NCT07478016 · Thomas Jefferson University
EXploring Inflammation and Social deTerminants Study in Breast Cancer Patients
(EXIST)
What this study is about
This is a pilot trial to assess how measures of inflammation are correlated with Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in breast cancer patients. Expected duration of subject participation is one single time point. The patients will fill out questionnaires and provide a plasma sample.
View original scientific description
This is a pilot trial to assess how measures of inflammation are correlated with Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in breast cancer patients. Expected duration of subject participation is one single time point. The patients will fill out questionnaires and provide a plasma sample.
Interventions
OTHER
Survey Assessments
The CMS Social Determinant of Health (SDOH) Survey refers to CMS's standardized screening tool used to identify patient needs related to housing, food, transportation, utilities, and safety. It helps providers address non-medical barriers to care and improve health outcomes by documenting social risk factors in a consistent manner. The NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List is a screening tool developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to help identify and assess distress in people with cancer. It includes a 0-10 distress rating scale and a Problem List that allows patients to indicate specific practical, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual concerns contributing to their distress.
OTHER
Diet Recall
A diet recall is a nutrition assessment method where an individual reports all foods and beverages consumed over a specific period, most commonly the previous 24 hours. It captures detailed information-such as portion sizes, preparation methods, and timing-to help clinicians or researchers evaluate dietary intake and identify nutritional patterns or deficiencies
OTHER
Blood Biomarker Collection
The blood specimens will be processed for plasma and buffy coat.
Primary outcome measures
Correlation Between Breast Cancer Patients' Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and Systematic Inflammation
Time frame: At Visit 1 (1 day)
Patients with newly diagnosed, biopsy proven breast cancer will be screened for SDoH and distress via a distress screen and for biomarkers. The primary endpoint will be to understand the relationship between measured social determinants of health and inflammation as found in the plasma and buffy coat sample. Levels of IL-6 will be measured and this will be used as a surrogate for inflammation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals must meet all the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the study:
- \>18 years old at time of consent
- Biopsy proven invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ
- Candidate has not yet received cancer therapy for their breast cancer diagnosis
- ECOG Performance Status \< 2
- Able to provide consent
- Must be English speaking
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Patient has started therapy or already had definitive oncologic surgery
- Another malignancy within the past 6 months that was not a non-melanomatous skin lesion
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations