Addressing Genomic Disparities in Cancer Survivors
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Summary
The goal of this observational study is to increase genetic education and genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk among Black cancer survivors. The study will: 1. Test the effectiveness of a chatbot intervention (also called relational agent, or RA) vs. enhanced usual care (EUC) on engagement in genetic education and requests for genetic testing. 2. Evaluate the impact of the chatbot vs. EUC on the process that participants use to make decisions and evaluate effects on well-being (also called psychosocial outcomes). 3. Explore the ways (methods) that influence how participants experience the intervention. 4. Explore the feasibility of incorporating a Family Sharing Portal (FSP) for participants who receive a positive test result, to facilitate family communication of these test results and genetic testing of first-degree biological relatives after they have received genetic education by the RA. The main questions this study aims to answer are which group - the chatbot (RA) group or the EUC group - is more likely to request genetic testing and which group is more likely to get (engage with) genetic education. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the chatbot (RA) group or EUC group. This means each participant has an equal chance of being placed in either group, just like flipping a coin. Each group will receive genetic education and have an opportunity to request genetic testing. Researchers will compare the chatbot (RA) group and the EUC group to see which may request more GT (genetic testing) and which group engages more with genetic education.
Description
Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a 2-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the RA intervention compared to EUC among 428 Black cancer survivors who meet the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's guidelines for genetic referral. Primary outcomes will be engagement with genetic education and uptake of genetic testing (Aim 1). The investigators will also evaluate the impact of the RA intervention on psychosocial and decision quality outcomes (Aim 2) and evaluate mediators and moderators of intervention impact (Aim 3). In response to patie…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-80 years of age * Self-identify as Black or African American * At least 6-months post diagnosis with any of the following cancers: breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic * Have not had genetic testing for hereditary cancer * Have received care at one of the participating sites in the prior five years * Meet National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria for germline GT * Able to read and speak in English * Capable of providing informed consent * Have internet access (via smartphone, tablet or computer) * Comfortable using a computer or mobile phone…
Interventions
- BehavioralRelational agent (RA) / Chatbot
Consists of clinical letter and engagement with genetic education and uptake of genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk among Black cancer survivors.
- BehavioralEnhanced Usual Care (EUC)
Consists of clinical letter and recommendation for genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk among Black cancer survivors.
Locations (2)
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterWashington D.C., District of Columbia
- Rutgers Cancer InstituteNew Brunswick, New Jersey