Clinical Trials Update from NCI, February 2021

Fecal Bacteria Transplants Help Melanoma Patients Respond to Immunotherapy

For people with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy drugs, adjusting the microorganisms in the intestines—known as the gut microbiome—through the use of stool, or fecal, transplants may help some of these cancers respond to immunotherapy drugs, a new study suggests.

Common Pain Drug Changes Immune Biomarkers, Highlights Pathway for Colorectal Cancer Prevention in People with Lynch Syndrome

Naproxen, an over-the-counter drug also known as Aleve and readily available to consumers for years, may open a new option for preventing colorectal cancer in people at high risk, according to results from a study of 80 people with Lynch syndrome.

Study Explores Jaw Problem Linked to Zoledronic Acid, Finds Risk Factors

A recent study quantified the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw for people who take zoledronic acid to manage problems from cancer that has spread to the bone. The study also studied risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw in these people.

Steps to Find a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials exist for many types of cancer and across the spectrum of cancer experiences. Learn how to find the right clinical trial for you with this six-step guide.

Deciding to Take Part in a Clinical Trial

Learn the reasons why you might want to join a cancer clinical trial. By looking closely at all options, including clinical trials, you are taking an active role in a decision that affects your life.

Find NCI-Supported Clinical Trials

Use our search form to find a clinical trial or other research study that may be right for you or a loved one.

Experimental Immunotherapy Drug for Thymus Cancers

This phase 2 trial will study bintrafusp alfa (M7824) in people with thymoma or thymic carcinoma that has either come back after or got worse during previous treatment. Bintrafusp alfa is a type of immunotherapy designed to target different proteins common in human cancers. Researchers want to see if this treatment will cause tumors to shrink in people with relapsed or progressing thymic carcinoma or thymoma who have been treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Mapping Lymph Nodes to Prevent Lymphedema

This phase 3 trial studies how well axillary lymph node reverse mapping works in preventing the swelling of lymph nodes (lymphedema) in people with breast cancer undergoing axillary lymph node dissection. Axillary reverse mapping may help to preserve the lymph node drainage system around the breast to prevent lymphedema after surgery.

Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

This phase 3 trial will test controlled-release bupropion (Wellbutrin) in women experiencing cancer-related fatigue after completing treatment for stage 1, 2, or 3 breast cancer. Women with breast cancer who have completed surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy will be assigned by chance to receive either bupropion or a placebo. Doctors want to see if taking bupropion will reduce fatigue and depression and improve quality of life.