Brigham Research Institute (BRI) - Brigham and Women's Hospital

Pancreatic necrosis is a serious complication of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic necrosis involves the irreversible death of pancreatic tissue, which can lead to severe health issues, including infections and an increased risk of death. An endoscopic procedure called direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) is typically performed to remove this necrotic pancreatic tissue as a minimally invasive treatment. This procedure is performed using a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope and endoscopic instruments that are used with working channels through the scope. Current methods for removing necrotic tissue involve using endoscopic devices such as snares, baskets, nets, and forceps. However, these standard methods are often not very effective because the necrotic tissue can be sticky and hard to grasp. This DEN procedure is part of regular clinical care to treat this condition and remove necrotic tissue from the pancreas. For this research study, the same DEN procedure will be followed with the exception of the device used for the removal of the necrotic tissue. Instead of using forceps, snares, or other traditional tools, a cryoprobe will be used. Cryoprobes work by using extremely cold temperatures to freeze and adhere to the necrotic tissue, making it easier to remove. This method might be better because it can secure larger tissue samples and potentially reduce complications associated with traditional methods. Cryotechnology is successfully used in endoscopy to remove necrotic tissue, foreign bodies and more, but has not been extensively tested in pancreatic necrosis. Cryoprobes are FDA approved medical devices with an established safety record. They are used successfully in very sensitive areas such as the lungs. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryotechnology for DEN.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2026

open study

This research study involves assessing the impact of emapalumab as preventative management of CAR-T related cytokine release syndrome in participants with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The research study involves the following study interventions: - Fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (Lymphodepleting Chemotherapy) - Axicabtagene Ciloleucel - Emapalumab

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

Objective 1: To test whether treatment with plasma exchange improves renal recovery in patients with light chain cast nephropathy Objective 2: To compare renal outcomes among patients treated with plasma exchange versus daratumumab-based regimens versus non-daratumumab based-regimens.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jun 2024

open study

This is a clinical trial to characterize the safety and pharmacokinetics of using extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) as a novel low-dose buprenorphine induction strategy. Individuals with a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) (n=30) will be admitted to an inpatient unit to complete study procedures over the course of 3 days. Participants will receive fentanyl to prevent the emergence of withdrawal. Each participant will then receive a single injection of XR-BUP after which study staff will monitor for any precipitated withdrawal.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2025

open study

This study aims to identify how enhanced allopregnanolone activity (via pregnenolone) affects behavior and neurobiology that may underlie perimenopausal depression.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally. While weight loss through lifestyle modification is the standard treatment, most patients regain weight limiting ultimate improvement in liver disease. On the other end of the spectrum, bariatric surgery has shown promise in the treatment of MASLD/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) due to its efficacy in inducing weight loss. Nevertheless, its adoption has been hindered by the perceived invasiveness of surgery. Over the past decade, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has gained recognition as a promising minimally-invasive approach to weight loss. The procedure involves utilizing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized endoscopic suturing device to reduce the gastric volume by 70%. Studies reveal that ESG is associated with approximately 18.2% weight loss at one year after the procedure, with sustained results for at least 10 years. Nevertheless, the effect of ESG on MASH remains unknown. In this study, the investigators will compare ESG + lifestyle modification versus lifestyle modification alone in treating histologic MASH. The study will randomize patients to one of two different treatment options: ESG + lifestyle modification or lifestyle modification alone.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jun 2025

open study

The objective of this study is to widely implement and evaluate the Care Transitions App in a randomized controlled trial. The app the investigators designed for patients with multiple chronic conditions has four envisioned modules: 1) falls-reduction content, 2) a digital post-discharge transitional care plan (e.g., after hospital care plan, including education, medications, follow-up appointments, warning signs to watch for, nutrition, and other care plan activities), 3) a new module for patients with MCC (diabetes, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease) including condition-specific post-discharge care plans with relevant symptom management activities, 4) a new post-discharge report module which summarizes key care transition findings and allows for patients to enter notes and questions for their providers and their own goals for recovery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2024

open study

This is a prospective, open-label, multi-center, single-arm study planned to enroll 200 subjects with heterogeneous emphysema and collateral ventilation (CV) in the target lobe. Subjects will undergo instillation of AeriSeal Foam in the target lobe and subsequent assessment of CV status using Chartis Pulmonary Assessment System. Subjects with CV- status will then undergo placement of Zephyr Valve in the target lobe for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) and be followed for 24 months.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2024

open study

Research suggests that Whole Body Hyperthermia in a sauna-like environment can reduce symptoms related to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or Long Covid. The investigators aim to study the feasibility and treatment effect of this procedure for patients experiencing Long Covid symptoms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2026

open study

In this research study, investigators will test whether prophylactic high-dose IV Mg administration attenuates the risk of AKI in patients with malignant mesothelioma receiving intraoperative chemotherapy (HIOC) with cisplatin compared to placebo .

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Apr 2023

open study

The proposed study is a two-arm randomized clinical trial designed to assess the effects of the StrokeWear system on clinical outcomes over a period of 6-months in chronic stroke survivors. The Intervention group will use StrokeWear system in combination to a motor and behavioral home intervention whereas the Control group will follow usual care which consists of a home-exercise plan (HEP).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Mar 2025

open study

The primary aim of our pilot study is to determine whether fibrosis in the heart can be measured with [68Ga]CBP8, a positron emission tomography (PET) probe, using PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, in 30 individuals with documented cardiac amyloidosis. The investigators will also enroll 15 individuals with recent myocardial infarction and 15 individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as positive controls for fibrosis, and the investigators will enroll 5 individuals without cardiovascular disease to undergo [68Ga]CBP8 PET/MRI imaging as a healthy control group. The primary hypothesis of this study is that [68Ga]CBP8 will bind to interstitial collagen and quantify myocardial fibrosis in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. The investigators hypothesize that [68Ga]CBP8 uptake will be greater in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than in healthy controls. Secondly, the investigators also hypothesize that [68Ga]CBP8 activity more strongly correlates with standard MRI measures in patients with recent myocardial infarction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (where extracellular expansion is caused by myocardial fibrosis/collagen deposition) than in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (where myocardial fibrosis is combined with infiltration).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study

This registry evaluates patient characteristics, real-world treatment patterns, and short- and long-term outcomes in a population of patients in the United States and Europe with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who are receiving mavacamten, receiving other treatment for obstructive HCM, or not receiving treatment for obstructive HCM due to intolerance or failure of prior treatment. United States Sub-Study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of mavacamten in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM in the real-world setting. Europe Sub-Study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mavacamten in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM in the real-world setting.

Type: Observational [Patient Registry]

Start Date: Aug 2022

open study

This is a prospective pilot clinical study of subjects with cardiac amyloidosis and control subjects without amyloidosis where we plan to evaluate changes in myocardial blood flow, systolic and diastolic function before and after sonotherapy.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Aug 2023

open study

To evaluate workflow and outcomes of iVATS and standard VATS for small pulmonary nodules. The outcomes of the patients will be evaluated separately as there will be no direct comparison of the two arms.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2018

open study

The objective of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that delivery at 35 0/7- 35 6/7 weeks in stable patients with gastroschisis is superior to observation and expectant management with a goal of delivery at 38 0/7 - 38 6/7 weeks. To test this hypothesis, we will complete a randomized, prospective, multi-institutional trial across NAFTNet-affiliated institutions. Patients may be enrolled in the study any time prior to 33 weeks, but will be randomized at 33 weeks to delivery at 35 weeks or observation with a goal of 38 weeks. The primary composite outcome will include stillbirth, neonatal death prior to discharge, respiratory morbidity, and need for parenteral nutrition at 30 days.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Feb 2018

open study

Blood cancers occur when the molecules that control normal cell growth are damaged. Many of these changes can be detected by directly examining parts of the cancer or cells in blood. Several alterations that occur repeatedly in certain types of blood cancers have already been identified, and these discoveries have led to the development of new drugs that target those alterations. More remain to be discovered. Some of these abnormalities include alterations in genes. Genes are the part of cells that contain the instructions which tell the investigators bodies how to grow and work, and determine physical characteristics such as hair and eye color. Genes are composed of DNA letters that spell out these instructions. Studies of the DNA molecules that make up the genes are called "molecular" analyses. Molecular analyses are ways of reading the DNA letters to identify errors in genes that may contribute to an increased risk of cancer or to the behavior of the cancer cells. Some changes in genes occur only in cancer cells. Others occur in the genes that are passed from parent to child. This research study will examine both kinds of genes. The best way to find these genes is to study large numbers of people. The investigators expect that as many 1000 individuals will enroll in this study. This research study is trying to help doctors and scientists understand why cancer occurs and to develop ways to better treat and prevent it. To participate in this study the participant must have cancer now, had it in the past, or are at risk of developing cancer. The participant will not undergo tests or procedures that are not required as part of their routine clinical care. The investigators will ask the participant to provide an additional sample from tissue that is obtained for their clinical care including blood, bone marrow, or tissue sample. The investigators will also ask for a gentle scrape of the inside of their cheek, mouthwash or a skin sample to obtain their germline DNA

Type: Observational

Start Date: Aug 2014

open study

Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after thoracic surgery often experience complications related to immobility, such as muscle weakness, pulmonary issues, and longer recovery times. Early mobilization has been shown to improve outcomes, but its implementation is often limited by patient fragility and staff resources. This study will test the safety and feasibility of using the Atalante X, a self-balancing exoskeleton, in the Thoracic Surgical ICU at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The exoskeleton is designed to support patients in standing and walking, even if they have limited strength or balance, thereby reducing the physical burden on healthcare staff and increasing patient mobility. Eligible participants are adults recovering from thoracic surgery, who are debilitated (Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scale ≤ 5). Each participant will undergo up to 2-3 exoskeleton sessions per week for a maximum of 2 weeks. Sessions will be personalized, with progressive standing time and walking depending on patient tolerance. The primary goal is to evaluate the safety of exoskeleton use, measured by adverse events such as skin lesions, cardiovascular instability, or accidental device-related issues. The secondary goals are to evaluate: Feasibility (ability to deliver sessions as planned, duration of standing/walking, level of assistance needed), Usability (patient and staff satisfaction, ease of donning/doffing, staff workload), and Preliminary effectiveness (improvement in mobility scores at discharge). Results will provide early insights into whether robotic exoskeletons can be safely integrated into ICU rehabilitation programs after thoracic surgery.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2025

open study

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia and gestational hypertension) are associated with increased long-term maternal risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence suggests that activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor promotes ongoing susceptibility to hypertension in women following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In addition, women with overweight/obesity are at increased risk for progression to chronic hypertension after experiencing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, the investigators will conduct a randomized trial to test the effect of pharmacologically blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor for three months after delivery on blood pressure and cardiac remodeling at nine months postpartum.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Oct 2025

open study

This study is investigating the effects on immune cells of injecting the influenza vaccine (also known as "flu shot") into cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tumors prior to having standard-of-care Mohs excision surgery. The study will help understand if the addition of the influenza vaccine could improve the immune system response against the cancer. The names of the study drug involved in this study is: -Fluzone Influenza vaccine (flu shot)

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Nov 2024

open study

This study is a clinical trial being done to investigate the efficacy of drug BRS201 as a treatment in patients with acute ulcerative colitis. Patients who qualify are adults who have not responded to treatments for their severe ulcerative colitis. Participation in this study will take 12 weeks long and the study is structured as an open-label pilot study in which participants will take the study drug for 4 weeks in the form of an oral medication. Participation may also involve receiving an IV dose of the medication. The study will require participants to attend 8 study visits, all of which will be conducted at a study site. Participation will involve taking an oral medication twice daily, tracking the medication in a log, and getting blood drawn and giving a stool and urine sample for a few lab tests throughout the study. Participants may also undergo a flexible sigmoidoscopy at the beginning and end of the study.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2025

open study

The LIFT will be conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) of Harvard Medical School, focusing on the effect of Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) and Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in subjects aged 18-70 meeting the Canadian consensus criteria (CCC) for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as having specifically Orthostatic Intolerance (OI). Long COVID (LC) subjects will also be included if they meet CCC and have OI. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study will involve 160 participants randomized into one of four possible groups: Pyridostigmine/LDN (40), Pyridostigmine/Placebo (40), LDN/Placebo (40), Placebo/Placebo (40). The dose of Pyridostigmine will be carefully titrated from 30mg to 60mg three times a day, and the dose of LDN will be titrated from 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg once daily. The trial includes a scale-back plan, allowing participants to reduce their dosage if they experience intolerance symptoms, with adjustments made during weekly visits. This plan provides a personalized approach to medication tolerance, ensuring participant's safety and comfort throughout the trial. The time commitment for the participant is approximately three (3) months, and during this time, there will be three (3) in-person visits to BWH and four (4) virtual visits. Study procedures will include two (2) submaximum cardiopulmonary exercise tests, questionnaires (virtually completed), and blood and urine collection. We will be recruiting from the BWH Dyspnea Clinic as well as the Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) StudyME Registry and anticipate the entire trial will take two (2) years to complete. The LIFT represents a significant endeavor to improve treatment options for ME/CFS patients and contribute to the broader understanding of this debilitating condition.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Sep 2024

open study

Lung cancer patients undergoing upfront surgery, highly benefit from a systematic lymph node dissection in the mediastinum and in the surgical specimens. The latter is performed by the pathologist. Developing a standardized technique to dissect the lobectomy specimen has the potential of maximizing the retrieval of all N1 stations lymph nodes. The investigators believe that the adoption of such technique will improve lung cancer staging and identify a higher number of patients that qualify for adjuvant therapies.

Type: Interventional

Start Date: Jul 2024

open study

The overall objective of the RESTORATiVE303 study is to evaluate the safety and the Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) recurrence rate at Week 8 in participants who receive a 14-day course of VE303 or matching placebo. The objectives and endpoints are identical for Stage 1 (recurrent CDI) and Stage 2 (high-risk primary CDI).

Type: Interventional

Start Date: May 2024

open study

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about lung cancer (NSCLC or SCLC) diagnosed in adults at ages 45 or younger.

Type: Observational

Start Date: Jan 2023

open study