Survivor & Provider Activation for Colorectal Cancer Screening
(ASPIRES Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the best methods to encourage high-risk cancer survivors to undergo colorectal cancer screening. The trial includes three groups: one receives educational materials (Control), the second receives those materials plus interactive text messages and videos (Patient activation), and the third receives both of those along with information for their doctors (Primary care provider activation). Eligible participants are childhood cancer survivors who underwent specific types of radiation treatment and have never had colorectal cancer or a recent colonoscopy. Participants must also have access to a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance cancer screening practices for survivors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these methods are safe for encouraging colorectal cancer screening?
Research has shown that strategies to involve patients more in their healthcare are generally safe and well-received. Studies indicate that providing information and encouraging patients to request colorectal cancer screenings can increase screening rates without harm. This approach primarily uses text messages and educational materials, which are safe.
Similarly, activating primary care providers involves equipping doctors with resources to encourage patient screenings. Clinical guidelines support this method, which has been in use for over ten years. No evidence suggests negative effects from these strategies.
Both strategies emphasize education and communication, aiming to increase awareness and action without involving medical procedures or medications.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to boost colorectal cancer screening rates. Unlike standard approaches that often rely solely on educational materials, this trial tests patient activation through personalized text messages and resources, which could make the information more engaging and accessible. Additionally, the trial examines the impact of activating primary care providers with tailored materials about colorectal cancer risk, potentially enhancing their role in encouraging screening. These methods aim to increase screening uptake by making the process more interactive and involving both patients and their healthcare providers in new ways.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for encouraging colorectal cancer screening?
Research shows that providing patients with information and encouraging them to request screenings can increase colorectal cancer screening rates. In this trial, participants in the Patient Activation group will receive interactive, tailored text messages with links to videos and resources to support their screening efforts. One study found that patients who received this kind of support were more likely to complete their screenings than those who did not.
Additionally, the trial includes a group where both patient and primary care provider (PCP) activation are involved. Studies have shown that patients whose doctors actively participate in their care are less likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer. In this trial, providing doctors with information about cancer risks is part of the PCP activation strategy to further encourage screenings. Both patient and doctor involvement appear promising in increasing screening rates among high-risk individuals.13678Who Is on the Research Team?
Tara Henderson, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Karen Kim, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
The Pennsylvania State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for high-risk cancer survivors without a family history of colorectal cancer, who were treated with certain types of radiation, and haven't had recent colorectal screenings. Participants must have a smartphone, be part of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, speak English, and live in the U.S.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Data Collection
Baseline data collected through patient and provider surveys and interviews
Intervention
Participants receive electronic resources and are assigned to control, patient activation, or patient activation + PCP activation groups
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for completion of colorectal cancer screening and other outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Control
- Patient activation
- Primary care provider activation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Lead Sponsor
University of Chicago
Lead Sponsor
Penn State University
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Collaborator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Collaborator
Columbia University
Collaborator
Hunter College of City University of New York
Collaborator
The Hospital for Sick Children
Collaborator
Duke University
Collaborator