Extending Prostate Genetic Awareness, Navigation, and Delivery: The EXPAND Network

Launched by THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · Nov 16, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EXPAND Network trial is studying how a group of trained peer genetic coaches can help African American men with metastatic prostate cancer get better access to genetic testing. Genetic testing can provide important information about a person's cancer and help guide treatment decisions, but many African American men face barriers such as lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, and mistrust of the healthcare system that prevent them from seeking this testing. The trial aims to see if these peer coaches can help men navigate the testing process and overcome these challenges.

To participate in the trial, men must be at least 18 years old, able to read and speak English comfortably, and identify as African American. They should either have metastatic prostate cancer, have high-risk features of prostate cancer, or have a strong family history of certain cancers. Participants can expect to receive support and guidance from their peer coaches, which may help them feel more comfortable and informed about genetic testing. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to improve awareness and access to genetic testing for those who need it most.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • AIM 1: Are 18 years old or older
• • AIM 1: Are able to read and speak English comfortably
• • AIM 1: Men who have experience with both prostate cancer (PCA) and genetic counseling and testing will be a priority for training, as well as men who have considerable peer education or navigation experience
• • AIM 2: Are 18 years old or older
• • AIM 2: Are African American
• • AIM 2: Are able to read and speak English comfortably
• • AIM 2: Men who meet any one of the following criteria: (1) metastatic prostate cancer; (2) prostate cancer with high-risk features (T3 or higher, Gleason 8 or higher, node positive disease); (3) with or without a diagnosis of prostate cancer with strong family history (2 or more first-degree or second-degree relatives) with prostate cancer (particularly metastatic prostate cancer or died from prostate cancer), breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, renal cancer, urothelial cancer, or upper bowel cancer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients that do not meet the inclusion criteria
• • Children under the age of 18
• • Anyone who has trouble understanding the consent or with significant anxiety detected during the consent process