Re-engaging adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in long-term follow-up care
Re-Engaging AYA Survivors in Cancer-Related Healthcare: A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial
This project tests whether brief digital messages and written materials help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors re-engage with long-term follow-up care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 530 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07138040 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The REACH program uses an adaptive design in which participants are first randomized to receive either written information or a low-touch digital intervention of reminder texts and informational resources for up to four weeks. Participants are re-randomized for a 16-week second stage based on whether they schedule or attend an appointment, with options including maintenance, stepped-up messaging, expanded low-touch messaging, or a high-touch intervention with additional support. Outcomes include appointment attendance and self-reported self-management measured across four surveys, with optional interviews to explore barriers and facilitators. The trial also examines multilevel factors and implementation strategies to guide integration of adaptive interventions into clinical practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adolescent and young adult survivors (ages 15–29) treated for childhood cancer, at least 2 years off treatment and 5 years from diagnosis, who have not had a cancer-related follow-up visit in at least 15 months and previously attended care at CHOP, Nationwide Children's Hospital, or Penn.
Not a fit: Patients with active cancer, those already engaged in regular follow-up, individuals with significant cognitive impairment, people without documentation of treatment history, or non–U.S. residents are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could increase follow-up visit attendance and improve self-management, enabling earlier detection and management of late effects.
How similar studies have performed: Text-message reminders and digital nudges have improved clinic attendance in other populations, but adaptive multi-stage interventions tailored to AYA childhood cancer survivors are relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for AYA 1. 15-29 years old 2. History of a childhood cancer diagnosis, diagnosed prior to age 22 3. Has not had a cancer-related follow-up visit in at least 15 months (or is 3 months past recommended follow-up) 4. U.S. resident (not international patient) 5. Has previously attended a cancer-related appointment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, or Nationwide Children's Hospital or Penn 6. At least 2 years from end of treatment and 5 years from diagnosis 7. English proficient 8. For AYA under age 18, must have a caregiver to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria for AYA 1. Cognitive impairment limiting participation 2. Received surgery only treatment 3. Transferred to primary care 4. Currently living with cancer diagnosis (either new, metastatic, recurrence, or relapse) 5. Absence of documentation of treatment history 6. Absence of inclusion criteria above Inclusion Criteria for Support Person of AYA 1. Primary caregiver or other support person (e.g. partner, sibling, other caregiver) 2. At least 18 years old 3. U.S. resident 4. English proficient Exclusion Criteria for Support Person of AYA 1. No involvement in the AYA's healthcare 2. AYA Decline support person's participation 3. Absence of inclusion criteria above
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio and 2 other locations
- Nationwide Children's Hospital — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Penn Medicine — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lisa Schwartz, PhD
- Email: SCHWARTZL@chop.edu
- Phone: (267) 426-0355
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.