From New Exercises to MRI’s: Featured Clinical Trials in California

There is not another state in the country that conducts as many clinical trials as California. It has become a major hub for the research industry with companies competing to sponsor new studies and initiatives. Areas of focus for California include:

California's premier clinical research team

One of the reasons that this state is able to conduct such a large number of trials is because of its extensive research infrastructure. California is home to some of the leading clinical trial facilities in the world. These are just a few of the medical centers located here:

  • Cedars Sinai Medical Center
  • Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland
  • City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Kaiser Permanente Medical Center

Are you looking to enroll in a clinical trial in California? Here are a few of the latest trials featured on Clinical Trials GPS from the Golden State:

Brain Functional MRI in Older Women With Breast Cancer

This clinical study is using advanced MRI techniques to examine changes that occur in the brain of older breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Researchers want to determine the link between the severity of chemo toxicity and alterations in the brain. The results of this clinical trial will help identify neuroimaging markers for:

  • Breast cancer
  • Aging
  • Chemotherapy treatment

It should also contribute significantly to our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of cognitive changes and chemotherapy toxicity reported in older cancer patients.

Exercise to Combat Muscle Mass Loss in Patients with ESRD

Most adults that develop advanced end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a significantly reduced capacity for exercise due to lost muscle mass. Studies have shown that this leads to:

  • A greater number of falls or accidents
  • Inability to perform certain daily activities
  • Reduced quality of life

Experts are still unclear as to what exactly causes the loss of muscle reported in cases of ESRD. Investigators for this clinical trial want to test the effectiveness of an experimental exercise program for ESRD patients. They also hope to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the muscle loss.

Cognitive Remediation of Schizophrenia in a Community Mental Health Setting

This clinical trial is being conducted at the University of California in San Francisco. The primary purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of neuroscience-guided cognitive coaching when combined with community-based supported employment for participants diagnosed with schizophrenia. Previously, the research team had been testing their theories in a lab setting, but now they will test their experimental cognitive coaching technique in the community.

If you are interested in learning more about the clinical trials conducted in California, be sure to check out our extensive list which is updated frequently. California remains a leader in conducting innovative research and enrolling participants for new clinical studies.