Genetic Testing for the Prevention of Cancer in Indigenous American Communities (JUNIPER Trial)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To develop culturally appropriate, respectful, trusted, and collaborative means to engage and recruit Indigenous Americans (IAs) affected by cancer (newly diagnosed cancer participants, participants undergoing cancer treatment, and cancer survivors) for molecular characterization of their tumors.

Ia. Conduct direct participant engagement with cancer participants/survivors, community advisors, and partners to refine and optimize methods/processes.

Ib. Identify, recruit, and consent eligible IA cancer participants/survivors. Ic. Implement tissue acquisition, epidemiologic, behavioral, and clinical data collection, conduct continuous assessment of performance benchmarks.

Id. Return clinical grade and clinically useful genomic data to participants with navigation to counseling and clinical resources as warranted and as they select.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Translate any discoveries to improved cancer screening, precision prevention, and therapeutic intervention that can be used to enhance cancer screening and precision prevention and improve cancer outcomes in Indigenous American participants and communities.

OUTLINE:

Patients undergo collection of blood or saliva samples on study for genetic testing. Patients also undergo collection of leftover tissue obtained from standard of care (SOC) surgical procedure or biopsy, or stored tissue samples for genetic testing on study. Patients receive the results of their genetic testing and are given resources for counseling and further care.

After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up once a year up to 5 years from study registration.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female adults >= 18 years of age
• Cancer patient undergoing active treatment or a cancer survivor
• Self-identify as Indigenous American

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to provide informed consent
• Individuals who are under 18 years of age
• Prisoners