Improving access to genetic testing for young cancer patients using eHealth and chatbots
Official title: AYA ACCESS Study: An enhanced eHealth and Chat-bot enabled delivery model for clinical genetic services in community AYA cancer patients
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11056107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier for teens and young adults with cancer to get genetic testing and support through a helpful online program that includes chatbots and virtual counseling, so they can better understand their options and improve their health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $687,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284748-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer and may benefit from genetic testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 15 to 39 or those without a cancer diagnosis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the delivery of genetic services to adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer by utilizing an innovative eHealth model. The approach includes web-based pre-test counseling and chatbot technology to provide personalized support, answer patient questions, and remind them about genetic testing. By focusing on community oncology practices, the study seeks to increase the uptake of genetic counseling and testing among AYAs who often lack access to these services. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by ensuring more AYAs receive the genetic testing they need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of young cancer patients receiving essential genetic testing, leading to better-informed treatment options and improved health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with web-based pre-test counseling, indicating that this approach could be effective in increasing genetic testing uptake among AYAs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradbury, Angela R. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bradbury, Angela R.
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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.