Maryland Paid Clinical Trials

Background: Researchers want see if three new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) vaccines are safe. Two vaccines are carried by live adenoviruses, which are natural and typically cause cold symptoms or an eye infection. Researchers want to see if all the vaccines help fight HIV and if the adenoviruses are contagious. Objectives: To test the safety and effects of three new HIV vaccines. Eligibility: Healthy adults 18 49 years old (vaccinees) Their household and intimate contacts 18 65 years old Design: Vaccinees will be screened with: Physical exam Medical history Blood and urine tests Questions about HIV risk Vaccinees will learn how to prevent spreading the viruses and about required contraception during the study. Vaccinees will get consent forms for their household and intimate contacts. All contacts must be age 18 65. All intimate contacts must sign a consent form. Contacts will have 4 visits over 8 months for blood tests and a physical exam. All applicable participants will have a pregnancy test at every visit. Vaccinees will have about 9 visits over 12 months. They will repeat screening tests and get: 1 of the 2 adenovirus vaccines sprayed in the nose at 2 visits The booster vaccine by needle in an arm at 1 visit Nasal swabs taken at some visits Vaccinees will note their temperature and symptoms for at least 1 4 weeks after each vaccine. Vaccinees may choose to have: Leukapheresis. Blood will be removed by needle in a vein in one arm. A machine will remove white blood cells. The rest of the blood will be returned into the other arm. Small pieces of the tonsil removed Sponsoring Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ... Read Less

Background: The pituitary gland produces hormones. A tumor in this gland can cause it to produce too much of the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol in the body causes Cushing disease. This disease causes many problems. Some of these problems might persist after the disease is cured. Objective: To find out the long-term effects of exposure to high levels of cortisol during childhood and adolescence. Eligibility: People ages 10-42years who were diagnosed with Cushing disease before age 21 and are now cured and have normal or low cortisol levels People related to someone with Cushing disease Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history. Participants will complete an online survey. This will include questions about their or their child s physical and mental health. All participants will be seen at 5 -year intervals after cure of Cushing disease (5yr, 10yr, 15yr, 20yr (last visit)) Participants who have a relative with Cushing disease will have a medical history and blood tests or cheek swabs. Participants who have the disease will have: Physical exam Blood tests Cheek swab DXA scan: A machine will x-ray the participant s body to measure bone mineral content. For participants who are still growing, a hand x-ray Participants with the disease may also have: Hormone stimulation test: Participants will get a hormone or another substance that will be measured. Serial hormone sampling: Participants blood will be measured several times through a thin plastic tube in an arm vein. Urine tests: Participants urine may be collected over 24 hours. MRI: Participants may have a dye injected into a vein. They will lie on a table that slides into a machine. The machine will take pictures of the body. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in participants from previous Merck pembrolizumab-based parent studies who transition into this extension study. This study will consist of three phases: 1) First Course Phase, 2) Survival Follow-up Phase or 3) Second Course Phase. Each participant will transition to this extension study in one of the following three phases, depending on the study phase they were in at the completion of the parent study. Participants who were in the First Course Phase of study treatment with pembrolizumab or lenvatinib in their parent study will enter the First Course Phase of this study and complete up to 35 doses or more every 3 weeks (Q3W) or 17 doses or more every 6 weeks (Q6W) of study treatment with pembrolizumab or a pembrolizumab-based combination or lenvatinib according to arm assignment. Participants who were in the Follow-up Phase in the parent study (post-treatment or Survival Follow-up Phase) will enter the Survival Follow-up Phase of this study. Participants who were in the Second Course Phase in their parent study will enter Second Course Phase of this study and complete up to 17 doses Q3W or 8 doses Q6W of study treatment with pembrolizumab or a pembrolizumab-based combination according to arm assignment. Any participant originating from a parent trial where crossover to pembrolizumab was permitted upon disease progression may be eligible for 35 doses as Q3W or 17 doses Q6W of pembrolizumab (approximately 2 years), if they progress while on the control arm and pembrolizumab is approved for the indication in the country where the potential eligible crossover participant is being evaluated. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) combination therapy in participants with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There will be ten cohorts in this study: Cohort A will receive pembrolizumab + olaparib, Cohort B will receive pembrolizumab + docetaxel + prednisone, Cohort C will receive pembrolizumab + enzalutamide, Cohort D will receive pembrolizumab + abiraterone + prednisone Cohort E will receive pembrolizumab+lenvatinib, Cohort F will receive pembrolizumab+lenvatinib, Cohort G will receive pembrolizumab/vibostolimab coformulation (MK-7684A), Cohort H will receive pembrolizumab/vibostolimab coformulation, Cohort I will receive pembrolizumab+carboplatin+etoposide in Arm 1 and carboplatin+etoposide in Arm 2 and Cohort J will receive belzutifan in Arm1 and Pembrolizumab+belzutifan in Arm 2. Outcome measures will be assessed individually for each cohort. Read Less

Objective: To evaluate the potential impact of molecular phenotyping of transbronchial biopsies in lung transplant recipients with allograft dysfunction, and the potential for developing a safer endobronchial mucosal biopsy format. Read Less

Background: - Sometimes people with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can have new or worsening symptoms soon after starting HIV medications. Often these symptoms are caused by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Researchers want to study why and how people develop IRIS and how best to prevent and treat it. Objectives: - To learn the causes and effects of IRIS,and how to best manage it. Eligibility: - Adults 18 and older with HIV and low CD4 counts,, about to start HIV medicines; or those already taking HIV medicines with symptoms thought to be related to IRIS. Design: * Participants not on ART will have screening blood tests for CD4 count, HIV viral load and genetic testing. * After the screening blood tests and before starting HIV medicines., participants will return for more than 1 visit for the following: * review of medical history\<TAB\> * physical and eye exams * blood, urine, and tuberculosis (TB) tests * electrocardiogram (EKG) * chest x-ray * apheresis: a blood drawing procedure where blood is removed from a vein, white blood cells are separated and collected, and the rest of the blood is returned to the person using another vein * - PET scan - a procedure where a small amount of radioactive material is injected in a vein. The participant then lies on a table that slides into a scanner which takes images of the body. * lymph node biopsy * stool collection by swab * After completion of the above, HIV medicines will be started. * Follow-up visits will be at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting ART, then every 12 weeks. Some of the tests above may be repeated. * Participants already on HIV medicines who may have IRIS will be screened over a 4 week time period to see if they really are experiencing IRIS. The screening process will include all of the items listed above. Follow-up visits will be at Weeks, 4, 8, 12 and then every 12 weeks. * The study will last 1 year for both groups but may be extended to 2 years (3 additional appointments) for some participants. Read Less

The current standard for biopsy-based diagnoses of dysfunction of kidney transplants is the Banff Classification which represents arbitrary international consensus. Recent data-driven approaches using molecular and conventional technologies indicate that mere consensus produces frequently incorrect diagnoses with potential harm to patients due to inappropriate treatment. To address this unmet need and improve diagnostics in the area of organ transplantation, the Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre (ATAGC) has developed a new diagnostic system that combines the molecular and histopathological features of transplant biopsies, plus clinical and laboratory parameters, to create the first Integrated Diagnostic System. The present study will validate and refine this system in 500 prospectively unselected biopsies for clinical indications from American, Canadian and European centres in addition to 300 biopsies already collected. Due to a considerable interest and support from participating Centers, the study is further extended to 1500 prospective biopsies. Thus this is the extension of the INTERCOM study (INTERCOMEX). In addition to demonstrating the feasibility and value of this System in routine patient care and clinical trials, the study will develop and optimize a transparent and user-friendly reporting format to communicate this information to clinicians and obtain detailed feedback on how this system can best improve patient care. Read Less

This study will evaluate clinical and laboratory tests that might be useful in determining if an investigational drug can slow the progression of Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C (NPC), a genetic disorder that results in progressive loss of nervous system function. The study will: 1) look for a clinical or biochemical marker that can be used as a measure of response to treatment, and 2) define the rate of progression of biochemical marker abnormalities in a group of NPC patients who will later be invited to enroll in a treatment trial. Patients of any age with NPC may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures every 6 months during 4- to 5-day admissions at the NIH Clinical Center. * Medical evaluation, including medical history, physical exam, neurological exam, neuropsychometric evaluation, and blood and urine tests. * Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord, is obtained for study. After administration of a local anesthetic, a small needle is inserted in the space between the bones in the lower back where the CSF circulates below the spinal cord. A small amount of fluid is collected through the needle. * Eye exam and eye movement study: The pupils of the eye are dilated to examine the structures of the eyes. For the eye movement study a special contact lens is placed on the eye and the patient looks at a series of target light spots moving on a screen. * Hearing tests. * Electroretinography (in patients who can cooperate with the test) to measure the function of the retina. Before the test, the patient's pupils are dilated and an electrode (small silver disk) is taped to the forehead. The patient sits in a dark room for 30 minutes and then a special contact lens is placed on one eye after it has been numbed with drops. The contact lens senses small electrical signals generated by the retina when lights flash. During the ERG recording, the eye is stimulated with flashes of light projected inside a hollow sphere. After the test, a full eye exam is done and photographs of the retina are taken. * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the brain and obtain information about brain chemicals. The patient lies on a table that can slide in and out of the scanner (a narrow cylinder), wearing earplugs to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur during the scanning process. Patients who cannot remain still in the scanner may be sedated for the test. * Psychometric testing: Patients complete questionnaires. * Photographs of the patient may be taken for use in teaching sessions or scientific presentations or publications, with the patient's consent. Patients may be recognizable, but are not identified by name. * Pregnancy test in all female patients over 10 years of age at the beginning of each admission to the Clinical Center. Read Less

This study will examine the different types of proteins present in the lungs of patients with pneumonia to explore the causes of different types of the disease. Pneumonia is a condition that causes lung inflammation AND is often caused by an infection. It is usually diagnosed by lung x-rays and listening to the chest with a stethoscope. This method can diagnose pneumonia, but it does not provide information on the cause of the inflammation - information that might be helpful in guiding treatment. This study will measure proteins in the lungs of patients to see if certain proteins are associated with specific forms of pneumonia, and can thus serve as biomarkers for disease. Patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy at the NIH Clinical Center may participate in this study. Patients will undergo bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage as scheduled for their medical care. For this procedure, the patient's mouth and throat are numbed with lidocaine; a sedative may be given for comfort. A thin flexible tube called a bronchoscope is advanced through the nose or mouth into the lung airways to examine the airways carefully. Saline (salt water) is then injected through the bronchoscope into the air passage, acting as a rinse. A sample of fluid is then withdrawn for microscopic examination. Researchers in the current study will use some of the fluid obtained from the lavage to examine for protein content. In addition to the bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage, participants will have about 2 tablespoons of blood drawn to compare blood test results with the results of the lung washings. Patients' medical records will be reviewed to obtain information on past medical history, current medical treatment, vital signs, and results of x-ray tests. Read Less

This study will investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and related conditions. Individuals \>=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/Spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. Participants will: * Fill out one or two questionnaires about their personal and family medical history. * Provide written consent for researchers to review their medical records and pathology materials related to their care and those of deceased relatives with melanomas, tumors, cancer, or other related illnesses for whom they are the next-of-kin or legally authorized representative. * Donate a blood or cheek cell sample to be used for genetic studies. (The blood sample is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The cheek cell sample is obtained either by gently brushing the inside of the mouth with a soft brush or by swishing a tablespoon of mouthwash and then spitting it into a container.) * Undergo a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin tissue) for genetic study. For this procedure, the area of skin to be removed is numbed with a local anesthetic and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is excised with a cookie cutter-like instrument. The wound is then covered with a band-aid. Participants may be asked to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and some of the following procedures: * Full body skin examination to evaluate the type and number of moles and document any evidence of sun damage to the skin. The examination involves all the skin from the scalp to the bottoms of the feet. After the examination, a medical photographer will photograph the skin, with close-ups of skin lesions marked by the examiner. If there are parts of the skin the participant does not want examined or photographed, he or she can tell the examiner. * Blood draw of about 120 milliliters (4 ounces) or less * Skin biopsy * Cheek cell sample * X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to detect tumors or changes in tumors or other types of changes in specific tissues. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to examine body tissues. The subject lies on a table that is moved into a large tunnel-like machine (the scanner) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the tests are finished, a doctor will discuss the results with the participant and the need, if any, for clinical follow-up. Read Less

The protocol will be carried out in accordance with International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the following United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) applicable to clinical studies: 45 CFR Part 46, 21 CFR Part 50, 21 CFR Part 56, 21 CFR Part 312, and/or 21 CFR Part 812. NIH-funded investigators and study site staff who are responsible for the conduct, management, or oversight of NIH-funded studies have completed Human Subjects Protection and ICH GCP Training. The protocol, informed consent form(s), recruitment materials, and all participant materials will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval. Approval of both the protocol and the consent form must be obtained before any participant is enrolled. Any amendment to the protocol will require review and approval by the IRB before the changes are implemented to the study. In addition, all changes to the consent form will be approved by the IRB; an IRB determination will be made regarding whether a new consent needs to be obtained from participants who provided consent, using a previously approved consent form. Read Less

Neurocysticercosis is a brain disease due to the larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). The most common symptoms patient experience from infection inside the substance of the brain (parenchymal disease) are seizures and headaches. When the infection is either inside the fluid pockets inside the brain (ventricular disease) or in the space around the brain (subarachnoid disease) patients can have chronic headaches, relapsing aseptic meningitis, hydrocephalus, stroke, and may require neurosurgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to treat patients with anthelmintic therapy (praziquantel and/or albendazole) and anti-inflammatories in alignment with currently accepted best practices and guidelines, depending on the neurocysticercosis subtype. The purpose of the study is to better understand and characterize clinical, biologic, and management factors during treatment that influence long term outcomes. In order to understand this further we collect patient clinical information, patient survey responses, blood, urine samples, and additional cerebral spinal fluid if already being collected for clinical care. Read Less