Clinical Research

Smallpox Vaccine Study

Principal Investigator: Patricia Winokur, MD

Adults age 18 to 40 who are in overall good health are invited to participate in a study on the safety and effectiveness of a smallpox vaccine.  There are 7 to 9 study visits to the clinic and 1 phone call over approximately 7 months.  Compensation is provided.

To learn more, call 319-356-4848 or e-mail recruit-vaccine-research@uiowa.edu.

Clinical Trial to Study the Effects of Pregnancy on the Feet

Principal Investigator:

Women between the ages of 18-40 and in the first trimester of pregnancy are invited to participate in a research study of the effects of pregnancy on the feet. Participation will include two appointments to the University of Iowa and parking will be provided at no cost. Compensation is available. To find out more information, or to find out if you qualify, please call (319) 335-7900 or (319) 335-7554 or email segal-research@uiowa.edu.

A Phase II Study of Bevacizumab Alone or in Combination with TRC105 for Advanced Renal Cell Cancer

Principal Investigator: Daniel Vaena, MD

Participants in this research study have kidney cancer that has spread to other places in their bodies, and has grown worse despite treatment received.

The purpose of this research study is to find out whether adding an investigational new drug, TRC105, to bevacizumab, a drug which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of kidney cancer, will result in longer cancer control than bevacizumab alone.

Approximately 5 people will take part in this study conducted by investigators at the University of Iowa. About 88 people will take part in this study at other institutions.

Well Woman Tissue Repository

Principal Investigator:Donna Santillan, PhD

Eligibility: Any woman at least 18 years old who is receiving care at the University of Iowa Women’s Health Care clinics or inpatient facilities and is also able to provide informed consent. Women cannot participate if they are HIV+ or Hepatitis C+.

About: The purpose of this research study is to develop a bank of samples of from girls and women who are seeking care at the Women’s Health center.  These samples include blood, urine, and tissue specimens obtained in any procedure in the clinic.  We will collect these samples as part of your routine care, such as during a blood draw.  Researchers will utilize DNA, RNA, and protein from samples to study women’s health issues.  Some of the diseases studied may include but are not limited to, gynecological and reproductive issues, cancer, and pregnancy.

A Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Letrozole for Post-Menopausal Women with Estrogen Receptor Positive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Principal Investigator: Alexandra Thomas, MD

Participants in this research have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early change in the breast that could become breast cancer in the future. DCIS cells are sensitive to hormones, and therefore may be treatable with anti-hormonal medications. Standard treatment for DCIS includes surgery to remove the DCIS cells from the breast, or surgery followed by radiation therapy. The purpose of this study is to test whether neoadjuvant (neoadjuvant means given before surgery) treatment with the aromatase inhibitor (anti-hormonal medication) letrozole has an effect, either good or bad, on the participants and on the DCIS.

Mammograms are the standard method of detecting and measuring DCIS. The researchers conducting this study would also like to learn more about whether Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be better for evaluating and measuring DCIS, compared to mammograms. (An MRI scan is a radiology technique that produces images of the body using magnets, not X-rays.)

Approximately six people will take part in this study conducted by investigators at the University of Iowa. Approximately 106 women will take part in this study nationwide.