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Clinical Trials

Volunteers sought for stroke research studies

The Mayo Clinic Stroke Research Group is seeking volunteers to participate in stroke research studies.

Participants who volunteer for the study will answer medical history questions, have a brief neurological assessment and a one-time blood draw. The information collected will be used for genetic research to locate the genes that increase the risk of developing stroke. All information will be kept confidential.

You may be eligible if you are a male or female over the age of 18 and you have had a stroke due to blood clot (ischemic stroke), or you have no history of stroke. For more information about the studies please call (904) 296-3815.

Mayo Clinic recruiting men with prostate cancer for second phase of quality-of-life study

Mayo Clinic is conducting a research study to improve the quality of life of men who have prostate cancer with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Although survival rates for men with localized prostate cancer are high, research has shown that many experience significant increases in stress and decreases in quality of life.

Steven Ames, Ph.D., is the principal investigator of the three-year, $225,000 research study funded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The goal of the study is to evaluate the needs of these men and look at factors including diet, exercise, mood management, social relationships and medical issues that affect their quality of life.

"While the focus of the medical community generally lies in managing the physical disease," Ames says, "there are psychological and emotional aspects that oftentimes get overlooked."

Men participating in this research study must be free from cancer in other areas of their body. In addition, they must be willing to attend eight weekly visits, then four return visits over six months. They also must be comfortable in a group setting. Men who participate will receive payment.For more information, call Edgar Covil at (904) 953-2941.