Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Improving access to genetic testing for underserved cancer patients

Official title: Increasing Access to Genetic Testing in Underserved Patients Using a Multilingual Conversational Agent

Run by University of Southern California · NCT06422455 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a computer character can give better information about genetic testing to underserved cancer patients compared to regular human healthcare providers.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment800 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Southern California
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 24, 2023
Main results expectedOctober 24, 2027
Study endsOctober 24, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 18, 2026
Trial IDNCT06422455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults over 18 diagnosed with specific types of cancer such as breast or ovarian cancer, who can read and write in English or Spanish.

Probably not a fit

Patients who cannot provide informed consent or do not speak English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of a computer-generated character providing genetic testing information to patients versus traditional information from human healthcare providers. It aims to enhance access to genetic counseling and testing, particularly for racial/ethnic minority patients and those in rural areas. The study involves multiple phases, including focus groups for feedback on the educational content, usability testing, and a pilot test to evaluate the new intervention. Patients will be randomized to receive either the new educational tool or standard care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the rates of genetic testing among underserved cancer patients, leading to better-informed treatment decisions.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using technology to improve patient education and access to genetic testing, indicating potential for success with this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years old
* Diagnosed with least one of the following:

  * Epithelial ovarian cancer
  * Exocrine pancreatic cancer
  * Metastatic or high or very high-risk prostate cancer
  * Breast cancer at or before age 50
  * Bilateral breast cancer
  * Triple negative breast cancer
  * Male breast cancer OR
  * Healthcare provider who treats patients with any of the above types of cancer
* Able to read and write in English or Spanish
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who cannot provide informed consent
* Patients who cannot see, read, or write
* Patients who have the cancer and clinical characteristics defined in the inclusion criteria, but who do not speak English or Spanish
* Patients with none of the listed cancer diagnoses and clinical characteristics
* Healthcare provider who do not treats cancer patients

Where it's running

  • USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Rochester
    Rochester, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Charite Ricker, MS — University of Southern California
  • Study coordinator: Charite Ricker, MS
  • Email: ricker@usc.edu
  • Phone: 323-409-7710

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.