Reasons to Participate in a Clinical Trial
There are a number of reasons why patients enroll in clinical trials and clinical research studies.
- Patients can gain access to new experimental drugs or treatments
- Patients are interested in having a more active role in his or her healthcare
- Patients are interested in advancing science and medical care and improving the understanding of hereditary cancer risks
- By participating in clinical trials and research studies, participants help advance what is known about medical interventions and cancer risks
Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center provides the opportunity for patients to enroll in a number of clinical trials. To learn more, contact the center’s research nurse at 609.853.6786.
The following provides additional information on specific studies available at Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center as of January 2023:
Breast Cancer Studies
Study: A191901: Optimizing Endocrine Therapy Adherence through Motivational Interviewing and Text Interventions
This phase III trial compares an additional support program (text message reminders and/or telephone-based counseling) with usual care in making sure breast cancer patients take their endocrine medication as prescribed (medication adherence). Medication adherence is how well patients take the medication as prescribed by their doctors, and good medical adherence is when patients take medications correctly. Poor medication adherence has been shown to be a serious barrier to effective treatment for hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients. Adding text message reminders and/or telephone-based counseling to usual care may increase the number of days that patients take their endocrine therapy medication as prescribed. You can learn more about this study by visiting Homepage | Get Set (getsetstudy.org)
Gynecological Studies
Study: A non-randomized prospective clinical trial comparing the non-inferiority of Salpingectomy to Salpingo-Oophorectomy to Reduce the risk of Ovarian Cancer among BRCA1 carriers
This is a clinical trial that is studying if removal of just the fallopian tubes with the plan to remove the ovaries at a later time can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer the same as the usual care of removing both the ovaries and fallopian tubes among pre-menopausal individuals with an inherited BRCA1 mutation. Researchers believe that most ovarian cancers first begin in the fallopian tubes, suggesting that removing only the fallopian tubes may be as good as removing both the fallopian tubes and ovaries in preventing the development of ovarian cancer while avoiding surgically-induced menopause. This has never been formally tested in a clinical trial. The study will also look at how individuals on the study feel about their quality of life
Pancreatic Studies
Study: Comparing Two Methods to Follow Patients with Pancreatic Cysts
Currently, there are two different standard follow-up screening schedules used by physicians to keep a check on the pancreatic cyst after it is initially identified. At present, it is not known which of these two schedules is better for the patient. This study will evaluate which of the two standard follow-up screening schedules will lead to better outcomes for patients with pancreatic cysts. In both schedules, the cyst will be followed with imaging scans called computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). When needed, an endoscopic ultrasound* (EUS) is performed. The difference between the schedules is in the frequency of the follow-up screenings.
Genetic Studies
Study: Research Registry: Identification and Analysis of Families With Genetic Susceptibility To Cancer
You are eligible for the Research Registry if any of the following apply to you:
- You have tested POSITIVE (pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation) in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 or other suspected cancer susceptibility genes and are willing to contribute a DNA sample (saliva or blood) AND can provide a copy of the laboratory result.
- You had breast cancer at any age, had negative genetic testing, and have two close relatives on the same side of the family with ovarian, breast, prostate, and/or pancreatic cancer AND those relatives are available to contribute DNA samples (saliva or blood).
- You have ANY of the following personal history and are willing to contribute a DNA sample (saliva or blood)
- Breast cancer at age ≤ 40
- Bilateral breast cancer at age ≤ 60
- "Triple negative" breast cancer under age 60
- Male breast cancer diagnosed at any age
- Multiple primary breast and ovarian cancer at any age
- ≥ 2 primary cancers at age ≤ 70 (1 must be breast cancer and other cannot be a recurrence or nonmelanoma skin or thyroid cancer)
- Ovarian cancer at age ≤ 50
- Pancreatic cancer at age ≤ 50
- Metastatic prostate cancer at age ≤ 50
About the Study:
The research laboratory at the Abramson Cancer Center is studying genetic sources of cancer risk and currently has one of the largest collections (also called a registry) of families with known or suspected risk in the world. Participation involves providing medical and family history, key medical records, and a DNA saliva sample. There are no costs associated with participation and all arrangements can be made over the telephone or through the mail. Travel to the University of Pennsylvania is not necessary for participation.
If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing BasserResearch@pennmedicine.upenn.edu, call 215.662.3182, or fax 215.614.1609.
Click here to participate in this study and enroll in the Research Registry.
Study: A Randomized Hybrid Type I Effectiveness-Implementation Study of an eHealth Delivery Alternative for Cancer Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer (eReach2)
Eligibility: Women and men who are 18 years of age or older with no prior genetic testing who meet criteria for genetic testing
Study Purpose:
- To help guide your screening and/or medical management recommendations.
- To reveal if other family members are at risk. If they are, they can take steps to reduce their risk or detect it early.
For more information, visit the website or contact: Dominique Fetzer (Dominique.Fetzer@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)
Study: Genetic Testing in Young Adults With Cancer (Gen-Y)
The main purpose of the study is to compare two approaches to germline or inherited genetic testing in young adults with cancer. We also want to learn more about how a person’s genetics contributes to cancer risk in young adults. Our ultimate goal is to improve cancer care and treatment for young adults with cancer. We want to promote appropriate use of cancer prevention interventions such as screening among patients and family members who share the same genetic variant or mutation. A second purpose is to improve follow-up for patients using the electronic health record.
Study: Refining and testing a web-based genetic education intervention for advanced cancer patients with low health literacy (COMET)
To collect formative stakeholder feedback and conduct iterative user testing of a revised COMET web-based genetic education intervention (COMET 2.0) among low literacy and male patients with advanced cancer.
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a multidisciplinary group of individuals designated by the authority of the institution as a committee to safeguard the rights and welfare of human subjects recruited to participate in research activities at the hospital. The IRB committee members possess varying experiences and professional competencies necessary to perform the scientific, regulatory, and ethical oversight for research activities conducted at the hospital for the protection of human research subjects. All human subject research at the hospital requires the review and approval by the IRB prior to initiating the activity. The purpose of the IRB review is to evaluate the ethics and methods of the research, to promote a fully informed consent process and ensure voluntary participation by prospective subjects, and to maximize the safety of the subjects once enrolled into the research study.
To learn more, contact the center’s research nurse at 609.853.6786.