Clinical Research Directory

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer, Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, or Prostate Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and the best dose of stereotactic body radiation therapy in treating patients with breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Stereotactic body radiation therapy delivers fewer, tightly-focused, high doses of radiation therapy to all known sites of cancer in the body while minimizing radiation exposure of surrounding normal tissue.

Access to Genetic Testing in Underserved Patients With Cancer

This study compares the experiences of people who receive information about genetic testing from a computer-generated character to patients who receive information from a human genetics healthcare provider. Patients with cancer are increasingly recommended for genetic testing as standard of care. Multiple factors contribute to low usage of genetic testing but for many patients the lack of access to genetic counseling and testing is an important and flexible factor. Lack of access is especially relevant to racial/ethnic minority patients and those living in non-metropolitan rural settings who are frequently cared for at safety-net hospitals with limited genetics services. Alternative delivery models are necessary to improve rates of access to genetic testing in patients with cancer. Health information technology is under used by genetics providers. A patient-facing relational agent (PERLA) will provide pre-test genetics education in both English and Spanish across two clinical settings to facilitate more timely access to genetic testing. Using the PERLA intervention may help researchers learn different ways to provide education about genetic testing to patients with cancer compared to usual care.