Digital Genetic Testing for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Genetic testing can alter therapy and surgical management for cancer patients and is therefore indicated as a first-line test for many newly diagnosed patients, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and colon/GI patients. To reduce pressure on already constrained genetics clinics across Canada, some cancer centres are 'mainstreaming' genetic testing - whereby genetic testing is initiated and mediated by oncologists without traditional pre-test genetic counseling (GC) often using some form of paper-based patient pamphlets or videos. There is no standard, evidence-based approach to mainstreaming, leading to significant practice variation, a lack of coordinated care and ultimately, negative psychological impacts on patients. Digital solutions can address these gaps by providing a standardized, coordinated and patient-centered approach to deliver cancer genetic education. However, digital solutions for providing cancer genetics services are uncommon and clinical-effectiveness and service delivery outcomes have not been well-assessed. This study will test a digital mainstreaming platform called the Genetics Adviser for Mainstream care to assess its effectiveness in improving psychological outcomes and patient-centred care for mainstream cancer patients compared to standard of care.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yvonne Bombard, PhD
Principal Investigator
St. Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients newly diagnosed with specific cancers such as breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and colon/GI cancer. They should be candidates for genetic testing as part of their treatment plan. Details on who can't join are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants in the intervention arm use the GA-Mainstream digital tool for cancer genetics education and support the delivery of their genetic test results.
Control
Participants in the control arm receive standard of care with pre-test counseling and results disclosure by a genetic counselor or oncologist.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for psychological outcomes and patient-centered care improvements post-genetic testing.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Genetics Adviser for Mainstream Care (GA-Mainstream)
Trial Overview
The study is evaluating a digital platform called Genetics Adviser for Mainstream Care (GA-Mainstream) against the current standard of care which involves paper-based materials or videos without pre-test genetic counseling.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in the intervention arm will use the GA-Mainstream digital tool for cancer genetics education, providing cancer medical and family history, and to support the delivery of their genetic test results. This tool will be used to supplement usual care. Participants will continue to be supported by existing consultations with genetics professionals to discuss their results.
Participants in the control arm will receive mainstream care as outlined by the clinic where the patient is being seen, which consists of a patient pamphlet, video and/or a clinician checklist for pre-test counseling. Results will be disclosed by either a genetic counselor or oncologist with post-test counseling of select patients.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Unity Health Toronto
Lead Sponsor
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