Nudge for Ovarian Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Disqualifiers: Ovarian cancer, Established in oncology

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to encourage doctors to refer patients with ovarian cancer to gynecologic oncologists more quickly. Currently, many women with ovarian cancer, especially those from historically marginalized groups, do not see these specialists soon enough. The study will determine if a simple prompt, or "nudge," can improve referral times. Women who might be suitable candidates have an adnexal mass (a growth near the uterus) detected on an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan at Penn Medicine. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare access and outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.

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 this nudge is safe for ovarian cancer patients?

Research has shown that a "nudge" can safely increase the number of patients referred to gynecologic cancer specialists for ovarian cancer. A nudge serves as a gentle reminder for doctors to refer patients to these specialists. Studies found that using a nudge in electronic health records increased referrals to gynecologic oncology from 55% to 75%.

No reports indicate any physical harm or serious side effects from using these nudges. The primary effect is that doctors are more likely to refer patients to specialists. This indicates that the nudge method is safe for patients and helps ensure they receive the specialized care they need. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "Nudge" intervention for ovarian cancer because it introduces a unique approach compared to traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Unlike these standard options, which directly target the cancer itself, the Nudge strategy focuses on enhancing the decision-making process. By providing a "clinician nudge" for gynecologic oncology referrals, it helps ensure that patients receive specialized care earlier. This could potentially lead to earlier detection and treatment, improving the overall outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.

What evidence suggests that this nudge is effective for improving ovarian cancer referrals?

Research has shown that gentle reminders to doctors can increase the number of patients with possible ovarian cancer referred to specialists. One study found that these reminders raised referral rates by 20%. In this trial, participants will receive a clinician nudge for gynecologic oncology referral, potentially helping patients access specialized care more quickly. By accelerating the process of seeing a gynecologic cancer specialist, these reminders could initiate earlier treatment for ovarian cancer, which is crucial for better health outcomes. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer, peritoneal neoplasm, or fallopian tube cancer. It aims to improve the referral rate to gynecologic oncology specialists at diagnosis. The study focuses on patients who have not yet seen a gynecologic oncologist.

Inclusion Criteria

My scan shows a significant ovarian mass.

I am a woman aged 18 or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Patient already established in gynecologic oncology

I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Clinician nudge to gynecologic oncology referral for patients diagnosed with a complex adnexal mass

30 days

Referral process initiated

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for adherence to treatment and progression-free survival

365 days

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Nudge

Trial Overview The trial is testing a 'nudge' strategy to increase referrals of newly diagnosed patients to gynecologic oncologists. Its effectiveness will be measured against past data where no such nudge was applied.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Nudge Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The study consists of one intervention, a clinician nudge to gynecologic oncology referral.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

425

Recruited

464,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07078409

Clinician Nudge to Referral of Adnexal Masses ... The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of clinician nudges on referrals to gynecologic oncology in patients with suspected ovarian cancer. The ...

2. chibe.upenn.edu chibe.upenn.edu/news/clinician-nudge-at-suspected-ovarian-cancer-diagnosis-improves-oncology-referral-rate/

Clinician nudge at suspected ovarian cancer diagnosis ... This article discusses a study finding that a clinician nudge improved gynecologic oncology referral rates for ovarian cancer by 20 ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-ovarian-neoplasms-6-2025-c9bcc

Nudge for Ovarian Cancer · Info for Participants The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of clinician nudges on referrals to gynecologic oncology in patients with suspected ovarian cancer.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10629034/

Protocol to evaluate sequential electronic health record ... The primary implementation outcome is engagement with germline genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer predisposition, defined as a ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06451263

NCT06451263 | Nudge to Gynecologic Oncology Study Overview​​ Ovarian cancer lacks an effective screening test, and prompt treatment at diagnosis is the only way to improve outcomes. Referral to gynecologic ...

6. chibe.upenn.edu chibe.upenn.edu/news/ehr-nudge-boosts-gynecologic-oncology-referrals-speeds-diagnosis-of-early-ovarian-cancer/

EHR Nudge Boosts Gynecologic Oncology Referrals, Speeds ... This article discusses a study finding that an EHR nudge increased referrals for suspected ovarian cancer, improving early detection and

7. consultant360.com consultant360.com/conference-coverage/ehr-nudge-boosts-gynecologic-oncology-referrals-speeds-diagnosis-early-ovarian

EHR Nudge Boosts Gynecologic Oncology Referrals ... An electronic health record (EHR) nudge to prompt gynecologic oncology referral for suspected ovarian cancer increased referral rates from 55% to 75% and led ...

8. healio.com healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20250318/clinician-nudge-at-suspected-ovarian-cancer-diagnosis-improves-oncology-referral-rate

Clinician nudge at suspected ovarian cancer diagnosis ... A clinician nudge at the time of a suspected ovarian cancer diagnosis improved gynecologic oncology referral rates by 20 percentage points.