10 adults to see if it reduces swelling, improves comfort, and speeds up walk…

This study is testing a new web-based tool designed to help people with chronic sinusitis make better decisions about their treatment, including whether to have surgery. About 50 patients from USC clinics will use the tool or receive standard information. Researchers will measure…

This study looks at whether adding a simple bladder support step (vesicopexy) to standard robotic prostate cancer surgery helps men regain bladder control faster and improves their quality of life. About 196 men with early-stage prostate cancer will take part. The main goal is to…

This early study tests whether short-term fasting (eating less than 200 calories per day for 3 days) before standard immunotherapy is safe and doable for people with advanced or metastatic skin cancer. Ten participants will receive their usual PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor drugs along wit…

This study aimed to see if trazodone works better than quetiapine or a placebo for treating confusion (delirium) in adult surgical ICU patients. It planned to measure how long delirium lasts, sleep quality, and side effects. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling any p…

This study tests whether eating a low-calorie diet before chemotherapy can reduce side effects like fatigue, nausea, and mouth sores, and also improve how well the treatment works. About 130 people with breast or prostate cancer will be randomly assigned to either follow the diet…

This study tests whether a liquid combination of THC and CBD (cannabis compounds) can reduce agitation in people with dementia who are eligible for hospice care. About 120 participants aged 40 and older will receive either the active drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal …

This study looks at whether using virtual reality (VR) can lower pain and anxiety in cancer patients who are getting a bone marrow biopsy or a lumbar puncture. About 60 participants will use VR during the procedure and report their pain and anxiety levels. The goal is to see if V…

This study tests a new walking therapy for people who had a stroke more than 6 months ago. The therapy combines biofeedback (visual cues about how you walk) with aerobic exercise to improve walking symmetry. 50 participants will try the approach to see if it is feasible and what …

This study compares two physical therapy approaches for children aged 8-24 months with or at high risk for cerebral palsy. One method focuses on sitting, reaching, and problem-solving, while the other targets general motor skills. The goal is to see which therapy improves sitting…

This study aimed to compare three medicines (propofol, etomidate, and ketamine) given to adult trauma patients to help them breathe with a breathing tube. The goal was to see which drug leads to the best outcomes, like survival and fewer side effects. However, the study was withd…

This pilot study tests whether taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily for three weeks changes testosterone and other hormone levels in young, healthy women aged 18 to 35. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D or a placebo pill. The goal is to see i…

This study is testing a new blood and urine test to see if it can find kidney cancer early and track how well treatment is working. Researchers will compare test results from healthy people, patients with early-stage kidney cancer, and patients with advanced kidney cancer. The go…

This study tests whether simple changes in electronic health records can help doctors prescribe fewer Z-drugs (a type of sleeping pill) for insomnia. About 444 primary care clinicians will be randomly assigned to receive different nudges, like a default of only 10 pills or an ale…

This study aims to find genetic markers that may increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung) after hip or knee replacement surgery. Researchers will collect blood samples from 100 adults who have had a clot after such surgery and analyze their DNA. The go…

This study looks at whether taking short breaks from sitting throughout the day can improve health in children aged 8-11 who are overweight and at risk for type 2 diabetes. Researchers will compare these activity breaks to a single session of exercise, measuring effects on blood …

This study looks at whether music lessons can improve brain development and health in children. About 114 kids aged 6-8 from Los Angeles will be randomly placed in either a music program or other after-school activities for 24 months. Researchers will use brain scans and behavior…

This study compares using stitches (nylon sutures) versus staples to close surgical wounds after fixing broken leg bones. Researchers want to see which method leads to fewer infections and whether it's practical to run a larger study. About 50 adults with specific leg fractures w…

This study follows 1,500 volunteers with normal memory, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's over several years. Researchers use brain scans, memory tests, and blood samples to track how the disease progresses. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose and treat Alzheimer'…

This study looks at whether having regular, guided group meals can improve well-being for medical students who are already doing hospital rotations. About 80 students will be placed into small groups that meet monthly for six months. The goal is to see if this simple approach red…

This study looked at whether ChatGPT could help patients with vestibular schwannoma (a non-cancerous ear tumor) feel less confused and more confident about their treatment choices. It planned to compare decision-making scores between a group trained to use ChatGPT and a group tha…