NCT07332312 · University of Southern California
A Culturally Informed Patient Navigation Program (CFPN) to Reduce Delays Between Diagnosis and Treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Patients Living in Rural California
What this study is about
This clinical trial develops and tests whether a culturally informed patient navigation program, Community-Focused Patient Navigation (CFPN), works to reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) cancer patients living in rural California.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial develops and tests whether a culturally informed patient navigation program, Community-Focused Patient Navigation (CFPN), works to reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) cancer patients living in rural California. AIAN communities face some of the most severe cancer disparities in the United States, including higher death rates, later-stage diagnoses, and limited access to timely, culturally responsive care. This may be due to barriers such as rural isolation, divided referral systems, or a lack of trust in mainstream healthcare systems. Patient navigation is a care delivery model designed to guide a patient through the healthcare system and address the barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely and effective care. The CFPN program is culturally tailored and designed with AIAN communities in mind. The program provides the patient with a treatment plan based on the patient's unique needs, goals, and barriers. This may be an effective way to reduce delays between diagnosis and treatment in AIAN cancer patients living in rural California.
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
- CAB: Self-identify as AIAN or have experience working with the AIAN community
- CAB: Are 18 years or older
- CAB: Live within Toiyabe Indian Health Program (TIHP) catchment area(s)
- CAB: Are either a cancer patient/survivor/caregiver and/or a family member of an individual(s) affected by cancer, OR a Board member (ex: Tribal Health Board or Elders Board)
- FOCUS GROUP: Self-identify as AIAN or a family member of an AIAN individual affected by cancer
- FOCUS GROUP: Are 18 years or older
- FOCUS GROUP: Live within TIHP catchment area(s)
- FOCUS GROUP: Are either a cancer patient/survivor/caregiver and/or a family member of an individual(s) affected by cancer, OR a Board member (ex: Tribal Health Board or Elders Board)
- KII: Be a TIHP healthcare staff member
- KII: Be 18 years or older
- KII: Work with AIAN cancer patients in TIHP catchment area
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Have any type of cancer, are in any treatment stage along the cancer continuum
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Self-identify as AIAN or be a TIHP patient
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Live in the TIHP service area
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Receive cancer-related services from TIHP
Exclusion criteria
- FOCUS GROUP: Individual with no experience with cancer either as a patient or know someone who is/was a cancer patient at TIHP
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Not a TIHP patient
- CFPN PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: Does not currently have cancer or has not previously had cancer
Where
- Bishop, California
- Los Angeles, California
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 May 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations