Becaplermin Use and Cancer Risk in Veterans with Diabetes

Objective: This is an observational study of VA patients with diabetes. REGRANEX® (becaplermin) is topical medication used to treat lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers. VA patients with diabetic foot ulcers who have no prior history of cancer who have received treatment with becaplermin will be compared to a group of similar patients who have not received treatment with becaplermin. Becaplermin users (from the time of initial dispensing of becaplermin) and becaplermin nonusers will be followed forward in time for up to eight years to identify new cancers and cancer related deaths, with confirmation of cases through registries and medical chart review.

Sponsor: Johnson and Johnson Research and Development

Status: Ongoing, no longer recruiting

Telerehabilitation Intervention to Promote Exercise in Diabetes

Objective: The overarching objective of this study is to adapt a low cost telephone intervention to be used to enhance exercise adoption in a population of overweight or obese veterans with Type 2 diabetes. The primary aim of this study is to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of this telehealth intervention over a six month period. The secondary aim is to evaluate the impact this telehealth intervention has on weight and other diabetes relevant physical health parameters, quality of life, and psychological distress. If the telehealth intervention is found to be efficacious, the tertiary aim will be to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention.

Sponsor: VA

Contact: Deanna Mori, PhD; deanna.mori@va.gov

Status: Currently Recruiting

Inpatient Insulin Study and Transition to Outpatient Therapy

Objective: Volunteers (120 people will be accepted) will take part in a research study about insulin therapy for diabetes. Volunteers have diabetes and have an illness requiring hospitalization. The investigators hope to answer the following research questions: is insulin as part protamine 70/30 mix taken twice daily as good as insulin NPH/Reg 70/30 mix taken twice a day for treatment of diabetes after discharge from the hospital; how safe are the two medicines (insulin as part 70/30 mix vs. insulin NPH/Reg 70/30 mix); and how well do they work for the treatment of diabetes when transitioning from inpatient therapy to outpatient care.

Sponsor: Lexington VA Medical Center

Contact: Linda Barber, RN; linda.barber2@va.gov

Status: Currently Recruiting

Suramin in Treating Patients with Stage III or IV Adrenocortical Cancer

Objective: To assess the response of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma treated with suramin II and to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative toxic effects of this therapy. Patients will be stratified according to stage, performance status, and prior radiotherapy, surgery, and mitotane therapy. Patients receive suramin IV for five days in the first week, then twice a week for two weeks, and then weekly for a total of 12 weeks. Hydrocortisone
is taken PO twice daily. Following a 12 week rest, patients receive a second course; those with stable or responding disease continue treatment for a maximum of four courses.

Sponsor: NCI

Contact: Louis Schroder, MD, Barrett Cancer Center

Status: Ongoing

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