Fibroid Studies

Uterine fibroids are extremely common noncancerous tumors of the uterus present in at least 25% of premenopausal women. Fibroids may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, problems with bowel or bladder function, infertility, or poor pregnancy outcomes. These health problems can have a significant impact on a woman’s life taking a social, emotional, and economic toll. Through innovative research, we investigate women’s health needs across the full spectrum of a woman’s life.

Until recently, most clinical trials included only men, missing the differences in health risks and outcomes for women. We’re working to improve prevention, treatment and care by understanding these differences among diverse groups of women.

 

Do you have FIBROIDS?

Researchers at UCSF are studying letrozole, an FDA-approved medication, to see if it will shrink fibroids and improve fibroid-related symptoms.

 

What will participants be asked to do?

  • Take letrozole medication or a placebo daily for 3 months, with the opportunity to take letrozole for an additional 3 months
  • Complete questionnaires about fibroid symptoms
  • Have 3 pelvic ultrasounds
  • You could earn up to $160 for your participation

Who can join? You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 21 years or older
  • Have regular periods (premenopausal)
  • Have fibroids that cause bothersome symptoms

Want to learn more? 

  • If you are interested in taking part in this study or learning more about it, please contact the study team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 510-999-4326.

 

Why is this study being done? 

This study will test a new way to measure how much blood you lose during your period. What we learn could lead to better treatments for people who suffer from heavy periods.

Who can take part? 

You may take part if you:

  • Have heavy periods
  • Are a between ages 18-50
  • Speak English

What will I be asked to do?

If you take part, you will be asked to:

  • Meet with the study team at UCSF 2 times
  • Complete 3 short health surveys. Surveys ask about your experience with heavy periods, quality of life, and your experience in the study
  • For just 1 period cycle, take pictures of your used sanitary pads. The study will give you a smartphone, sanitary pads, and all other materials you will need
  • Give a urine sample and small sample of blood.

How do I contact the study? 

This study will be enrolling soon. To learn more, contact the study coordinator at [email protected] 

 

 

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLING IN THE ULTRA study. Details provided for information only.

What is the ULTRA Study?

ULTRA is a study of a new, FDA approved fibroid treatment called radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) . This procedure uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue during a laparoscopic surgery. Women return home on the same day as the procedure and are back to their normal activities in 5-9 days. The goal of the study is to evaluate how fibroid symptoms change over time after radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) . If you participate in the ULTRA study, you will receive radiofrequency ablation (Acessa™) and complete questionnaires about your fibroid symptoms and reproductive health. You may be eligible to participate in the study if you:

  • Are at least 21 years of age
  • Have uterine fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or discomfort, urinary or bowel symptoms, or dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
  • Are able to undergo laparoscopic surgery

You can read more about the ULTRA study at http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01840124 

This study is no longer enrolling. For more information go to the study website at http://fibroids.ucsf.edu/.