Connecting people with cancer to clinical trials using virtual community health educators
A Multi-level Approach to Connecting Individuals to Cancer Clinical Research
['FUNDING_U01'] · MAYO CLINIC JACKSONVILLE · NIH-11184238
This project uses an AI-powered virtual community health educator portal to help adults with cancer, their families, and clinicians find and refer patients to cancer clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC JACKSONVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (JACKSONVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184238 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use the ALEX Research Referral Portal, an online system that uses adaptive virtual human technology to deliver tailored information about NCI-supported cancer trials. The portal lets clinicians refer patients and lets patients, families, and community members search and self-refer to trials using personalized messages and digital outreach. Real community health educators help shape the virtual content so the information is trustworthy while reaching more people than in-person outreach alone. The project connects trial listings from clinicaltrials.gov to study coordinators to streamline referrals across multiple cancer centers in Florida and nationwide.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with a cancer diagnosis, their caregivers, and clinicians seeking trial options are the intended users.
Not a fit: People without reliable internet or digital access, or those who are not eligible for any available cancer clinical trials, may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the portal could make it much easier for patients to learn about and join appropriate cancer trials, expanding access to treatment options and research.
How similar studies have performed: Community health educators have previously improved trust and trial recruitment, and virtual educator tools are a newer approach with promising but still emerging evidence.
Where this research is happening
JACKSONVILLE, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC JACKSONVILLE — JACKSONVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAUP-KRIEGER, JANICE LEE — MAYO CLINIC JACKSONVILLE
- Study coordinator: RAUP-KRIEGER, JANICE LEE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Cancer Center, Cancer Patient, Cancers