Improving cancer detection and treatment in Botswana communities
A Multilevel Intervention (Potlako+) to Improve Timely Cancer Detection and Treatment
This study tests a new program in Botswana that combines community education and support to help people with cancer symptoms get diagnosed and treated faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gaborone) |
| Trial ID | NCT04141449 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the Potlako+ intervention, which combines community education, clinical provider support, and patient navigation to enhance access to cancer care for individuals showing symptoms of cancer. The study involves 20 rural and peri-urban communities in Botswana, where communities will be randomly assigned to receive either the Potlako+ intervention or standard care. The intervention aims to raise awareness about cancer and expedite the diagnostic process for suspected cases, with an estimated 1,500 individuals identified as cancer suspects by their healthcare providers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include Botswana citizens aged 30 years or older who are residents of the study community and either engaged in longitudinal care for chronic health problems or identified as cancer suspects.
Not a fit: Patients who are involuntarily incarcerated or already engaged in oncology care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve early cancer detection and treatment initiation for patients in Botswana.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. Community members
1. Inclusion Criteria:
* Botswana citizen
* Age 30 years or older
* engaged in longitudinal care for chronic health problem
* resident of study community
2. Exclusion Criteria:
* Involuntary incarceration
* Educational messaging could interfere with clinical management or increase distress in the opinion or clinic or research staff
2. Cancer suspects
1. Inclusion Criteria:
* Botswana citizen
* Age 30 years or older
* resident of study community
* Recorded as a cancer suspect by clinic staff
2. Exclusion Criteria
* Involuntary incarceration
* Unable or unwilling to provide confirmation of informed consent
* Already engaged in oncology care
Where this trial is running
Gaborone
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute — Gaborone, Botswana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott Dryden-Peterson, MD, MSc — Brigham and Women's Hospital, Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute
- Study coordinator: Kutlo Manyake, Dip Nursing
- Email: kmanyake@bhp.org.bw
- Phone: +267-3902671
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.