Improving cancer risk communication for adolescents and young adults

AYA-RISE: Refining a Scalable, Patient- and Family-centered Intervention to Improve Cancer Risk Communication and Decision-making Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Risk Syndromes

Not applicable Interventional Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT04323774

This study is testing a new online tool with a chatbot to help young people understand their cancer risks better and see if it works better than regular genetic counseling.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment354 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04323774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on enhancing cancer risk communication and decision-making among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer risk syndromes. The study employs a novel intervention called AYA-RISE, which includes a chatbot and online portal to provide cancer risk information. Participants will be involved in interviews and questionnaires to assess the usability and acceptability of AYA-RISE. Additionally, the study will compare standard genetic counseling with the AYA-RISE intervention to evaluate its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents and young adults aged 12-24 who have been diagnosed with a cancer risk syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing active cancer therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve how AYAs understand and manage their cancer risk, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital tools for health communication, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Across all study aims, we will enroll AYA patients, family members/caregivers, and providers.

AIM 1, PART 1 - STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS

AYA Patients

1. Ages 12-24 years, inclusive
2. Diagnosed with a cancer risk syndrome
3. English-speaking and -reading
4. Receiving care at any of the study sites OR participating in the LiFraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) Youth Conference
5. Adequate cognitive function per NeuroQOL indicated by a score of 30 or greater
6. Not receiving active cancer therapy

Family caregivers-Inclusion Criteria

1. Parent/guardian, spouse/partner, or other family member who participates in the care of AYAs aged 12-24 with cancer risk syndromes
2. English-speaking and -reading
3. At any of the study sites

Providers Inclusion Criteria (Oncologists, nurses, genetic counselors, social workers, or psychologists)

1. English-speaking and reading
2. Caring for AYAs aged 12-24 with cancer risk syndromes at any of the study sites

AIM 1, PART 2 - INTERVENTION PILOT

AYA Patients

1. Ages 12-24 years, inclusive
2. Diagnosed with a cancer risk syndrome
3. English-speaking and -reading
4. Receiving care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
5. Adequate cognitive function per NeuroQOL, indicated by a score of 30 or greater
6. Not receiving active cancer therapy
7. Did not participate in a stakeholder interview

Eligibility notes:

* Family caregivers of participating 12-17y patients will be eligible to participate in the pilot
* 12-17y patients can participate without a family member if both the patient and family member agree.
* Patients 18-24y will have the option to participate with or without a family member.

AIM 2 - RANDOMIZED TRIAL

AYA Patients

1. Ages 12-24 years, inclusive
2. Diagnosed with a cancer risk syndrome
3. English-speaking and reading
4. Has a planned post-disclosure genetic counseling or follow-up visit at any of the study sites
5. Adequate cognitive function per NeuroQOL, indicated by a score of 30 or greater
6. Not receiving active cancer therapy
7. Did not participate in either part of Aim 1 (interview or pilot)

Family caregivers

1. Parent/guardian, spouse/partner, or other family member who participates in the care of AYAs aged 12-24 with cancer risk syndromes
2. English-speaking and -reading
3. At any of the study sites
4. Did not participate in either part of Aim 1 (interview or pilot)

AIM 3 - SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS AYA Patients, Family Caregivers, Providers, and Site PIs

1. Participated in the intervention arm of Aim 2, or
2. Is a site principal investigator at one of the 4 participating study sites

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 4 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.
Conditions Cancer Risk SyndromeLiFraumeni Syndrome Association Youth Conference
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.