The eReach Study: Online Cancer Genetic Counseling

The University of Pennsylvania is conducting the eReach Study to look at how to best help understand and get genetic testing.

If you live in the United States and you haven’t had genetic testing for a hereditary cancer syndrome, you may be eligible to receive free genetic counseling by participating in the eReach Study.

• Why is genetic testing important for cancer patients AND people with a family history of cancer?
• Why is genetic testing important for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer?
• Why is it important for other cancer patients?
• Why is it important for patients with a family history?
• Are you eligible for the eReach Study?
• Why should you participate in the eReach Study?
• How does the eReach Study work?
• How do you participate in the eReach Study?

 

 

Why is genetic testing important for cancer patients AND people with a family history of cancer?

Genetic testing can be a valuable tool to help individuals who meet testing criteria understand ALL their screening and medical management recommendations, as well as possible steps their family members may need to take to help successfully manage their risk for cancer.

Even if you have never had cancer, if you have close relatives with cancer, genetic testing may be important for you and your family. Learn more by watching the video below.

Why is genetic testing important for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer?

If you have breast or prostate cancer that has spread (stage 4), advanced ovarian cancer (stage 3 or 4) or advance pancreatic cancer (state 3 or 4), genetic testing can help determine if you may benefit from certain types of treatments, such as a PARP inhibitor or immunotherapy.

Learn more about why genetic testing is important for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer by watching the video below.

Why is it important for other cancer patients?

Genetic testing can be helpful if you have a newly diagnosed or previous history of cancer. Your testing results can help provide information that can be useful for you to help identify the best steps to lower future cancer risk as well as help inform your family members’ risk reducing options.

Additionally, for some patients, it can also help determine if there are additional options to help treat their cancer

 

 

Why should you participate in the eReach Study?

By participating in the eReach Study, you will receive access to free and convenient genetic counseling services.

The eReach Study was designed to make genetic counseling and testing simple and convenient.

Every step of this study can happen in your home, so there is no travel required.

While genetic counseling services will be provided at no cost by eReach Study staff, your genetic testing will likely be covered by your health insurance. Our staff will help you understand how the cost of genetic testing will be covered.

Our genetic counselors can help you understand the genetic testing process before your test, and help you to understand your results and provide support on the steps you can take based on your results.

By taking part, you can help us find better ways to make sure all patients can get easy access to genetic testing and counseling to make the most informed decisions possible about their cancer treatment.

 

 

 

 

How does the eReach Study work?

Genetic testing often involves TWO meetings with a genetic counselor. These can be done by phone or videoconference in your home. The first meeting is about genetic testing options, and the second meeting is when you receive your results and learn how they may impact your medical care.

Some patients who participate in the eReach Study can review a website with the same information that a genetic counselor would share. You’ll will have access to speak with a genetic counselor if you wish at any time.

In the eReach Study, you’ll be randomly assigned to one of four different groups:

• Group A: Choose your testing and receive your results with a Genetic Counselor*


• Group B: Choose your testing with a Genetic Counselor* and receive your result through the eReach secure website**


• Group C: Choose your testing through the eReach secure website** and receive your results with a Genetic Counselor*


• Group D: Choose your testing and receive your results through the eReach secure website**

*All sessions are conducted by telephone or videoconferencing in the comfort of your own home.

** All website interactions are secure, with unique log-in access only shared with you.

The eReach Study steps include:

STEP 1: You can contact, or request to be contact by, a member of the eReach Study Team, who will help determine if you are eligible for this study. *If you would like to determine if you are eligible for the eReach study now, click here.

You will be given the opportunity to participate in the eReach study and sign an Informed Consent Document. This can be done electronically or verbally, depending on your preference. After you have consented, you will be asked to complete a short survey.

STEP 2: Next, you will meet virtually with a genetic counselor in your home by telephone or videoconference (Group A and B) OR complete by web (Group C and D). After completion, you will be asked to complete a 2nd short survey.

STEP 3: After your pre-test counseling, you will complete your genetic testing. This is typically done using a saliva sample kit sent to your home.

STEP 4: After your test results become available, you will meet virtually with a genetic counselor in your home by telephone or videoconference (Group A and C) OR complete by web (Group B and D) and complete a 3rd short survey.

The genetic counselor will share your results with your preferred physician.

Participants will receive an incentive after the completion of each survey.

There will be a 4th at 6 months and, for some participants, a 5th survey at 12 months.

How do you participate in the eReach Study?

If you are interested in participating in the eReach Study, please complete this brief, HIPAA-compliant electronic form which will help determine if you meet criteria: eReach Eligibility Screener

You can contact a member of the eReach Study Research Team: By Email or by phone at 215 662-2753