Improving cancer risk assessment for diverse and underserved populations using a patient app
Official title: Inclusion of Diverse and Medically Underserved Populations in the Design and Implementation of the PREMMplus Patient-Facing App
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10942996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving a helpful app that looks at family history and genetic information to find out who might be at risk for hereditary cancers, especially focusing on making sure that everyone, including those from diverse and underserved communities, can easily access this important information and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $766,773 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292900-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse and medically underserved backgrounds who may be at risk for hereditary cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of hereditary cancers or those who are not interested in genetic testing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the PREMMplus patient-facing app to ensure that diverse and medically underserved populations are included in hereditary cancer risk assessments. By utilizing family history and genetic testing data, the app aims to identify individuals at significant risk for carrying genetic variants associated with various hereditary cancers. The project will involve community engagement to address barriers and improve access to genetic testing and risk assessment services. The goal is to implement a more equitable approach to cancer risk evaluation, ensuring that all patients, regardless of background, can benefit from these advancements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and better management of hereditary cancer risks for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using technology to improve access to genetic testing and risk assessment, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Syngal, Sapna — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Syngal, Sapna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Helping young people with cancer understand their genetic risks
This study is creating a special program to help teenagers and young adults with hereditary cancer risks learn about their health and make smart choices, while also supporting their families along the way.
-
Core administrative hub for a multifaceted cancer center program
A large, international cancer research program at Dana-Farber aims to advance a curative strategy for multiple myeloma by coordinating translational research, clinical trials, and data analysis.
-
Automated, interactive lab tool to define radiation targets in cancer care
Aims to make it easier and safer to outline the area to treat in radiation therapy for cancers by using smart software and a patient-friendly interface.
-
Cancer Atlas Network data hub to share big cancer data
A national project helps researchers store, harmonize, and share large cancer data collections so doctors and scientists can learn from many patients.
-
Bridge-building cancer research partnership for education, outreach, and science
A joint effort between UMass Boston and Harvard Cancer Consortium to accelerate cancer research and education by connecting lower-resourced institutions with a leading cancer center.
-
NexTGen: Next-Generation T cell therapy for childhood cancers
A charity-friendly overview: researchers at Dana-Farber are developing advanced engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid cancers like brain tumors and sarcomas.
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.