RecruitingNot Applicable

Access to Genetic Testing in Underserved Patients With Cancer

United States800 participantsStarted 2023-10-24

Plain-language summary

This study compares the experiences of people who receive information about genetic testing from a computer-generated character to patients who receive information from a human genetics healthcare provider. Patients with cancer are increasingly recommended for genetic testing as standard of care. Multiple factors contribute to low usage of genetic testing but for many patients the lack of access to genetic counseling and testing is an important and flexible factor. Lack of access is especially relevant to racial/ethnic minority patients and those living in non-metropolitan rural settings who are frequently cared for at safety-net hospitals with limited genetics services. Alternative delivery models are necessary to improve rates of access to genetic testing in patients with cancer. Health information technology is under used by genetics providers. A patient-facing relational agent (PERLA) will provide pre-test genetics education in both English and Spanish across two clinical settings to facilitate more timely access to genetic testing. Using the PERLA intervention may help researchers learn different ways to provide education about genetic testing to patients with cancer compared to usual care.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years old * Diagnosed with least one of the following: * Epithelial ovarian cancer * Exocrine pancreatic cancer * Metastatic or high or very high-risk prostate cancer * Breast cancer at or before age 50 * Bilateral breast cancer * Triple negative breast cancer * Male breast cancer OR * Healthcare provider who treats patients with any of the above types of cancer * Able to read and write in English or Spanish * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who cannot provide informed consent * Patients who cannot see, read, or write * Patients who have the cancer and clinical characteristics defined in the inclusion criteria, but who do not speak English or Spanish * Patients with none of the listed cancer diagnoses and clinical characteristics * Healthcare provider who do not treats cancer patients

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of participants who receive genetic testing

Timeframe: Up to 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06422455

SponsorUniversity of Southern California

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-10-24

Contact for this trial

Charite Ricker, MS

323-409-7710 ricker@usc.edu

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