Clinical trials

In this pilot study, the investigators will assess the changes in myokine production based on several different exercise regimens.

This is a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as adjunctive treatment for treatment-refractory opioid use disorder. This study will include 3 individuals with opioid use disorder and relapsing opioid use despite active participation in a drug addiction treatment program.

This research study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel immunotherapy, Fast TIL, an Adoptive Cellular Therapeutic (ACT), to fight cancer that has spread to the pleura or pleural mesothelioma. The ACT product is created at AHN West Penn using the participant's pleural infiltrating T-cells (PIT). It is administered through a pleural catheter along with the drug Interleukin-2 (IL-2). Based on previous research it is believed that it may help fight the tumor and relieve symptoms. As a participant, their pleural fluid will be collected and the PIT cells will be isolated and expanded in the lab to create the ACT product. Before receiving the ACT product through their pleural catheter, they will undergo outpatient lymphodepleting chemotherapy. LDC is a standard procedure for many approved immunotherapy treatments Following the infusion, they'll receive IL-2 through the catheter for two days to stimulate the expanded PIT cells. The active treatment phase lasts about three weeks, with follow-up visits over five years at AHN West Penn Hospital, potentially requiring a hospital stay of up to six days. Blood samples will be taken to monitor their response. As this is a first-in-human study, treatment carries an unknown risk up to and including death from toxicity. However, the risks of similar immunotherapy treatments are well documented.

The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of postoperative Tamsulosin in reducing the duration of acute postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following pelvic reconstructive surgery through a double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Prospective Cohort of patients who are scheduled for a Robot Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty (RATKA). A prospective survey of patient reported outcome measures (Numeric Rating Scale) will be obtained postoperatively of 72 hours, as well as at the postoperative opioid consumption after 72 hours.

This study investigates the impact of four standard of care, monitored group exercise regimens (resistance training) on conditioning and hypertrophy in women previously treated for breast cancer. The study will compare two conditioning regimens (6-12-25 and 8x8) and two hypertrophy regimens (5/5/5 cluster sets and double training) to assess changes in VO2 max, muscle mass, and fat mass.

In this study, the investigators hypothesize that a high dose of post-workout protein nutrition regimen focused on food quality and an observed exercise regimen utilizing high-load resistance training initiated during or after cancer treatment will improve body composition and functional capacity.

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the outcomes of two standard of care group exercise regimens to increase muscle mass in women who have been treated with breast cancer.

This is an observational, descriptive, prospective and retrospective data collection study. The purpose of this study is to observe radiographic outcomes of patients who will undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) utilizing Tritanium C (Stryker Spine). The rate of fusion success and adverse events will be compared retrospectively to patients who underwent instrumented ACDF utilizing structural allograft bone with plates.

This is a research study to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 different types of routine pain management regimens used during clinically indicated, minimally invasive oncologic (cancer) surgery. This project is considered "Research" and participation is voluntary. Upon enrollment in this study, the research team will collect data from the patient's medical records. The patient will undergo all of the normal testing and procedures required pre-operatively (standard of care). The study team will then randomly assign the patient (like a flip of a coin) to one of three different study arms for pain management during surgery: 1. Laparoscopic Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (LapTAP) with Local Anesthetic (LA) 2. Laparoscopic Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (LapTAP) only 3. Local Anesthetic (LA) only The patient will receive standard pre- and post-operative care according to clinical guidelines (routine care). The study team will collect information from the patient's medical record for the first 24 hours after their surgery and upon discharge. This information will include pain scores, amount of medication required, any side effects the patient may have experienced, and satisfaction with pain control. Participation in the study will end upon discharge from the hospital.

This research study aims to evaluate the safety and determine the optimal dose of a new experimental drug, vvDD-hIL2 (vaccinia virus double-deleted human interleukin 2), in patients with advanced abdominal cancer. The study will involve three dose levels, with three to six patients enrolled at each level. vvDD-hIL2 is a genetically modified vaccinia virus, derived from the virus previously used for smallpox vaccination. The modification is intended to target and destroy tumors while minimizing harm to healthy tissues by stimulating the body's immune response. Participants will receive an injection of vvDD-hIL2 directly into their abdominal tumors at AHN West Penn. The study team will monitor for side effects and assess tumor response to the treatment. Active participation will last up to two months, involving seven clinic visits and approximately four lab visits at AHN West Penn Hospital. Visits will include standard of care procedures as well as study-specific tests and exams. Most visits will last one to two hours, with some extending to two to three hours. The drug administration day will require a twelve-hour visit. Effectiveness and side effects will be evaluated through blood draws, oral swabs, urinalysis and tissue biopsies. Tissue samples will be used for genomic analysis and stored for potential future research. Data collected may also be used for future research purposes. Previous human trials of vvDD-hIL2 have reported side effects such as pain, rash or inflammation at the injection site, low-grade fevers, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. There is a rare risk of rash transmission to close contacts with skin openings, and information on limiting contact and managing rash development will be provided.

The purpose of this study to find out if tocilizumab can be safely infused into chest or abdominal cavities of patients with malignancy ascites (MA) or malignant pleural effusions (MPE). Patients will have a total of 4 doses, one dose administered each week. Each dose will be greater than the previous one.

This protocol seeks to analyze patient adherence and outcomes after monitored exercise sessions utilizing primarily weighted sled pushes and pulls for linearly progressed resistance training of individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer.

This protocol seeks to analyze patient outcomes of the standard of care, monitored group exercise regimen of high-load resistance training and functional exercises with compound movements under close supervision on individuals who have been treated for cancer.