Current Studies
Radon Asthma Intervention Trial (ROME)
What is ROME?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can build up inside homes. Research has shown that radon exposure may make asthma symptoms worse.
The Radon Asthma Intervention Trial (ROME) aims to learn more about how reducing radon levels through a home mitigation system may affect asthma.
Compensation and parking vouchers provided with participation.
You/Your child may be eligible if:
- between the ages of 5 to 25 years old
- diagnosed with asthma
- own a single-family home
- home has a basement
School Inner-City Asthma Study 3 (SICAS3)
What is SICAS3?
School Inner City Asthma Study 3 (SICAS3) is an observational research study aiming to understand what factors make asthma worse, why asthma is so common in our community, and how the environment impacts asthma.
The SICAS3 study is actively looking for healthy volunteers and individuals with asthma of any age living or attending school in the Northeast. This study dispenses environmental monitors to participants for 3 days to measure pollutants in the air.
CAUSE - Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings
Purpose: The Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings(CAUSE) network is made up of two studies at Boston Children’s, RACR3, and CHEETAH. The CAUSE network focuses studying asthma and allergy research in urban populations.
CHEETAH: Mechanisms Underlying Asthma Symptoms and Exacerbations Across T2 status in children. We are studying if there are different mechanisms in asthma symptoms during asthma exacerbations.
RACR3: Registry of Asthma Characterization and Recruitment 3, known as RACR3, is a registry study. Registries collect information about people for reference later. In RACR3, we specifically want to collect information about people who might be eligible to participate in research conducted by the CAUSE network.
Eligible Participants: Those living in Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Essex, or Middlesex county in Massachusetts, or Rockingham, Strafford in New Hampshire. Those with asthma and allergies are strongly encouraged to contact, and healthy volunteers are welcome.
Participation Overview: Depends on the study! Reach out to learn more.
Compensation: Participation is reimbursed for guardians and participants. Total compensation depends on the study, reach out for more information!
IDEA — Investigating Dupilumab’s Effect in Asthma by Genotype
Purpose:
In this research study, we want to learn if the study drug Dupixent® (dupilumab) helps to control your asthma. We are particularly interested in understanding if people who have a certain genetic make-up (genotype) will respond better to this treatment. This medication is already approved for treating asthma in people 12 years of age and older.
Eligible Participants:
Individuals 12 years of age and older with asthma and who already take an asthma medication for symptom control (daily inhaler or injections) may be eligible to enroll in the study.
Participation Overview:
The study consists of a one-year treatment period, followed by 6 months of observation. During the 1-year treatment period, we will ask you to come in for a study visit a total of 7 times. We will show you how to self-administer the first injection and you will be asked to give yourself the medication at home every 2 weeks. Half of the participants will receive Dupixent®, the other half will be treated with placebo. We will then follow up by phone and we will ask you to come in twice for a study visit during the observation phase.
Blood will be obtained at 5 time points throughout the study. Lung function testing will be done every time you come for a study appointment. Urine, nasal, and house dust samples will also be collected.
Compensation:
Participants may receive up to $870, study medication, and asthma medication included in the study.
PARK - Preventing Asthma in High-Risk Kids
Purpose:
Our goal is to study if whether two years of treatment with anti-IgE Xolair® (omalizumab) will prevent progression to asthma and or decrease asthma severity in preschool age, allergic children with a history of wheezing. IgE is critical in allergies and asthma (including food allergies) and this agent blocks this to prevent disease.
Eligible Participants:
Children between the ages of 2 and 4 years who have experiences two to four wheezing/coughing episodes in the last 12 months and have asthma or allergies may be eligible for the study.
Participation Overview:
The participants will receive omalizumab or a placebo during a two-year treatment period. Then the participants will be observed for the following two years. During the treatment period, there will be monthly clinic visits for an injection and surveys to document symptoms and wheezing episodes. During the observation period, monthly phone calls will be conducted to document symptoms and wheezing episodes. Throughout the four years of the study, respiratory medications will be managed by the study team.
Compensation:
Participants who complete the full, four-year trial and observation period will receive up to $2,560 in gift cards. This compensation covers clinic visits, phone calls, parking, and transportation to the clinic. Additionally, asthma rescue medications will be provided at no cost to you.
