Multilingual virtual helper to expand genetic testing access for underserved cancer patients
Increasing Access to Genetic Testing in Underserved Patients Using a Multilingual Conversational Agent
This project uses a multilingual virtual conversational agent to give clear, easy-to-understand genetic testing information to cancer patients who face barriers to traditional genetic services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144403 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would interact with an animated conversational agent that explains why germline genetic testing might be relevant to your cancer and family in plain language and multiple languages. The agent delivers personalized pre-test education, answers common questions, and can guide next steps for testing. Researchers will implement the agent in two clinical settings that serve underserved patients and track whether more people complete testing within 90 days. The aim is to reduce language, literacy, and access barriers so more eligible patients get timely test results.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancers that meet national criteria for germline testing (for example ovarian, pancreatic, or advanced prostate cancer), particularly those receiving care in clinics with limited genetic services and who prefer non-English languages.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet genetic testing criteria, who cannot access the participating clinics or required devices, or who need in-person, complex genetic counseling may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more patients could receive timely genetic test results that inform cancer treatment decisions and help family members with early detection or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Relational agents have been effective for other health education and counseling tasks, but using them specifically to increase cancer genetic testing uptake is a relatively new approach with limited prior data.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ricker, Charite Nicolette — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Ricker, Charite Nicolette
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.