Texts and nudges may help more people get cancer genetic testing
NCT ID NCT05721326
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested three types of messages to encourage genetic testing in 1,283 people at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Participants received an electronic health record message, then a text message, then a doctor's reminder if needed. The goal was to see which approach works best to increase genetic counseling and testing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Sequential EHR messages, text messages, and physician nudges
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show the best way to get more people at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to undergo genetic testing, potentially leading to earlier detection and prevention.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study focused on improving testing uptake, not on testing a new treatment. The results may not apply to all populations or healthcare settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
1,283 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
May 2023
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
25 to 100 years
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with serous ovarian cancer diagnosed more than two years prior to study contact 2. Patients with breast cancer diagnosed at \<50 years of age more than two years prior to study contact 3. Patients with triple negative breast cancer diagnosed more than two years prior to study contact 4. Unaffected individuals reporting a family history of ovarian cancer 5. Unaffected individuals reporting a family history of male breast cancer 6. Unaffected individuals reporting a family history of breast cancer \<50 years Exclusion Criteria: 1\. Patients who have previously received genetic counseling and/or testing
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Breast cancer are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a faster radiation course match the standard one after breast reconstruction?
- Can High-Risk breast cancer patients skip an extra radiation boost?
- Cholesterol drug simvastatin joins chemo in breast cancer trial
- Radioactive probe lights up CD73 on breast tumors in PET scans
- Can time with horses help cancer patients feel better?
- Can an oral drug replace injections for advanced breast cancer?