CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Cancer Program at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
The Cancer Program is currently conducting more than 20 clinical trials at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. It offers both state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer therapy and a variety of clinical protocols for all cancers. The school offers novel clinical trials - many not available elsewhere - for newly diagnosed cancers, for those who have failed to respond to treatment and for those whose symptoms recurred after other treatments. For more information regarding the clinical trials being conducted, call the Clinical Research Office at 973-972-7789.
Cancer Clinical Trials
Scientists at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) in New Brunswick develop and conduct clinical trials for oncology patients who do not respond to traditional therapies and for those with cancers that do not have a standard treatment. The focus of these studies is to develop new treatment options and drugs, as well as preventive and diagnostic techniques to fight the disease. CINJ is the only cancer center in the state of New Jersey designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and one of 13 NCI-clinical cancer centers in the country. CINJ offers advanced comprehensive care and its research base has the potential to transform laboratory results into clinical applications that reduce cancer morbidity and mortality. CINJ is currently conducting more than 60 clinical trials for different types and stages of cancer. For additional information on specific cancer clinical trials at CINJ, call the Clinical Research Office at 732-235-8666.
Head and Neck Cancer
A study is being conducted at the Cooper Cancer Institute in Voorhees for individuals with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer. The new drug, Cetuximab, not yet approved by the FDA, will be given in conjunction with chemotherapy. The objectives of the study are to examine the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, and to allow the patients a better quality of life. Alex Hageboutros, MD, is the principal investigator of the study. For more information call the Cooper Cancer Institute at 856-325-6757.
Anemia
Volunteers are needed to participate in a study to evaluate the effectiveness, ability to improve the quality of life, and the safety of the drug Procrit when taken once a week for the treatment of anemia of chronic disease in the elderly. Procrit is a drug approved by the FDA but is investigational in this setting. The study is being conducted at the Cooper Cancer Institute in Voorhees by the Department of Research. Participants must have a hemoglobin of 11.0 g/dl or less to be eligible to participate. Those selected will receive a physical exam, study medication and relevant laboratory tests at no cost. Jack Goldberg, MD, is the principal investigator. To find out if you qualify, call 856-325-6759.
Asthma
Non-smokers between the ages of 15 and 65 are needed to participate in a medical research study to test a medication to treat asthma. To qualify, you must be experiencing asthma symptoms that wake you up at night or that interfere with your daily activities. Participants will receive free study medication, study-related physician visits, lab work and compensation for time and travel. The study is being conducted at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in the Department of Medicine in Camden. The principal investigator is Robin Gross, MD. To find out if you are eligible, call Robin Gross, MD, at 856-342-2407 or Patricia Niblack, MLT, at 856-968-7269.
Treatment of HIV
The Cooper Health System of Camden is enrolling patients to participate in a 24-week study of pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) as an adjunctive treatment to a new antiretroviral regimen in the treatment of HIV-infected individuals who are failing their current antiretroviral regimen. Interferon has demonstrated antiretroviral properties in the treatment of HIV. Eligible volunteers must be HIV positive with a CD4 cell count greater than 200 and a viral load greater than 2000. Participants will receive HIV-genotyping and phenotyping, CD4 counts, viral loads and other pertinent laboratory studies, study drug and physical examinations at no cost. The principal investigator for the study is Annette C. Reboli, MD. For more information call Cecile Gallo, BSN, at 856-963-6890.
Menstrual and Non-Menstrual Migraine Headaches
A study to test a newly marketed medication for menstrual and non-menstrual migraine headaches is being conducted at UMDNJ- School of Osteopathic Medicine in The University Doctors' Headache Center in Moorestown. Participants will be evaluated and tested. They will receive a physical exam and medication at no cost. Monetary compensation is available to those who complete the study. The principal investigators for the study are Loretta Mueller, DO, and R. Michael Gallagher, DO. For further information call 856-234-7421.
Urge Incontinence in Women
Women who are at least 40 years old, have been postmenopausal for at least one year and who suffer from urge urinary incontinence are being sought to participate in a research study of an investigational medication to treat this condition. It is estimated that more than 17 million Americans, predominantly women, suffer from urge incontinence. Incontinence is not normal at any age and can often be treated with medication and other therapies. Symptoms of urge incontinence include frequent urination, a strong sudden urge to urinate and difficulty getting to the bathroom in time. Those eligible will receive financial compensation. In addition, they will receive study related care, doctor visits, laboratory evaluations and study medication at no cost. The study will be conducted at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark. The principal investigator is Patricia Gilhooly, MD. For additional information call 973-972 1963.
A New Therapy for Upper Arm Paralysis/Hemiparesis in Stroke
Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation (KMRREC) in West Orange is testing a new therapy (constraint-induced therapy) for individuals who have experienced a stroke and, as a result, have experienced a loss or a compromise in the function of their upper arms. Researchers are in need of 21 male and female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 95 who have experienced a stroke at least four weeks prior but not longer than six months prior to the date of entry into the study. Individuals who have completed all indicated therapy are eligible. (After therapy has been completed, a physician has determined that there are no further therapeutic goals to be achieved.) If you have experienced a stroke less than four weeks or more than six months prior to date of entry into the study; you are receiving physical or occupational therapy, either on an inpatient, outpatient, or home basis, for your stroke; you have difficulty extending the wrist and fingers; you are sufficiently able to use the affected arm so that little further progress can be expected; or if you have excessive muscle stiffness, pain, or joint restriction, you are not eligible to participate. The study involves two pre-testing sessions. After these sessions, participants will receive free occupational/physical therapy three times a week for 10 weeks. Some participants will also be asked to wear a sling on their functioning arm five hours a day, every weekday for 10 weeks. In exchange for participation, individuals have the opportunity to receive free physical/occupational therapy for the duration of the study (approximately 10 weeks), which may increase use of their affected arms. Stephen Page, PhD, is the principal investigator for the study. For more information, or if you have questions about whether you qualify for this study, contact Dr. Steve Page at 800-648-0296, ext. 6989 or Dr. Sue Ann Sisto at 800-648-0296, ext. 6888.
Psoriasis
The Clinical Research Center at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick is seeking volunteers with psoriasis to participate in research studies being conducted at the school. Eligible participants will receive physical examinations by board-certified dermatologists, laboratory tests and medication at no cost. Some programs have monetary compensation. This study is under the direction of Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD. For further details and to find out if you qualify, call study coordinator Amelia Sherr, RN, at 732-418-8474.
Eczema
Researchers at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick are seeking healthy volunteers with eczema/dermatitis to participate in a clinical research study being conducted in the Clinical Research Center at the school. Participants will be examined by specialists. They will receive study medication or be provided with over the counter treatments at no cost. Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator for the study. For further information call 732-418-8474.
Vitiligo
Dermatologists in the Clinical Research Center at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick are looking for volunteers age 5 years and older to participate in a light therapy versus a low-dose steroid topical cream investigational study. Volunteers are needed with moderate to dark skin with vitiligo, white patches, and with similar white patches on both sides of the body. They will be screened for good health and suitability. Those who qualify will receive physical examinations by board-certified dermatologists, laboratory tests and medication at no cost. Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator for the study. For further details and to find out if you qualify, call Annette Berenguer at 732-418-8461.
Severe Pre-Menstrual Symptoms (PMS)
Psychiatrists at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway are conducting an eight-month study on the effectiveness of a study medication for severe PMS symptoms. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 who are not using a hormonal method of birth control, who have regular menstrual cycles, who are in good general health and who meet the study entrance criteria are eligible to participate. Participants will be asked to come into the office once a month for study visits. All study- related procedures, including medication, are provided at no cost. Upon completion of the study, participants could receive up to $175. Robert Hamer, PhD, and Matthew Menza, MD, are the principal investigators for this study. For more information call Allison Dicke at 732-235-4487 or 1-877-RWJ-HOPE.
Hypertension Studies
Volunteers age 21 and older with high blood pressure are being sought to participate in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary salt restriction on blood pressure variability. The study is being conducted at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick by the Section of Hypertension. Volunteers must have high blood pressure or be taking an antihypertensive medication. Participants who complete the study will receive monetary compensation. A second study is being conducted at the school to determine the effects of an FDA-approved medication, Cardura, for hypertension and blood pressure variability. Volunteers age 18 and older are sought for participation in the study. Both studies are under the direction of the principal investigator Michael C. Ruddy, MD. For additional information call Noreen Bradley, RN, at 732-235-7825.
