NCT06927947 · University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Navigation Interventions to Improve Cascade Genetic Testing Among Relatives of Patients With Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests whether various web-based tools can help improve communication about hereditary cancer risk in families and decrease barriers to genetic testing for relatives of patients with hereditary cancer syndromes. Between 5% and 10% of all cancers are caused by genetic changes that are hereditary, which means that they run in families.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests whether various web-based tools can help improve communication about hereditary cancer risk in families and decrease barriers to genetic testing for relatives of patients with hereditary cancer syndromes. Between 5% and 10% of all cancers are caused by genetic changes that are hereditary, which means that they run in families. Some kinds of cancer or certain cancers diagnosed in biological relatives may mean patients are more likely to have a genetic change. Once a genetic change is identified in a family, other biological relatives can choose to undergo testing themselves to better understand their cancer risk. The uptake of genetic testing in other biological relatives once a genetic condition is identified is about 20% to 30%. The Cascade Genetic Testing Platform is a virtual tool that seeks to overcome barriers related to logistics of family communication and improve dissemination of genetic testing information which is clinically actionable for individuals at highest risk for cancer. Using the Cascade Genetic Testing Platform may improve ways to share information about hereditary risk with biological relatives.
Interventions
OTHER
Communication Intervention
Use relative invitation tool
OTHER
Health Promotion and Education
Receive access to the VGN
OTHER
Informational Intervention
Receive access to a Genetic Testing Family Letter
OTHER
Survey Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Percentage of probands that utilize the invitation tool
Time frame: Up to 6 Months
Will be defined as inviting at least 1 eligible at-risk relative. Will be assessed using descriptive statistics. Will be tabulated and summarized. Continuous variables will be summarized by mean, median, and standard deviation; histograms and boxplots will be used to further assess distributional characteristics of these variables. Categorical variables will be tabulated with frequencies and percentages. Will be estimated and presented along with a 95% confidence interval.
Percentage of invited relatives that engage
Time frame: Up to 6 Months
Will be defined as enrolling in the study and accessing the informational content (letter and/or virtual genetics navigator) at least 1 time. Will be assessed using descriptive statistics. Will be tabulated and summarized. Continuous variables will be summarized by mean, median, and standard deviation; histograms and boxplots will be used to further assess distributional characteristics of these variables. Categorical variables will be tabulated with frequencies and percentages. Will be estimated and presented along with a 95% confidence interval.
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
- PROBANDS: Clinically confirmed autosomal dominant pathogenic germline variant (PGV) associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome
- PROBANDS: Previous evaluation by the University of Michigan (U-M) Cancer Genetics Clinic
- PROBANDS: ≥ 18 years old
- PROBANDS: Able to speak and read English
- PROBANDS: Access to the internet
- RELATIVES: Biological relative of proband
- RELATIVES: ≥ 18 years old
- RELATIVES: Able to speak and read English
- RELATIVES: Access to the internet
- RELATIVES: Have not completed germline genetic testing, per self-report at baseline
Exclusion criteria
- RELATIVES: Prior clinical germline genetic testing for cancer or already have an upcoming appointment scheduled with a genetics provider, per self-report at baseline
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
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 Jun 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations