Participants Needed for Clinical Trials

Hundreds of clinical trials are conducted throughout Greenville Health System on a variety of drug therapies, surgical devices and other treatments in all areas of medicine. Below is a list of current trails and how you may learn more about each one.

Cancer Survivors for Registry

GHS Cancer Institute’s Cancer Survivor Registry is a database of demographics, contact information, and tumor and treatment information. Survivors can receive helpful information about moving forward. Contact Matt, (864) 455-5119 or molinger2@ghs.org.

Survivors of Breast Cancer As Advisers

The Breast Cancer Patient Engagement Studio is looking for women who have experienced breast cancer or their family members to help review projects designed to provide better care for patients. Patient opinions are needed! Participation involves meeting as an adviser (not a research participant) with a group of similar patients, researchers and clinicians to review projects as they are proposed. If interested, a patient application is available at hsc.ghs.org/ pes/application. You also may call (864) 455-8894 or email the Studio at PEStudio@ghs.org. If selected, you will receive compensation for taking part on the patient advisory board.

Patients Beginning Cancer Treatment

This study looks at how body composition changes over the course of cancer treatment. Body composition will be evaluated using the SOZO device, which can identify a participant’s fluid status, fat mass, fat-free mass, metabolic report, skeletal muscle mass and hydration index. The study will last the duration of the participant’s cancer treatment. Participants will receive $100. Contact Armand, (864) 455-6251 or adesollar@ghs.org.

Survivors of Cancer Age 25-34

The purpose of this study is to learn how cancer affects work ability and labor force participation in young adult survivors of cancer. The study is open to anyone age 25-34, regardless of work status, diagnosed with cancer between two and 10 years ago and currently not on treatment. The one-time study visit will last about 90 minutes and will include a brief computerized questionnaire and cognitive assessment. For more information, call Jennifer, (864) 522-4255, or Claudette, (864) 522-4263.

Survivors of Cancer with Sedentary Behavior

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of listening to audiobooks in increasing physical activity among survivors of cancer. Walking Inspires Seniors (WISE) Audiobook Study will track the number of steps taken by participants over the course of 12 weeks using a Fitbit. Participants will be randomized into either the audiobook group or the control group. This study is open to patients who were referred to CIOS’ Moving On program and were unable to attend. You may be eligible to participate if you are 65 years old or older, able to walk unassisted, able to hear audiobooks and have access to a library. Contact Ginny, (864) 455-5943 or vsimmons@ghs.org.

Survivors of Lung Cancer Having Anxiety

The purpose of the Reducing Lung Cancer Survivors’ Anxiety (RELAX) research study is to compare the effects of device-guided breathing on anxiety and shortness of breath in survivors of lung cancer. This study is open to survivors of early-stage lung cancer who have completed treatment and are experiencing anxiety. The study will involve using a breathing device daily for 12 weeks and filling out questionnaires. Contact Claudette, (864) 522-4263 or cphinney@ghs.org.

Survivors of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine if lifestyle can influence survival and quality of life in those with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. The study is open to survivors treated for stage II, III or IV disease who have completed all treatment within the past 6 weeks to 6½ months with no evidence of disease. This 24-month study requires diet and exercise telephone coaching, patient questionnaires, wearing a studyprovided pedometer on selected weeks and blood work. Contact Jennifer, (864) 522-4255 or jcaldwell@ghs.org.

Women with Endometriosis

This study concerns the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational medication for treating moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. To qualify, participants must be age 18-49, have endometriosis diagnosed through surgery within the last 10 years, experience moderate to severe menstrual and non-menstrual pelvic pain, have regular menstrual cycles, and use only pain medication permitted by the study protocol. Participants must not have undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain not caused by endometriosis, any chronic pain syndrome (fibromyalgia, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches that require chronic analgesic therapy), major depressive disorder (bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder), history of drug or alcohol abuse within one year, and uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. Please call Cheryl, (864) 455-5951.

Women Having a Cesarean

The purpose of this study is to determine if a drug called tranexamic acid (TXA) will prevent severe bleeding (hemorrhage) after a cesarean delivery. Some bleeding occurs when a woman has a cesarean delivery. Occasionally (in less than five of every 100 births), severe bleeding can place the mother’s health at risk. When too much bleeding occurs, women are given medicines and blood transfusions or possibly may need another surgery. TXA routinely is used to lessen the chance of bleeding after major operations (such as heart surgery) by making the blood clot sooner. It is not routinely used for cesarean sections. Women enrolled will be randomized (like flipping a coin) to receive either 1 gm of TXA or saline solution (no drug) after delivery. All other care and treatment are routine for a cesarean delivery. If you are delivering at Greenville Memorial Hospital, you may be approached about participation. Call Allison or Anthony, (864) 982-4894.

Adults with Type 2 Diabetes OR Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

The purpose of these studies is to evaluate the effect of novel medications for the advanced form of NAFLD called NASH/fibrosis. You may have NASH/ fibrosis if you have hypertension, diabetes, elevated lipids or a previous diagnosis of fatty liver. For a limited time, we are offering a free FibroScan, a non-invasive, painless ultrasound exam that can estimate if you have any fibrosis, a precursor to cirrhosis of the liver. Studies last one to seven years. Study drugs, lab tests, X-rays, etc., are free. Participants receive a small stipend. Contact Donna, (864) 455-2846 or dwest3@ghs.org or Alicia, (864) 455-2043 or Ajones1df23@ghs.org.

Young Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are taking metformin. Throughout this study, participants will be tested to see if the combined effects of the study drug and metformin can reduce average blood sugar levels. Participants in this 52-week trial will receive study drugs at no cost. Contact Lisa, (864) 454-5168 or llooper@ghs.org.

Relatives of People with Type 1 Diabetes

This study is searching for ways to prevent and quickly intervene medically in those newly diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers are seeking to test family members of people with type 1 diabetes to determine if they show signs of developing the disease. Parents, brothers, sisters and children of those who have type 1 diabetes (age 1-45), and cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandchildren (age 1-20) can be tested free of charge for their risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Benefits of participation include finding out your family members’ risk level for developing diabetes, determining eligibility for an ongoing interventional trial, possibly receiving an early diagnosis of diabetes that would allow for early treatment and contributing to the fight against type 1 diabetes. Adult patients or their relatives may call Shirley at (864) 455-3261. Relatives of pediatric patients may call Lisa at (864) 454-5168.