Washington University School Of Medicine

This study tested a personalized vaccine made from each patient's unique cancer mutations (neoantigens) in people with pancreatic cancer. The vaccine was given after chemotherapy and before or after surgery to see if it is safe and boosts the immune system. 33 patients took part …

This study tested a new way to give radiation to people with early-stage, low-risk breast cancer. Instead of many sessions, only three doses were given directly to the tumor area. The goal was to see if this shorter treatment is safe and works well. 77 participants completed the …

This study tested a drug called crizanlizumab in 18 adults with RVCL, a rare and fatal genetic disease that damages small blood vessels in the brain and eyes. The goal was to see if the drug could slow the growth of brain lesions seen on MRI scans. There is currently no treatment…

This study tested whether adding two immune-boosting drugs (retifanlimab and epacadostat) to standard radiation and bevacizumab could help people with recurrent glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. The trial enrolled 51 adults whose cancer had returned. The goal was to see i…

This study tested whether helping people with type 2 diabetes and on Medicaid get their basic needs met—like food, housing, and safety—could improve their blood sugar control. About 473 adults took part, with some getting a special navigation service and others receiving usual ca…

This study tested whether a supplement called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) can improve how the body handles blood sugar in people with prediabetes. Researchers gave NMN to 56 adults with prediabetes and measured changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The goal …

This study tested whether a drug called moxidectin works better than the standard ivermectin for clearing the parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis (a disease that can lead to severe swelling). 164 adults with the infection received one of four single-dose drug combinations. …

This study tested a new treatment for children and adults whose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) came back after a stem cell transplant. Researchers took immune cells (NK cells) from the original donor, trained them to become 'memory-like' using cytokines, and gave them back to patie…

This study looked at two ways to help adults with low income and heart-related health problems get more fruits and vegetables. One group got money added to a rewards account to buy produce, while the other group received free produce boxes delivered to them. The goal was to see w…

This early-phase trial tested a combination of three drugs (cabozantinib, abiraterone, and nivolumab) alongside standard hormone therapy in 18 men with metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormone treatment. The main goal was to find a safe dose and check for side ef…

This study tested a new treatment approach for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be removed with surgery. The treatment combined MRI-guided radiation, chemotherapy, and an immunotherapy drug called durvalumab. The goal was to see if this approach is safe…

This study tested a shorter course of pelvic radiation given after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. The goal was to see if a shorter treatment (instead of the usual 5-6 weeks) could cause fewer side effects while still controlling the cancer. 25 patients with stage III-IVA or…

This early-phase study tested a drug called adrabetadex in 4 infants with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), a rare and fatal genetic disorder. The drug was given through a vein to see if it could help treat liver problems that often occur in newborns with NPC. The study measured…

This study looked at whether a personalized, less aggressive treatment after surgery could lower side effects for people with HPV-related throat cancer. 63 patients had surgery to remove their tumor and nearby lymph nodes, then received additional therapy based on their risk of t…

This study tested a new way to give radiation therapy for small lung tumors, aiming to finish treatment in just one day instead of the usual two to three weeks. Ten people with early-stage lung cancer or limited spread took part. The approach used advanced imaging and planning to…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, ramucirumab and pembrolizumab, in 43 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could shrink tumors better than one drug alone. The trial found a safe do…

This small study tested whether adding the drug efavirenz to standard HIV treatment could safely reduce the amount of hidden virus in the body. Seven adults with HIV on stable therapy took extra efavirenz for a period. Researchers measured safety through blood tests and mood surv…

This study tested a chemotherapy drug called mitomycin C in 48 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors. The trial focused on two groups: patients with HPV-related tonsil/base…

This small pilot study tested whether the drug belimumab (Benlysta) could safely prevent chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in 10 adults who had a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. Chronic GvHD is a serious condition where donor immune cells attack the patient's body. …

This study tested a combination of the targeted drug acalabrutinib with chemotherapy in 13 people newly diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment is safe and helps collect stem cells for a future transplant. Results suggest the…

This early-phase study tested a new treatment for people with esophageal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The approach combined a type of internal radiation (brachytherapy) with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The goal was to see if this combination is saf…

This study tested a mobile app (uMAT-R) designed to help pregnant women and new mothers stick with their medication for opioid use disorder. 125 participants used the app or received standard care. The goal was to see if the app improved treatment adherence, reduced cravings, and…

This study tested a drug called ADI-PEG 20 combined with two chemotherapy drugs (gemcitabine and docetaxel) in 98 people with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, or small cell lung cancer. The goal was to see if adding ADI-PEG 20, which starves cancer cel…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (MK-3475) before standard surgery could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back. It included 67 adults with advanced, surgically removable head and neck cancer. The main goal was to see if the drug c…

This study tested whether short-course radiation followed by chemotherapy could eliminate rectal cancer without the need for surgery. 63 adults with early-stage rectal cancer were enrolled. The goal was to see if the tumor completely disappeared based on exams, scans, and biopsie…

This early-phase study tested a new radioactive tracer called 68Ga-Galmydar for PET scans of the heart. Fifteen adults with known or suspected coronary artery disease received the tracer to see how well it shows blood flow to the heart muscle. The goal is to improve detection of …

This study tested a new PET imaging agent (64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i) in 69 people with pancreatic cancer to see if it can detect a specific marker (CCR2) on tumors. The goal was to find out if the scan can predict how well a patient will respond to standard chemotherapy or a targeted ther…

This study tested whether adding a special light-based imaging tool (called diffuse optical tomography) to standard ultrasound can help doctors tell the difference between harmless and cancerous breast lumps. The goal was to see if this could safely reduce the number of women who…

This study tested a program called HEALTH to help overweight adults prevent weight gain and lose weight. It was delivered through the Parents as Teachers home visiting program. 620 parents took part. The goal was to see if the program works in real-world settings.

This study tested a community-based approach to increase HPV prevention among 350 mother-daughter pairs in Nigeria. Researchers used crowdsourcing to create local campaigns encouraging HPV vaccination for girls ages 9-14 and HPV self-testing for mothers ages 30-65. The goal was t…

This study tested different strategies to increase RSV vaccination among 50 pregnant people. The goal was to find the best way to encourage vaccination at the right time during pregnancy to protect newborns from severe RSV. Researchers compared early and late vaccine offers to se…

This study tested a program called SSAGE designed to prevent mental health problems like anxiety and depression in teenage girls who were forced to leave Venezuela and move to Colombia. The program involved the whole family, including brothers, and aimed to create more equal and …

This study tested whether giving a low-dose ketamine drip after surgery could prevent depressive symptoms in 32 neurosurgical patients who had a history of depression. Researchers measured depression scores before surgery and for two weeks after. The main goal was to see if a lar…

This study tested removing home hazards (like loose rugs or poor lighting) in low-income senior apartments to reduce falls. Over 500 older adults took part. Researchers tracked how many enrolled, how well the program was delivered, and how many falls occurred. The goal was to see…

This study tested whether a program designed specifically for women who use drugs could help them reduce their risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Over 500 women from the St. Louis area took part. They were split into three groups: one got basic HIV preve…

This study tested whether an economic empowerment program could reduce alcohol and drug use among adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24) living with HIV in poor communities in Uganda. The 95 participants were already receiving HIV care and had recently used alcohol or drugs. T…

This study tested a program called ANZANSI to help adolescent girls in low-income countries who are at risk of leaving school to migrate for child labor. The program involved 200 girls aged 11-14 and their caregivers, and aimed to change their intentions to migrate and improve th…

This study tested whether regularly cleaning both people (with special soap or ointment) and their homes (with disinfectant wipes) could stop the spread of MRSA bacteria and prevent skin infections. Over 800 people with recent MRSA infections and their household members took part…

This early-phase study tested whether TUDCA, a bile acid supplement, is safe and can reduce cell stress in the colon of people with active ulcerative colitis. Fourteen adults with mild to moderate disease took TUDCA for 6 weeks. Researchers measured stress markers in colon tissue…

This study looked at whether taking weekly improvisational dance classes for 12 weeks could improve thinking skills and daily life abilities in people with Parkinson's disease. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either start dance right away or wait. Researchers measur…

This small study tested whether combining ketamine with a type of talk therapy called RO DBT is safe and helpful for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Sixteen people took part. The goal was to see if this combination could reduce depression symptoms and understand how i…

This study tested whether a small device that gently stimulates the ear can help reduce the bother of chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Forty adults with moderate to severe tinnitus were randomly assigned to use either the active device or a sham (inactive) device. Both gro…

This study looked at ways to help people with long-term back or neck pain who also feel anxious or depressed. Researchers tested a smartphone app (Wysa) and a printed guide to see if they were helpful and easy to use. Thirty patients gave feedback through interviews and surveys o…

This study tested a program that combines talk therapy (behavioral activation) with medication adjustments to reduce depression and anxiety in adults aged 60 and older having hip or knee replacement surgery. 116 participants were split into two groups: one received the program pl…

This study developed and tested a mobile app with coaching and a social network for adults recovering from anorexia nervosa. 90 women who had recently left intensive treatment used the app or received usual care. The goal was to see if the app could reduce eating disorder symptom…

This study looked at whether a cochlear implant in the deaf ear can help adults who have severe hearing loss in one ear and better hearing in the other. 59 adults received an implant and were tested on their ability to understand speech, locate sounds, and perceive benefits. The …

This study looked at whether adding common anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) to standard pain relief is safe for women with severe preeclampsia after giving birth. 287 women participated, and researchers compared their blood pressure and pain levels. The goal was to see if N…

This study tested a combination of behavioral activation (a type of counseling that encourages positive activities) and medication optimization (adjusting current medicines) to reduce anxiety and depression in adults aged 60 and older undergoing surgery for cancer. 105 participan…

This study tested a program that combines counseling (behavioral activation) with medication adjustments to reduce depression and anxiety in older adults (age 60+) having heart surgery. 105 participants were split into two groups: one received the program, the other got usual car…

This study looked at whether using a robot (MAKO) during total knee replacement helps people recover faster and have less pain compared to traditional surgery. 123 adults with knee osteoarthritis took part. Researchers measured pain scores and how well the new knee was aligned. T…

This study looked at whether repairing the subscapularis tendon during reverse shoulder replacement surgery leads to better short-term results. A total of 102 adults having this surgery took part. Researchers measured shoulder function using patient-reported scores to see if the …

This early-phase study tested whether a carefully controlled dose of propofol, a drug used for sedation, could safely improve brain wave patterns linked to deep sleep in 16 older adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants received two propofol infusions days apart w…

This study tested two treatments for paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), a condition where the vocal cords close when they should open, making it hard to breathe. 51 adults were randomly assigned to either biofeedback or laryngeal control therapy. The goal was to see which appr…

This study tested a program called PEEPS for people with endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Over eight weeks, participants attended group sessions led by a pain psychologist, physical therapist, and yoga instructor, focusing on peer support, education, and mindfulness. The goal w…

This study tested two rhythm-based walking exercises in 74 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. Participants either walked to music or while singing for 12 weeks. Researchers measured walking speed and brain activity changes to see which method worked better.

This study tested a special radiation technique called TMPRT in 13 people with a type of brain tumor (IDH-mutant glioma) that came back after prior radiation. Instead of one large dose, radiation was given in many small, timed doses to reduce side effects. The goal was to see if …

This study looked at 174 adults who had knee replacement surgery to see which pain relief method works better: a combination of nerve blocks and an injection around the knee, or the injection alone. The goal was to find out which approach reduces pain and the need for opioid pain…

This study tested a web-based program that teaches cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help medical students cope with stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression. 35 participants were randomly assigned to either use the program for 4 weeks or listen to podcasts (control gr…

This study tested two programs to help adolescents aged 10-14 with HIV feel less stigma and shame. One program used group therapy to build coping skills, while the other strengthened family support. The goal was to improve mental health and reduce the negative impact of HIV-relat…

This study tested whether inserting a cold tube into the vagina can reduce pelvic floor muscle pain in women. 165 women with this type of pain were randomly assigned to use either a cold tube or a room-temperature tube. Researchers measured pain levels right after the treatment a…

This study tested whether a mobile app could help teens with eating disorders who weren't getting treatment. Researchers recruited 161 teens through Instagram and Facebook. Some teens used a self-help version of the app, others had coaching, and some had coaching plus a social ne…

This study tested whether fluvoxamine, a medication already approved for OCD, can help relieve long COVID symptoms like trouble concentrating, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. About 191 adults aged 25 and older from Missouri and Illinois took part. Participants rated their sympt…

This study tested whether a stellate ganglion block (a nerve injection) can improve distorted sense of smell caused by COVID-19. 48 adults with long-lasting parosmia received either the nerve block or a placebo saline injection. The goal was to see if the treatment improves smell…

This study tested whether combining a low-intensity mental health program (Self Help Plus) with cash payments of $300 could reduce stress and depression in 40 Afghan refugee women in Türkiye. Participants were split into two groups: one received both the program and cash at the s…

This study tested a problem-solving therapy program for family caregivers of people with cancer who were receiving palliative care. Over 500 caregivers took part, and researchers measured changes in anxiety and depression symptoms. The goal was to see if learning practical proble…

This study tested if giving two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) at the same time works better than misoprostol alone for inducing labor in a nonviable second-trimester pregnancy. The goal was to shorten the time to delivery and reduce the risk of maternal complications…

This study looked at whether a cochlear implant in the poorer ear can improve hearing for adults who have hearing loss in both ears but worse in one. Forty adults received an implant and continued using a hearing aid in the better ear. The main goals were to see if they could und…

This study tested whether a stellate ganglion block—a shot that numbs certain nerves in the neck—could help people who lost their sense of smell after COVID-19. Twenty adults with smell problems lasting at least a year took part. Researchers measured changes in smell ability and …

This pilot study explored whether combining lifestyle changes, risk factor management, medications, and supplements could improve motor, cognitive, and immune function in aging adults. 23 sedentary adults aged 50-70 participated. The main goal was to see if the program was feasib…

This study looked at how the brain helps people move skillfully with their left hand after a right-arm nerve injury. Researchers used MRI scans to compare brain activity in people with and without nerve damage. The goal was to understand brain adaptation, not to test a treatment.

This study tested a hearing screening program for head and neck cancer survivors who received cisplatin chemotherapy. 55 adults who had completed treatment were invited to get their hearing checked. The goal was to see if the program was practical and helpful for catching hearing…

This study looked at how healthy adults' immune systems respond to the rabies vaccine, with or without added antibodies. Thirty participants received the vaccine in different schedules. The goal was to measure antibody levels over time, not to treat or prevent rabies directly.

This study looked at whether viral infections in pregnant women with diabetes might increase the chance of their babies being born with heart defects. Researchers analyzed blood and stool samples from 114 women to detect viruses and immune responses. The goal was to gather initia…

This study looked at how difficult early life experiences might change the way children feel pain and later develop mental health issues. Thirty-nine kids from a larger study were asked to keep their hand in cold water as long as they could, once alone and once holding a parent's…

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation on the ear (called taVNS) could reduce inflammation in 40 adults who had a recent stroke from a blocked large artery. Participants received either standard care or standard care plus the ear stimulation. The main goal was to…

This study looked at whether people who inject opioids can safely complete their IV antibiotic treatment at home instead of in a hospital. Ten participants received addiction medications and extra support like case management. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and …

This study looked at 175 adults with both coronary heart disease and depression to understand which depression symptoms, like fatigue and loss of interest, are linked to higher heart risks. Researchers measured depression severity and heart markers to find targets for better trea…

This study tested whether playing sounds in sync with brain slow waves can boost sleep-like activity during light sedation. 18 healthy adults received sound bursts timed either with or against their brain waves, or a fake sound. The goal was to measure changes in brain wave patte…

This study looked at whether sleeping longer can improve how the body processes sugar in people with obesity. 31 adults who slept less than 7 hours a night were split into two groups: one tried to sleep more, the other kept their usual habits. Researchers measured changes in insu…

This small pilot study tested a program to help older adults (65+) who take multiple medications and have trouble sticking to their schedule. Four participants received an in-home evaluation to find specific barriers to managing their medicines. The goal was to see if the program…

This study looked at how puberty changes pain sensitivity in healthy teens aged 9 to 16. Researchers measured pain from heat and cold, and checked hormone levels to see if they are linked to pain. The goal was to understand why some teens might develop chronic pain as they grow.

This study aimed to find blood markers that could predict whether the drug vedolizumab would reduce inflammation in the small bowel of people with Crohn's disease. Researchers used MRI scans to measure changes in the bowel wall after treatment. The goal is to help doctors choose …

This study tested whether mild electrical brain stimulation can change how healthy adults pay attention. 17 participants had their brain activity recorded while receiving real or fake stimulation and doing computer tasks. The goal was to see if mathematical models can predict bra…

This study surveyed over 2,000 healthy adults from different racial and ethnic groups to learn how well they understand epigenetics—how environment and behaviors can turn genes on or off. The goal was to find better ways to explain epigenetics so people can make informed decision…

This study looked at whether proteins in spinal fluid can help doctors diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and predict how the disease will progress. Researchers analyzed fluid from 161 people with MS and other nervous system conditions. The goal is to create better tools for person…

This study tested a program called DRAUP in two intensive care units (ICUs) to help doctors and nurses stop using routine chest X-rays after placing a central line with ultrasound guidance. The goal was to see if the program could reduce unnecessary tests and improve care. About …

This study looked at 45 adults with single-sided deafness who use a cochlear implant. Researchers tested whether changing the implant's settings to better match pitch and loudness between the deaf ear and the normal ear could improve speech understanding in noisy places like rest…

This pilot study tested a program called 'Nudges to Quit' to help people with serious mental illness stop smoking. The program used gentle reminders for patients, their case workers, and pharmacists to offer smoking-cessation help. The goal was to see if this approach was practic…

This study looked at whether a non-invasive muscle vibration test (mechanomyography) can help predict how well patients recover after surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome or peroneal nerve entrapment. Twenty-three adults who were scheduled for decompression surgery took part. Rese…

This study followed 2,500 adults before and after major surgery to find out who develops persistent pain. Researchers collected information on medical history, physical and emotional health, and daily symptoms via smartphone surveys. The goal was to identify factors that can pred…

This study used advanced brain scans to see how psilocybin changes brain networks in healthy adults. Eleven people who had used psychedelics before but not recently took part. The goal was to understand the brain mechanisms behind psilocybin's effects, not to treat any disease.

This study looked at why pregnant women often get very sick from the flu but not as sick from COVID-19. Researchers compared nasal cells from 48 pregnant and non-pregnant women to see how their bodies react to these viruses. The goal was to find clues that could help protect preg…

This small study looked at how a class of diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors might reduce inflammation related to heart and kidney health. Six adults without prior use of these drugs took the medication for three days. Researchers measured changes in inflammation markers to u…

This study looked at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects brain networks in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers used a special type of brain scan called HD-DOT to measure brain activity in 49 participants, including those with and without Parkinson's. The goal was to…

This study looked at how regular cannabis use affects brain health and immune function in people with HIV and those without. Researchers compared 276 participants, including both cannabis users and non-users. They measured brain inflammation, structure, and thinking skills to und…

This study looked at how to best encourage regular COVID-19 testing for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their teachers. Over 1,100 participants from two special school districts took part. The goal was to find the most effective messages and st…

This study tested ways to help more people in rural Southern Illinois get a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive home stool test (FIT). Over 185,000 people took part across multiple clinics. The goal was to see if better coordination could reduce cancer deaths by catching probl…

This study tested whether a special type of MRI (called DBSI) can predict how well people recover after surgery for a compressed spinal cord. 71 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy had this MRI before surgery and again 2 years later. Researchers looked for biomarkers th…

This study looked at the best way to test for COVID-19 in K-12 schools serving underserved communities in St. Louis. Over 1,300 students and staff took part. Researchers compared two strategies: testing only people with symptoms versus weekly testing of everyone plus symptom test…

This pilot study tested whether doctors can safely adjust proton radiation therapy plans while the patient is still on the treatment table. Ten adults with solid tumors participated. The goal was to see if this real-time adjustment is practical and safe enough to study in a large…