Diabetes Treatment
UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is one of a number of institutions in the country participating in a four-year study of a drug, Pimagedine, that prevents glycation, a cause of the debilitating complications of diabetes.
Stephen H. Schneider, MD, professor of medicine at the school, is seeking individuals with Type II diabetes who have diabetes-related eye disease of any severity as well as protein in their urine. They must be between 30 and 70 years of age and have had the disease for at least one year. For more information, call Shelley Greenhaus, RN, at 908-235-7751; those outside the area can call toll free, 1-800-413-6765.
New Medications for Diabetic Kidney Disease and High Blood Pressure
Hypertension specialists at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick are conducting a study to evaluate the effect of Irbesartan in hypertensive patients with Type II diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the drug will reduce the rate of progression of kidney disease and other problems associated with this type of adult onset diabetes.
Those eligible to participate must be between the ages of 30 and 70, have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Participants will receive a chest X-ray, medication, frequent blood pressure assessments, laboratory tests, EKGs, physical examinations and monetary compensation.
A second study, sponsored by the same group, is evaluating a new medication for high blood pressure. Volunteers must be age 18 or older with high blood pressure; women must be surgically sterilized or at least two years postmenopausal. Participants will receive physical examinations, EKGs, laboratory tests, frequent blood pressure checks and medication at no cost. Volunteers must be available between 7 and 10 a.m. for bi-weekly and weekly visits.
For more information on both studies, contact Amelia Sherr, RN, at 908-235-7825.
Hereditary Causes of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
Specialists at the Center for Human and Molecular Genetics at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark and a team of psychologists from Rutgers University in New Brunswick are conducting a study on testing for mutations to BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that when mutated are associated with an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. The goal of the project is to determine how this population responds to the availability of genetic testing for an inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer, and if tested, how they respond to positive or negative results.
Participants must be of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and have had either a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer at an early age, or a strong family history of these cancers.
For more information, call Monica Magee, MS, at 201-982-3304.
Cancer Prevention Trials
Lung cancer patients have an increased risk for developing a second cancer, and scientists are investigating ways to reduce the risk. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of 13-cis retinoic acid, which is related to vitamin A, to prevent new tumors from forming. Volunteers who have been treated for lung cancer during the past three years will be eligible to participate in the study. They will take oral doses of the therapy once a day for three years.
A second study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, will evaluate the effectiveness of tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer from developing in women who are at increased risk.
For information on both studies, call Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center at 609-365-8941.
Comprehensive Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
The Women's Wellness Center in Newark is offering the SAVE Program to deliver comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screenings for 700 women over age 40 who live in Essex County. Services include mammograms, Pap smears, breast self-exam teaching and women's health education. Follow-up is arranged for anyone who has a positive test finding. To be eligible, a woman must be at least 40 years old, reside in Essex County, meet income eligibility guidelines and have limited or no health insurance. House calls are made to single locations such as apartment buildings, churches or senior centers for groups of 12 or more women who qualify. Portable mammography is available to provide service on site.
For more information, contact co-investigator Mary Jane Tranzillo, RN, MSN, GNPC, at 201-982-2777.
Asthma
The Asthma and Allergy Research Center at UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School in Newark is seeking volunteers age 12 or older to participate in clinical research studies of a new investigational oral asthma treatment. Participants will get free medication and medical visits. Those who complete the study will receive financial compensation.
For more information, call clinical coordinator June Tarantola, LPN, at 201-982-2762.
Health Study for Women Over Age 50
The Women's Health Initiative is conducting studies on strategies to prevent heart disease, breast and colon cancers, and osteoporosis. They are being conducted in Newark and New Brunswick.
These diseases are the major causes of poor health and death in women. Strategies being studied include hormone replacement therapy, low-fat dietary changes, and calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Participants will be given a medical examination and blood tests to determine whether they are eligible to participate.
For more information, call 1-800-WOMEN-10.
Therapy for Hot Flushes and Study of a Hormone Contraceptive Patch
Postmenopausal women who are experiencing frequent hot flushes are being sought to participate in a three-month clinical study of a new medication. Volunteers must not have had a menstrual period for at least six months or have had a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries. If only a hysterectomy was performed, volunteers must be at least 45 years of age and meet all study criteria. Eligible participants will receive physical examinations, Pap smears, pre- and post-therapy mammograms, and blood and urine tests.
A second study is seeking women between the ages of 18 and 45 who are using barrier contraceptives, have had surgical sterilization, or are not sexually active to participate in a study of a new hormone contraceptive patch. The medication in the patch is used in birth control pills. Frequent visits are required during the five-month study, and reimbursement of $1,200 is provided.
Both studies will be conducted by the Women's Health Research Section of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick. For more information, call Mitzi Dolese, RN, at 908-235-7925 or 908-235-7996.
Study on Premature Ovarian Failure and Postmenopausal Women
Women who have stopped menstruating prior to age 35 and have not had recent hormonal therapy may be eligible to participate in a research study on premature ovarian failure, which will be conducted at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark. The same study is seeking postmenopausal women over age 50 who have not had a menstrual period in 12 months and have had no recent hormonal therapy. Participants will be paid $400 upon completing the study, which will last eight to 10 weeks.
For more information, call Cheryl Forst, RN, at 201-982-6573.
Understanding Morning Sickness
The University of Toronto is conducting an international study on the effects of severe pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting on both the mother and child. The research team will be collecting information from women in the U.S. and throughout the United Kingdom who have experienced these problems, or who are having them now. A toll-free telephone line has been set up; call 1-800-436-8477.
For more information on the study, visit the web site at http://www.mshealthline.org/