24GUT540 : Meeting of Breast Cancer Patients and Pathologists

Launched by DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether meetings between breast cancer patients and pathologists—doctors who study tissue samples—are helpful. Usually, pathologists don’t meet directly with patients, but recently some have started showing patients their own tissue slides and explaining what they see. The study wants to find out if these meetings make patients feel more informed and supported, and also whether pathologists find these visits useful and practical.

People who are 18 years or older, who have finished their first diagnosis appointment with their cancer doctor or surgeon, and who have pathology slides and reports available can take part. Participants need to be able to speak English and willing to join the study. Pregnant women can also join because the study poses no physical risk. During the study, patients will meet with a pathologist to review their tissue slides and discuss what they show. This trial is not yet open for enrollment, but if you are interested and meet the requirements, this could be an opportunity to better understand your diagnosis through direct communication with a pathologist.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
• • 2. Patients must have completed initial diagnosis visit with oncologist or surgeon.
• • 3. Must have pathology slides and reports available for review.
• • 4. Must be able to speak English.
• • 5. Must be willing to participate in this research and will be provided with an information sheet.
• • 6. Pregnant women are eligible as this research poses no risk of physical harm to the participant.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients \<18 years of age.
• • 2. Patients with DCIS are ineligible.
• • 3. Adults who are unable to provide written signature.
• • 4. Patients from vulnerable patient populations, including infants, minors, those unable to provide informed consent, and those incarcerated or imprisoned at the time of enrollment.