Clinical trials

This study is a randomized, open-label, active controlled, parallel group study comparing the efficacy and safety of once weekly Somatrogon to daily Growth Hormone (Genotropin) in pre-pubertal children with short stature either born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) or with Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS). The planned study duration is 12 months with a screening period of up to 30 days. The study will consist of two groups: 140 children with SGA who are naïve to GH treatment will be randomized 1:1 to receive either Somatrogon or Genotropin for 12 months. A second group will include 114 children with ISS who are naïve to GH treatment who will be randomized 1:1 to receive either Somatrogon or Genotropin for 12 months.

Introduction Sarcopenia is defined as progressive generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function. Sarcopenia due to lack of physical activity is a known phenomenon and is usually observed as a normal part of aging or in certain diseases and pathogenic processes. Major associated factors causing development of sarcopenia may be summarized as interactions of environmental and hormonal factors, underlying diseases, activation of inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced satellite cell numbers, and loss of neuromuscular junctions. Intensive care acquired weakness (ICU-AW) known formerly as critical illness polyneuropathy, is a diagnosis that becomes more common as survival rates from long ICU hospitalization are more prevalent. It is characterized by a primary axonal degeneration, without demyelination, that typically affects motor nerves more than sensory nerves. ICU-AW affects the limbs (particularly the lower extremities) in a symmetric pattern. Weakness is most notable in proximal neuromuscular areas (e.g., the shoulders and hip girdle). In addition, involvement of the respiratory muscles can occur and can impede weaning from mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiological mechanisms of ICU-acquired weakness are believed to be multifactorial. Some suspected factors include dysfunctional microcirculation and hyperglycemia. It has been shown that tight glucose control in ICU patients reduces the risk for ICU-AW (although it has been associated with other adverse events). Sodium channels channelopathy is also a researched cause for ICU-AW. Muscle loss in the ICU are usually related to bedridden condition and lack of mobility, increase in ubiquitination and inadequate protein administration associated with large negative nitrogen balance. In addition mechanical ventilation contributes greatly to this problem. This has been particularly relevant in post trauma/surgical long stayer patients. In the past years great progress was made in the investigation of protein balance, breakdown and synthesis using stable isotope tracers in various medical conditions. In a research performed in PICU (1-5) and ICU (6, 7) regarding the measurement of plasma amino acid during critical illness, stable phenylalanine, tyrosine leucine, arginine and citrulline isotope were used intravenously without any safety issue problem. Another study was performed on adults suffering from COPD with matched healthy adults, using stable isotopes of phenylalanine, tyrosine leucine, isoleucine and valine (8). During the study the isotopes were given parenterally as well as enterally. The study showed significant change in splanchnic extraction of various amino acids and higher turnover of BCAA in COPD patients. Using the theory that supplemental milk can compensate for the elevated turnover of BCAA in COPD patients, using the isotope analysis demonstrated that this theory was proven wrong and the conclusion was that alterations are present in BCAA metabolism despite normal plasma levels in normal weight COPD. Further research is needed to find a way to compensate for it. These studies and other recent studies (9-19) show us the safety regarding the use of stable isotope tracers whether IV or PO, while giving us the opportunity to assess the metabolism of amino acid in all sorts of pathological states. Hypothesis \& Aim of the study We think that based on current literature, there are important differences between critically ill patients and healthy population in the amino acid profile and distribution in the body as well as synthesis and breakdown. The aim of the study is to measure these differences in long ICU stayers (above 7 days) admitted in the ICU after surgical/trauma injury, and to try and help aiming future treatment and research in this field.

This study compares two pain control techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic kidney donation surgery: transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block versus wound infiltration with local anesthetic. Postoperative pain can impair breathing by causing patients to take shallow breaths to avoid discomfort. This study will evaluate which technique better preserves lung function, specifically peak expiratory flow (PEF), after surgery. Eighty patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a TAP block (injection of local anesthetic into the abdominal wall muscles before surgery) or wound infiltration (injection of local anesthetic at the incision sites at the end of surgery). Both patients and the staff measuring outcomes will be blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome is the percentage change in PEF from before surgery to discharge from the recovery room. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, opioid use, breathing complications, and length of hospital stay.

This is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between urologists, oncologists and nuclear medicine physicians from Beilinson hospital at Rabin Medical Center to address the major therapeutic challenge of locally advanced prostate cancer. Our aim is to evaluate the use of a novel treatment (Tb-PSMA) prior to the surgical removal of the prostate. This treatment has already shown initial promising results in patients with metastatic prostate cancer but has never been tested for locally advanced disease before surgery.

Understanding the frailty levels of critically ill patients using the PFFS at time of admission to ICU. Exploring any associations between frailty, other prognostic factors, and patient outcomes.

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is an extrinsic ureteral obstruction caused by malignant diseases. This study aim to compare tandem 6 Fr Percuflex™ stents and single large-caliber 8Fr silicone stent in patients with MUO. The primary endpoint is stent failure rate. The secondary endpoints are patient comfort, quality of life and overall survival.

This study includes patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - either unresectable stage III or stage IV adenocarcinoma without actionable driver mutations - who are treated with pembrolizumab in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, irrespective of PD-L1 expression levels. The primary objective is to assess treatment response through integration of serial T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire sequencing (Rep-seq), capturing longitudinal changes in T-cell clonality and diversity. These immune dynamics will be correlated with radiographic response assessed by RECIST 1.1, with the aim of improving the accuracy of response classification, including differentiation between progression, pseudo-progression, and hyperprogression. Additionally, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels will be measured longitudinally (pre-treatment and during treatment) to evaluate their potential as a complementary biomarker of disease burden and treatment efficacy in the context of chemo-immunotherapy.

A single arm, interventional study with 12 weeks study phase preceded by a 2-week run in phase, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the Tandem Mobi automated insulin delivery system (Tandem Mobi Pump System) for competitive youth athletes with type 1 diabetes in real-world conditions.

The goal of this study is to compare qualitative meal-size estimation to accurate carb counting in adolescents with Type One Diabetes using all available AID (Automated Insulin Delivery) systems. We will compare glucose control parameters and patient related outcome measures between the groups. 120 children and adolescents with type 1 Diabetes who begin using AID system will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: simplified qualitative meal size estimation or accurate carb counting. The study will last 6 months, with an additional optional follow up points at 12 and 24 months. In the first visit all patients will receive nutrition guidance from the dietitian. In the accurate carb counting group, participants will use precise carb counting to manage their meals. In the simplified qualitative meal-size estimation group, participants will use a simplified meal announcement based on three presets for each meal, small, medium, or large, which will be personalized based on the dietitian's assessment. During the study, the dietitian will evaluate the insulin-to-carb ratio and meal estimation at least once in the first two weeks. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 4-6 weeks, 3, and 6 months after the study's initiation. At each visit participants will upload their data from their AID systems. Evaluation of their diabetes control will be made and an assessment regarding the carbohydrates calculation method. Digital questionnaires assessing diabetes distress, disordered eating behaviors, dietary regimen, and eating patterns will be provided at the beginning of the study and after 6 months, with an additional optional follow-up points that will be held at 12 and 24 months after the study's initiation.

A national Screening program for the presence of Islet Autoantibodies (IA) in relatives of people with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) aiming at identifying people with pre-clinical (stage 1 \& 2) T1D and DKA prevention on the clinical presentation of T1D. All participants will be screened at study entry for the presence of 4 islet autoantibodies: glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA), insulinoma-associated-2 antibody (IA-2A), insulin antibodies (IAA) and Zinc transporter-8 antibodies (ZnT8A). The ADAP assay will be used to detect IA. A confirmation blood sample for positive participants with two or more IA will be taken. The confirmation analysis will be done by the ADAP assay, conventional ELISA, and RIA. Participants identified as part of the study with pre-symptomatic type 1 diabetes (T1D) (stages 1 and 2) will be referred to complete an educational program emphasizing DKA prevention as part of routine medical care .During the study, cases of stage 2 and stage 3 diabetes and DKA events in participants who are positive for IA will be documented.

A prospective, randomized, single blind, two-arms, multicenter study. The study aims to assess the safety of a dosing-guided system (DGS) that provides direct advice on insulin dosing recommendations and diabetes management to individuals with diabetes using insulin or starting basal insulin therapy, guided by their continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The study population will include up to 45 individuals with diabetes, distributed as follows: 15 with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 15 with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), both on MDI therapy and 15 with T2D using or starting to use basal insulin. The study will include a 2- to 4-week run-in period followed by a 6-week intervention period.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a combination of Palbociclib and Sunitinib is safe and effective in various solid tumors. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the drugs combination safe for the participants? * Is the drug combination effective in all solid malignancies? It is a single arm study, phase 1b/2, dose escalation and expansion, to determine the safety, tolerability and initial efficacy of this combination. Participants will: * Take the drugs combination every day for 5 executive days, and 2 days of, in a 28 days cycle, for up to a year. * Visit the clinic once every 2 weeks for checkups and tests

Pruritus, commonly known as itching, is an unpleasant sensation that triggers the urge to scratch, which may provide temporary relief. Pruritus can be intermittent or persistent, localized or widespread, and may be associated with medication use. Chronic pruritus, defined as lasting more than six weeks, can significantly affect sleep and quality of life. Dermatologic toxicities are among the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs), reported in 43-45% of patients receiving ipilimumab and approximately 34% of those treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Combination therapies (ipilimumab+ nivolumab or pembrolizumab) tend to elevate the incidence of potential irAEs to 41%. These toxicities typically emerge within the first few weeks of treatment, though delayed-onset cases have been documented. Cutaneous irAEs occur more rapidly in patients receiving combination therapy compared to anti-PD1 monotherapy. Pruritus is one of the most frequently observed cutaneous irAEs. Current treatments for pruritus are often inadequate, leaving many patients suffering from persistent and debilitating symptoms. Despite available therapies, a significant number of individuals continue to experience chronic itch that negatively impacts their quality of life. Substance P (SP) functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems of mammals. It is produced by both neuronal and non-neuronal cells and plays a role in various physiological responses, including nausea, depression, vomiting, pain, neurogenic inflammation, and, more recently, pruritus. SP exerts its biological effects primarily through neurokinin receptors (NKRs), also known as tachykinin receptors. When SP binds to NK1R in the skin, it triggers mast cell degranulation, leading to the release of pruritogenic and proinflammatory mediators such as histamine, interferon-γ, leukotriene B4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). This results in vasodilation and neurogenic inflammation, manifesting clinically as pruritus, erythema, and edema. NK1R antagonists are a class of drugs with antiemetic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipruritic properties, though they have not been effective as analgesics in humans. These drugs act centrally by crossing the blood-brain barrier and selectively blocking NK1R activation by SP in the central nervous system, particularly in vomiting centers. Aprepitant has also demonstrated efficacy in treating pruritus induced by anticancer therapies. This study is a pilot, single-center open label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of single course of EMEND® (aprepitant) capsules (80mg +125mg) in treating pruritus (new onset and/or refractory) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumors.

This study will include two parts. The first part will include two patients in a non-blinded, non-randomized, open trial. They will undergo Deep Bran Stimulation (DBS) for OCD (targeting the amSTN), as clinically accepted and approved in Israel (by the MOH) and in other countries in Europe and the US. The second part will include eight patients. This part will be an interventional, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial (patient and psychiatrist; the neurosurgeon will activate stimulation during the randomization period and will not be blinded). All subjects will undergo standard pre-operative psychiatric and neurosurgical assessment. Around 4-6 weeks later subjects will undergo implantation of Medtronic implantable DBS system (bilateral brain leads model 3389, lead extenders and PERCEPT pulse generator). Intraoperative recordings will include single unit and local field potentials (LFP) for target identification and validation, as accepted for clinical use. In the second part of the study, blinded randomization for treatment or sham-control arms (1:1 ratio) will be held two weeks post-operation. Treatment and sham-control arms will continue for four months. At the end of four months treatment, the groups will be crossed-over for another four months. Thus, the sham-control group will start treatment (using pre-defined stimulation parameters) and the treatment group will start sham stimulation. Four months later (six and a half months from surgery), randomization will be over, and both arms will get open-label active treatment. Psychiatric assessments post-operation will take place after two weeks, one month, and then once every six weeks, in the first year for all study patients. Chronic recordings will take place using the clinically used and approved PERCEPT DBS pulse generator during the first year after surgery.

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether a ketogenic diet (KD), when combined with immunotherapy, can improve immune function and treatment outcomes in patients with advanced melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Why Is This Study Important? Immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment, but not all patients respond well. Research suggests that diet, particularly a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, may help boost the immune system and make treatments more effective. What Will This Study Examine? Researchers want to understand: Is the ketogenic diet well-tolerated for cancer patients? Does the diet improve immune responses and treatment effectiveness? How Will the Study Work? Participants will be placed into one of two groups: Ketogenic Diet (KD) Group: A structured high-fat, low-carb diet (intermittent schedule: 2 weeks on, 1 week off). Standard Diet (SD) Group: A typical diet with no major changes. Throughout the study, a dietitian will closely support and guide you. Both groups will continue their standard immunotherapy treatment. What Will Participants Do? Write their food intake three times a week to help assess dietary adherence Follow their assigned diet for 10 weeks Have weekly check-ins with a dietitian (in-person at the hospital or via phone) Have weekly blood glucose and ketone level checks using a home device. Provide monthly blood samples to measure immune response during routine immunotherapy infusions Provide stool samples for gut microbiome analysis at the start and end of the study Measure Monthly Weight, body composition, and resting calorie burn Complete quality-of-life questionnaires What Are the Potential Benefits? Improved response to immunotherapy Better understanding of how diet influences cancer treatment Potential for a new supportive strategy for cancer care This study may help uncover ways to enhance cancer treatment through personalized nutrition.

H syndrome is a rare genetic disorder predisposing to histiocytosis. Our knowledge of the clinical spectrum of these patients is based on case reports and small patient series. Patients with H syndrome have been treated with a range of immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic agents, with limited success. We aim to comprehensively assess the clinical manifestations and patterns of treatment response in a multinational cohort of patients with H syndrome.

Cefazolin is given routinely pre and intraoperatively for patients undergoing spinal surgery to reduce the rate of infection. Intra-wound admission of Vancomycin powder has been suggested to reduce wound infection rates. Therefore, this study aims to compare the rate of wound-related complications between patients receiving standard treatment compared to patients receiving an addition of topical Vancomycin and to identify the optimal Vancomycin dosage. All groups will receive the recommended regimen of routine IV antibiotic prophylaxis.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two dose schedules of stereotactic radiation therapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. Historically, external beam radiation to treat localized prostate cancer was given in small treatments over a period of multiple weeks. Recent studies have shown that with newer technologies and better understanding of how prostate cancer responds to radiation, the same effective dose can be given in as few as 5 treatments. This study is comparing this newer standard course of 5 treatments with an even shorter course of just 2 treatments. The dose for the 2 treatments is based on a form of internal radiation called brachytherapy, but in this study, that dose will be given using external radiation, without the need for invasive procedures. In order to make sure that the radiation therapy is given in a way that minimizes the risk of side effects to the surrounding organs, including the rectum and bladder, prior to radiation a hydrogel material will be inserted behind the prostate in order to distance the rectum further from the prostate gland, and small gold markers will be inserted into the prostate to decrease any possible movement during treatment. The main questions are whether 2-treatment radiation is tolerated as well and is as effective at treating prostate cancer, compared to the standard 5-treatment course of radiation.

A national screening program for children aged 9 months-5 years that will be tested for the presence of islet autoantibodies.Up to 50,000 Children will be screened by their primary care physician all over Israel. The initial screening will be done at the age of 1 year (in conjunction with the routinely collection of blood for CBC ) and repeated at ages 2-5 years. Antibodies will be measured in capillary blood samples using the Ultrasensitive Antibody Detection by Agglutination-PCR (ADAP) technology developed by Enable Biosciences, which is 1,000-10,000 times more analytically sensitive than currently used methods. By using this innovative technology in such a large cohort, the study is anticipated to detect antibodies at an unprecedented earlier age.When positive in the screening, multiple antibodies will be confirmed by a second sample analyzed by the ADAP technology. In addition, multiple antibodies will be also measured using a radio-binding assay (RBA) of a venous blood sample for investigational purpose only. Children with confirmed multiple antibodies (stage 1 or 2 T1D) will be followed up routinely for the appearance of clinical signs of diabetes (HbA1c, repeated OGTT, monitoring of urine and blood glucose where indicated) and will be invited along with their families to attend an educational program. This program will include diabetes education emphasizing on DKA prevention as well as stress assessment for the families involved and stress alleviating interventions. The analysis and storage of the samples will be done in a single screening center at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel.

Our aim is to test the effect of tissue adhesive application at the Central-line exit-site on CLABSI rates in high-risk pediatric congenital heart disease patients.

A substantial number of women report fear of childbirth and negative birth experiences. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of visual biofeedback before labor using a self-operated home ultrasound for maternal pushing training, which is expected to reduce fear of childbirth, increase perceived control during birth, prevent prolonged labor and the ensuing maternal and neonatal negative adverse outcomes, and prevent maternal post-traumatic stress symptoms. Intrapartum visual biofeedback provided by obstetricians during the second stage of labor has been shown to increase pushing efficiency and improve maternal obstetric and psychological outcomes. Previously, visual biofeedback has been implemented only in an in-hospital setting and, with one known exception, only during labor. A Mobile Self-Operated Home Ultrasound System has been reported as a feasible and reliable tool for obstetrical ultrasound. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with three study groups of pregnant women (37-39 weeks of gestation): (1) Obstetrical ultrasound+visual biofeedback in-hospital and at home using self-operated ultrasound; (2) Obstetrical ultrasound+visual biofeedback in-hospital; (3) Obstetrical ultrasound only. Visual biofeedback by ultrasound will be performed by transperineal ultrasound, enabling the future mother to visualize the descent of the fetal head within the birth canal in response to her pushing effort. Follow-up will be conducted two weeks later and at six weeks postpartum. Positive results following the application of biofeedback by self-operated home ultrasound may change the paradigm for pre-labour sonographic education. Self-operated home ultrasound will also enable more comprehensive pre-labor ultrasound-based education and hopefully reduce adverse physical and psychological outcomes following childbirth.

Combined transplantation of kidney and bone marrow between HLA-matched sibling donor-recipient pairs to induce immune tolerance in order to enable complete discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy without kidney rejection. Hematopoietic stem cells are collected from the donor 4 to 8 weeks before kidney transplantation, CD34 cells are enriched by positive selection and cryopreserved. The day after kidney transplantation the recipient starts conditioning therapy with thymoglobuline, total lymphoid irradiation, steroids, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Eleven days after kidney transplantation the stem cell graft is thawed and infused to the recipient. If mixed donor chimerism is successfully maintained more than 6 months without rejection, then immunosuppression may be tapered off until complete discontinuation.