NCT06541158 · Emory University
Transportation for Cancer Care Navigation Tool for Reducing Travel Barriers Among Patients With Solid Tumors Receiving Radiation Therapy
(TRACT)
What this study is about
This clinical trial evaluates whether the Transportation for Cancer Care Navigation Tool (TRACT) can reduce travel barriers among patients with solid tumors receiving radiation therapy. It is estimated that 20-30% patients with cancer experience travel-related barriers for cancer care.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial evaluates whether the Transportation for Cancer Care Navigation Tool (TRACT) can reduce travel barriers among patients with solid tumors receiving radiation therapy. It is estimated that 20-30% patients with cancer experience travel-related barriers for cancer care. This is a particular problem for patients with radiation therapy as these patients frequently receive multiple treatment cycles, which often require daily treatment for multiple weeks or months. Addressing travel barriers has been a prerequisite for cancer care as travel barriers negatively influence cancer treatment adherence and cancer care outcomes, such as survival and quality of life. The TRACT program may help reduce travel barriers and therefore promote health equity among patients with solid tumors receiving radiation therapy.
Interventions
OTHER
Best Practice
Receive usual care
OTHER
Discussion
Participate in a CAB
OTHER
Educational Intervention
Receive PAF pamphlet
BEHAVIORAL
Health Promotion and Care
Receive the TRACT program
OTHER
Media Intervention
Receive transportation awareness brief video
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of screening patients for the Transportation for Cancer Care Navigation Tool (TRACT) program
Time frame: At T0 (pre-intervention) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be assessed by response rates, time burden (minutes to complete the measure), and percent of positive screenings. Will use descriptive statistics. Differences between the two groups will be assessed by an independent two-sample t-test or Chi-squared test if applicable. A 95% level of statistical confidence will be assumed.
Recruitment to the TRACT program (Feasibility)
Time frame: At T0 (pre-intervention) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be assessed by the number of patients screened and randomized. Will use descriptive statistics. Differences between the two groups will be assessed by an independent two-sample t-test or Chi-squared test if applicable. A 95% level of statistical confidence will be assumed.
Retention and adherence rate (Feasibility)
Time frame: At T0 (pre-intervention) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be assessed by the total number of meetings and time spent with the travel navigator for travel resources, percentage of patients using travel resources, percentage of patients with completed measures. Differences between the two groups will be assessed by an independent two-sample t-test or Chi-squared test if applicable. A 95% level of statistical confidence will be assumed.
Acceptability of the Transportation for Cancer Care Navigation Tool
Time frame: At T0 (pre-intervention) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be assessed by the 4-item Acceptability of Intervention Measure with Cronbach alpha=0.85-0.91. Differences between the two groups will be assessed by an independent two-sample t-test or Chi-squared test if applicable. A 95% level of statistical confidence will be assumed.
Travel barriers
Time frame: At T0 (3 months) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be reported as transportation mode (e.g., public transportation, drive-myself, drive-someone else drives me), owning a car (yes/no), parking cost, and travel cost for each appointment. Travel distance and time to cancer treatment facilities will be estimated by ArcGIS 10.3. Categorical and continuous variables will be used to present this outcome variable.
Treatment adherence
Time frame: At T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be assessed by canceling, missing, delaying, or terminating essential care. Nonadherence rates will be calculated as the number of no-shows, same-day cancellations, delays, and early stoppage of treatment divided by the total number of treatment days based on data within the electronic health records (EMRs). A percentage of completion rate of treatment will be calculated to present the treatment adherence.
Distress
Time frame: At T0 (3 months) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be measured by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer. The one-item 11-point Likert scale represented on a visual graphic of a thermometer ranging from 0 (no distress) to 10 (extreme distress) will be used to assess patients' distress. Will be assessed using mixed-effect analysis of variance to model the correlations.
Financial toxicity
Time frame: At T0 (3 months) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be measured by the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). The COST is a 5-point Likert scale evaluating financial toxicity in the past week. Will be assessed using mixed-effect analysis of variance to model the correlations.
Quality of life (QOL)
Time frame: At T0 (3 months) and T1 (3 months post-intervention)
Will be measured by the European QoL 5-Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), a widely used instrument to measure patients' QOL. The EQ-5D is a 2-part questionnaire. Will be calculated based on the technique of composite time trade-off preferences and scores of the 5 domains, indicating that -0.573 = worst health and 1 = best health. Will be assessed using mixed-effect analysis of variance to model the correlations.
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
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Diagnosed with solid tumors
- Undergoing RT (not excluded with chemotherapy)
- Competent to give consent
- English-speaking
- With travel barriers as screened by the reliable and validated 10-item Transportation Barriers Measure. In this study, item 2 ("how much trouble is it for you to get transportation to your doctor or treatment?") from the general barriers domain will be used to screen patients for travel barriers
Exclusion criteria
- Receive palliative care
- Are non-English-speaking (excluded due to pilot data without fund to support translation services)
- Are enrolled in lodging programs (e.g., the American Cancer Society \[ACS\] Hope Lodge®)
- Have major depression/anxiety disorders that interfere with their ability to participate (based on the electronic medical records report)
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 May 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations