Medical Oncology clinical trials

Intermittent fasting and plant-based eating during chemotherapy

This pilot study tests whether alternating periods of lower calorie intake, along with a plant-based diet, is safe and feasible for people receiving chemotherapy. If it helps, it could support better comfort and treatment tolerance during cancer therapy.

Low-protein meals during immunotherapy for cancer patients

This trial tests whether eating low-protein meals helps people with metastatic cancer feel better or tolerate immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors). It’s mainly a pilot/feasibility study, meaning the goal is to see if the diet is safe and doable during treatment.

Cannabinoids to improve quality of life in cancer patients

This trial tests if a cannabinoid (a compound from the cannabis plant) can improve quality of life and reduce pain in people receiving palliative cancer care. It is for patients who have moderate to severe symptoms like pain and nutrition problems.

Taurolidine vs saline lock for kids’ central line

This trial studies whether a medicine lock called taurolidine is safer or works better than a standard saline (salt water) lock for pediatric cancer patients with central venous lines. It’s meant to help prevent central-line infections.

Mediterranean diet for advanced colorectal cancer during chemo

This study tests whether a modified Mediterranean diet can help people with advanced colorectal cancer who are starting chemotherapy. It aims to see if the diet improves treatment side effects and quality of life.

Genetic profiling to guide treatment for advanced solid tumors

This study tests whether analyzing the DNA of your tumor (from a tissue sample or blood draw) can help find the best treatment for your advanced cancer. Researchers will look for genetic changes that could make you eligible for targeted therapy or a clinical trial.

Educational videos for newly diagnosed sarcoma patients

This study tests whether watching short educational videos helps patients or caregivers of someone with advanced sarcoma that has spread. The trial focuses on people who haven't had any prior treatment for their sarcoma and are comfortable filling out questionnaires in English.

Assessing AI explanations by cancer doctors

This study asks lung cancer doctors at Penn Medicine to look at how an artificial intelligence tool explains its reasoning. The goal is to see if the explanations are clear and helpful for making treatment decisions.

Cancer patient study to track health outcomes

This is an observational study that follows people with cancer to better understand outcomes over time. You may be asked to complete questionnaires and share information from your visits (in person or by video only if you meet their rules).

Training plus support to improve palliative care for advanced cancer

This trial studies whether a program called Project ECHO can improve the quality of palliative care (comfort-focused care) for people with advanced cancer and their caregivers in underserved areas. It also involves training local health care providers so they can better support patients and families over time.

Sentinel Node Identification Using Gamma and Near-Infrared Imaging in TesticulAr MaLignancies

Skipping breast surgery after complete response

This trial looks at whether some people with breast cancer can safely avoid breast surgery after they respond completely to treatment before surgery. If you have no remaining cancer in the tissue and lymph node tests, this study checks whether the “watch-and-wait” approach is feasible and safe.

Radiation plus surgery for first soft tissue sarcoma

This trial studies a treatment plan for newly diagnosed soft tissue sarcoma that combines precisely targeted radiation before surgery and conformal radiation after surgery. It may help by improving tumor control while allowing the surgeon to remove the tumor safely.

AI tool for gastric cancer protein testing

This trial tests an artificial intelligence model that helps doctors interpret a specific protein test (CLDN18.2) in stomach cancer tissue samples. It may help guide future treatment decisions.

Exercise to boost immunotherapy for advanced kidney cancer

This trial tests whether adding a structured exercise program to standard immunotherapy can help the treatment work better for people with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Research biobank and patient registry for aggressive solid tumors

This study builds a biobank and patient registry using tumor samples and blood. It helps researchers better understand aggressive cancers and may improve future treatments by testing immune (defense) responses.

Two drug combinations for advanced cancer with RAS mutations

This trial tests two different treatment combinations (leflunomide alone or with MEK inhibitor and hydroxychloroquine) in people with advanced cancer that has a RAS mutation and has not responded to at least two prior therapies.

High-dose chemo for relapsed germ cell tumors

This trial tests a second-line high-dose chemotherapy for germ cell tumors that have come back after initial treatment. It may be an option for patients whose cancer progressed after 3–4 cycles of standard platinum-based chemo.

Chemo-immunotherapy for young people with bone or soft tissue sarcoma

This trial tests whether adding immunotherapy (a treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer) to chemotherapy can help young people whose bone or soft tissue sarcoma has come back or hasn't responded to previous treatment.

Skipping lymph node surgery in early breast cancer

This trial tests whether older women with early-stage, slow-growing breast cancer can safely skip removal of underarm lymph nodes during surgery. The goal is to reduce surgery-related side effects while maintaining safety.

Testing brentuximab and etoposide for T-cell lymphoma

This trial tests whether adding the drugs brentuximab and etoposide to standard chemotherapy improves treatment for people newly diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma. It aims to find a more effective first treatment option.

Standard Follow-Up Program for Brain Tumor Patients

This trial tests a new follow-up program for people with brain or spinal tumors who are getting radiation therapy. The program aims to improve your care and monitor your recovery after treatment.

Hypnosis and heart-breathing training to reduce cancer surgery anxiety

This study tests whether guided “heart-breathing” and hypnosis (through an app) can lower anxiety before cancer surgery. It may help you feel calmer in the days leading up to the operation.

Acupuncture and massage for cancer patients in and after hospital

This trial studies whether adding acupuncture and hands-on therapies to standard care can improve quality of life for cancer patients. It starts in the hospital and continues as you transition back home.