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Genetic studies of cancer patients and their families

Molecular Genetics Studies of Cancer Patients and Their Relatives

Observational City of Hope Medical Center · NCT04185935

This study looks at how genetics and family history might affect cancer risk in patients and their relatives to better understand the disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment999999 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCity of Hope Medical Center Academic / other
Locations42 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 41 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04185935 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the genetic and behavioral factors that may contribute to the development of specific cancers in patients with a history of cancer and their relatives. The primary objectives include identifying rare cancer patients and families with genetic susceptibility to cancer and determining how heredity and biomarkers influence clinical outcomes. Participants will provide various biospecimens, including blood and saliva, and complete questionnaires to gather comprehensive data on their cancer history and family background.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a personal or family history of cancer that suggests an inherited predisposition.

Not a fit: Patients without a personal or family history of cancer or those not at increased genetic risk may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of genetic factors in cancer, leading to improved screening and prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic factors related to cancer, indicating that this approach is promising and builds on existing knowledge.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals must have a personal history of cancer and/or a family history of cancer suggestive of the presence of an inherited predisposition. This inherited predisposition might manifest as:

  * Young age cancer diagnosis
  * Multiple primary neoplasms in affected member
  * The presence of rare tumor types in the family
  * Congenital malformations
  * Any other family clustering of cancer
  * Any other cancer-predisposing genetic diseases/conditions
* Individuals may also be eligible by participation in the City of Hope Cancer Screening \& Prevention Program Network (CSPPN) clinical service or on the basis of membership in a group known or suspected to have an increased risk of carrying a genetic alteration or of sustaining a particular exposure that would place that at increased risk of cancer. (Examples would include members of occupational cohorts like asbestos workers, individuals with multiple dysplastic nevi in the absence of a family history of cancer, and individuals descended from a particular tribe in the American Southwest who have an increased incidence of a rare genetic alteration associated with an increased risk of a specific cancer.)
* Individuals and families may be referred to us in a number of different ways. After initial contact is made with a individual or family by family studies personnel; an individual within the bloodline will be identified as the historian. There may be more than one historian within a family
* At least one historian must be wiling to provide information or access as needed to contact appropriate family members for documentation of cancer and for consent. An individual is considered to be eligible to participate if they criteria; contact with relatives is not always indicated
* Individuals who are under 18 are eligible for study if they meet the criteria. Consent for participation must be given by a legal guardian or parent
* Deceased patients may be included in the study. Public records, such as death certificates, can be used to confirm information from individuals or family members. If medical records are needed, consent for these records will be obtained from the deceased's next of kin. Next of kin refers to the following hierarchy of relatives; spouse, offspring, parents, and siblings. (Any further use of next of kin in this protocol should relate back to this hierarchy.) Archived tissue samples, such as pathology blocks or snap frozen tumor from a pathology department tumor bank (discard specimens) may be used for genetic research

Exclusion Criteria:

* A family may be ineligible for study if the historian will not allow access to anyone within the family and thus, the accuracy of the family history cannot be established

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 41 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Malignant Neoplasm
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.