NCT04185935 · City of Hope Medical Center
Molecular Genetics Studies of Cancer Patients and Their Relatives
What this study is about
This trial studies the genetic and behavioral factors that may contribute to the development of specific cancers and how these factors may affect the outcome of the disease in patients with a history of cancer and their relatives.
View original scientific description
This trial studies the genetic and behavioral factors that may contribute to the development of specific cancers and how these factors may affect the outcome of the disease in patients with a history of cancer and their relatives.
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 have a personal history of cancer and/or a family history of cancer suggestive of the presence of an inherited predisposition. This inherited predisposition might manifest as:
- Young age cancer diagnosis
- Multiple primary neoplasms in affected member
- The presence of rare tumor types in the family
- Congenital malformations
- Any other family clustering of cancer
- Any other cancer-predisposing genetic diseases/conditions
- Individuals may also be eligible by participation in the City of Hope Cancer Screening \& Prevention Program Network (CSPPN) clinical service or on the basis of membership in a group known or suspected to have an increased risk of carrying a genetic alteration or of sustaining a particular exposure that would place that at increased risk of cancer. (Examples would include members of occupational cohorts like asbestos workers, individuals with multiple dysplastic nevi in the absence of a family history of cancer, and individuals descended from a particular tribe in the American Southwest who have an increased incidence of a rare genetic alteration associated with an increased risk of a specific cancer.)
- Individuals and families may be referred to us in a number of different ways. After initial contact is made with a individual or family by family studies personnel; an individual within the bloodline will be identified as the historian. There may be more than one historian within a family
- At least one historian must be wiling to provide information or access as needed to contact appropriate family members for documentation of cancer and for consent. An individual is considered to be eligible to participate if they criteria; contact with relatives is not always indicated
- Individuals who are under 18 are eligible for study if they meet the criteria. Consent for participation must be given by a legal guardian or parent
- Deceased patients may be included in the study. Public records, such as death certificates, can be used to confirm information from individuals or family members. If medical records are needed, consent for these records will be obtained from the deceased's next of kin. Next of kin refers to the following hierarchy of relatives; spouse, offspring, parents, and siblings. (Any further use of next of kin in this protocol should relate back to this hierarchy.) Archived tissue samples, such as pathology blocks or snap frozen tumor from a pathology department tumor bank (discard specimens) may be used for genetic research
Exclusion criteria
- A family may be ineligible for study if the historian will not allow access to anyone within the family and thus, the accuracy of the family history cannot be established
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Concord, California
- Duarte, California
- Fullerton, California
- Laguna Hills, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Orange, California
- Roseville, California
- Santa Barbara, California
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Post Falls, Idaho
And 20 more locations — see the full list below.
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 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations