|
|
|
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether individualized chemotherapy protocols can be identified among lung cancer patients by growing living lung cancer cells from lung biopsies and then perform drug toxicity studies with a panel of chemotherapeutic agents. Obtaining lung cancer cell lines is the first step toward developing an adult stem cell cancer vaccine and targeted drug therapy.
Background: The majority of lung cancers have metastasized by the time cancer has been diagnosed. Lung cancer is categorized into either small cell or non-small cell cancer. The majority of lung cancers are of the non-small cell type. Most non-small cell lung cancer are resistant to chemotherapy, and chemotherapy has a modest impact on achieving remission or improving cancer survival. The purpose of this study is isolate and grow lung cancer cell lines from lung biopsies and perform drug susceptibility to determine whether there are potential individualized lung cancer therapies.
Location: Pulmonary Associates of Iowa City.
Sponsors: John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute and Cellular Engineering Technologies, Inc.
Eligibility: Potential new cancer patients or established lung cancer patients who are candidates for either lung cancer surgery or candidates for diagnostic bronchoscopy.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure cardiovascular stem cells in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and determine if deficiences in cardiovascular stem cells are associated with cardiovascular malfunction. The study will recruit patients at risk of cardiovascular disease but without cardiovascular disease, patients with established cardiovascular disease and normal controls.
Background: Framingham risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and positive family history represent cardiovascular risk factors that place patients at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, recent studies have demonstrated that deficiencies in circulating cardiovascular stem cells are better predictors of cardiovascular malfunction and predict worse cardiovascular outcomes than these established Framingham risk factors. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential impact of deficiencies in cardiovascular stem cells called endothelial progenitor cells in developing cardiovascular impairment.
Location: Pulmonary Associates of Iowa City.
Sponsors: John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute and Cellular Engineering Technologies, Inc.
Eligibility: Normal controls, patients with cariovascular risk factors (hypertension, smokers, diabetes, hyperlipidemia) without cardiovascular disease and patients with established cardiovascular disease. We are recruiting patients over the age of 45.
Study Title: Application of Adult Stem Cells For Identifying Lead Compounds For Treating Parkinson Disease
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop preclinical tools that utilize adult stem cells for identifying lead compounds to treat Parkinson Disease. The goal of this study is to identify the best adult stem cell that transforms into a dopaminergic neuron for drug testing.
Sponsors: John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute and Cellular Engineering Technologies, Inc.