Strategy for Management of Patients With Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCS) in a Rural Environment (LINC)

University of Vermont Medical Center

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: BRCA1 Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome; Lynch Syndrome; Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Treatments: Behavioral: Longitudinal Cancer Genetics Follow-Up Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07381985

STUDY00002507/UVMCC2204

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to improve cancer prevention and surveillance adherence in patients with Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCS), particularly those living in rural areas. The study will evaluate whether enrolling HCS patients in a longitudinal clinical program with individualized care plans and regular follow-up improves adherence to guideline-recommended cancer screening and risk-reduction strategies. Secondary aims include assessing the program's impact on patient distress and perceived care coordination. The study will enroll 200 adults with known pathogenic germline mutations who were previously seen at the UVM Medical Center genetics clinic. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, 12, and 24 months to assess adherence, distress, and care coordination. Findings from this study will inform future efforts to reduce gaps in hereditary cancer care delivery, especially for rural populations.

Full description

This single-arm, prospective, interventional study will assess the feasibility and impact of a structured longitudinal follow-up program for patients with Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCS). Eligible participants will have a known pathogenic germline variant in a cancer risk gene identified by a CLIA-approved lab at least one year prior to enrollment. All participants will be seen at baseline and followed clinically for two years, with additional visits as clinically indicated. Each participant will receive an individualized care plan developed by cancer genetics providers and supported by annual follow-up visits.

The primary objective is to assess whether participation in this program increases adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline-recommended cancer screening and prevention strategies (e.g., surveillance imaging, colonoscopy, prophylactic surgery). Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in participant distress and perceived care coordination over time, and examining how rurality (defined using RUCA codes) affects outcomes.

Participants will complete three study instruments at baseline, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up visits:

A gene-specific adherence survey administered by the genetics team,

The Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) questionnaire to assess distress,

The Care Coordination Index (CCI) to evaluate patient-perceived coordination of care.

A retrospective chart review of previously seen HCS patients will also be conducted to estimate baseline adherence rates and support feasibility assessments. Statistical analyses will use generalized probit and linear models to evaluate changes over time and assess effect modification by demographic and clinical variables such as age, sex, gene mutation, and rurality.

This study will generate critical pilot data to inform future controlled studies and improve access to high-quality cancer prevention care, particularly for underserved rural populations.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of all genders must be ≥ 18 years of age.
• Patients must have a known pathogenic germline variant in a cancer risk gene that was identified by a CLIA-approved lab more than one year ago.
• Patients must be able to accurately provide self-report data (i.e., per clinical judgment, cognitive function is intact).
• Patients must be able to complete questionnaires in English.
• Patients must have the ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

- Patients who tested positive for a germline pathogenic variant associated with cancer risk < 1 year ago are not eligible.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

200 participants in 1 patient group

Longitudinal Cancer Genetics Follow-Up Program

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will be enrolled in a longitudinal cancer genetics follow-up program designed for individuals with known hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS). The intervention includes scheduled clinical visits with a cancer genetics physician and, as needed, a genetic counselor at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Participants will receive individualized care plans summarizing surveillance and prevention recommendations. Adherence, distress (MICRA), and care coordination (CCI) will be assessed through surveys administered at each visit.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Longitudinal Cancer Genetics Follow-Up Program