Improving access to cancer trials for underrepresented minorities
SURGE: Supporting UnderRepresented Minorities in Genomics-based Cancer Trial Enrollment (Intervention)
NA · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT05375643
This study is trying out a new program to help people from underrepresented backgrounds with advanced cancers learn about and access genomic testing for clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05375643 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
SURGE is an interventional pilot program designed to enhance equity in clinical trial enrollment by addressing barriers to genomic testing among historically underrepresented populations diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal, hematologic, or thoracic cancers. The intervention includes a patient navigator, a text message questionnaire, and an educational video aimed at improving medical literacy and addressing social determinants of health. The study will assess the feasibility of these interventions in supporting informed decision-making regarding genomic tumor consent. It will be conducted across two academic and two community practice sites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 or older who are Black, Latinx, or aged 70 and above, and are scheduled for a new patient consultation with suspected or confirmed advanced malignancies.
Not a fit: Patients who have a malignancy that only requires surveillance or those who do not continue care at a participating DFCI site may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve access to precision therapies and clinical trials for underrepresented minority patients with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of addressing barriers to genomic testing in underrepresented populations is gaining attention, this specific intervention is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (age 18 years or older) * Black, Latinx, OR older adult (age 70 years or older) * Scheduled for a new patient consultation * Suspected or confirmed advanced malignancy (requiring active treatment) * Gastrointestinal, hematologic, or thoracic cancer * DFCI patient at Longwood/Chestnut Hill, DFCI satellite at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, or DFCI satellite at Merrimack Valley Exclusion Criteria: * Malignancy or former malignancy that requires only surveillance * Not continuing care at a participating DFCI site * Speaks a language other than English or Spanish * Unable to provide consent
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 2 other locations
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center — Brighton, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Instiute - Merrimack Valley — Methuen, Massachusetts, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nadine J McCleary, MD MPH — Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Nadine J McCleary, MD MPH
- Email: nj_mccleary@dfci.harvard.edu
- Phone: (617) 632-6729
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Gastrointestinal Cancer, Hematologic Cancer, Thoracic Cancer