Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. Prospective Tissue Collection of Hepatic Epithelia:

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this research study is to improve our understanding of normal liver and gallbladder function and liver and gallbladder diseases including PBC, PSC, ADPKD (Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease), and ARPKD (Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).

    

    

2. Evaluation of Outcomes in Metastatic Gastric and Esophageal Carcinoma in Relation to Immunotherapy

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is:

   • To assess the efficacy of treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab) in metastatic gastric and esophageal carcinoma through retrospective chart review.
   • To explore if response to checkpoint inhibitors is dependent on biomarkers on tumor tissue.

3. Phase II Study of NGC-Triple Regimen in Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Cancer Patients

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz., Rochester, Minn.

   This is a phase II multi-center study of nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine and cisplatin (NGC triple regimen) as preoperative therapy in potentially resectable pancreatic cancer patients. DISEASE STATE - Potentially operable or borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma as assessed by standard CT criteria and histologically confirmed. - Staging by pancreatic protocol, helical abdominal computed tomography (with contrast) or MRI (with contrast) required (endoscopic ultrasound is not required). - No evidence of metastatic disease. Lymphadenopathy (defined as nodes measuring >1 cm in short axis) outside the surgical basin (i.e., para-aortic, peri-caval, celiac axis, or distant nodes) is considered M1 (unless nodes are biopsied and are negative, then enrollment can be considered after review with the study PI). Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Cancer - No involvement of the celiac artery, common hepatic artery, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and, if present, replaced right hepatic artery. - No involvement or <180° interface between tumor and vessel wall of the portal vein and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV-PV) and patent portal vein/splenic vein confluence. - For tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas, involvement of the splenic artery and vein of any degree is considered resectable disease. Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer - Tumor-vessel interface ≥180° of vessel wall circumference, and/or reconstructible occlusion of the SMV-PV. - Tumor-vessel interface <180° of the circumference of the SMA. - Tumor-vessel interface <180° of the circumference of the celiac artery. - Reconstructible short-segment interface of any degree between tumor and hepatic artery.

4. Interviews About Social Determinants of Health in Southeast Asian Americans to Identify Liver Cancer Disparities

   Rochester, Minn.

   This study is intended to understand the experiences and barriers to cancer care for individuals diagnosed with liver or any other type of cancer. Individual interviews will be conducted. 

5. A Study to Assess Outcome of Hospitalization for Cirrhosis Patients

   Rochester, Minn., Jacksonville, Fla., Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of hospitalization related to the presence of cirrhosis. We are participating in optional blood, saliva, urine, ascitic fluid and stool collection. 

    

    

6. Fecal Microbiota Transplant National Registry

   Rochester, Minn.

   A national data registry of patients receiving fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or other gut-related-microbiota products designed to prospectively assess short and long-term safety and effectiveness.

7. A Study of Measurable Ultrasound Imaging Biomarkers of Crohn's Disease

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a new multi-parameter ultrasound technology for evaluation of Crohn’s disease.

8. A Study of a New Molecular Approach to Blood DNA Screening for Cancer

   Rochester, Minn.

   The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of marker levels determined by this multi-marker, multi-compartment blood DNA test approach across persons without known cancer or precancer.

9. A Study to Understand the Mechanisms of Normal and Disordered Defection

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to compare rectal emptying and rectoanal pressures in healthy people and DD. Our hypotheses are that (i) the rate and amount of rectal emptying is higher in healthy people than in patients with DD, (ii) some patients with symptoms of DD will have a normal balloon expulsion test but reduced rectal emptying measured with fecomanoflowmetry, and (iii) compared to healthy people, the rectal pressure increment and/or anal relaxation is reduced in patients with DD.
    

10. Stem Cell Coated Fistula Plug in Patients With Crohn's RVF

    Rochester, Minn.

    The purpose of this study is to determine the safety of using an autologous mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) coated fistula plug in people with rectovaginal fistulizing Crohn's disease. Autologous means that these cells that coat the plug come from you. You will be in this study for two years. There is potential to continue to monitor your progress with lifelong regular visits as part of your standard of care. All study visits take place at Mayo Clinic and Rochester, MN. The study visit schedule is as follows: Visit 1 (Week -6) - Screening visit: exam under anesthesia and surgery to assess eligibility of fistula tract, take fat biopsy, if eligible, and fecal diversion. Visit 2 (Week 0; Day 0), exam under anesthesia for stem cell coated fistula plug placement Visit 3 (Week 0; Day 1) Visit 4 (Week 2; Month 1) Visit 5 (Week 4; Month 1) Visit 6 (Week 8; Month 2) Visit 7 (Week 12; Month 3) Visit 8 (Week 24; Month 6) Visit 9 (Week 52; Month 12). Visit 10 (Week 104, Month 24)