Early Detection of CancerNCT07793539
Understanding Information Preferences, Risk Perceptions, and Tradeoffs When Making Decisions About Multi-cancer Early Detection Tests
A study testing Test Performance Information: High Detail, Test Performance Information: Low Detail and Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail in people with Early Detection of Cancer, run by Trustees of Dartmouth College at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn what people's informational preferences and risk perceptions are in regards to the use of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. Participants will be asked to review three informational factors about MCED tests and complete a survey about their intentions to use an MCED… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 74 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Early Detection of Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Test Performance Information: High Detail, Test Performance Information: Low Detail and Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 3,000 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Sep 2027to Jul 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 74 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 40-74
- Speak English or Spanish
Who cannot join
- Prior diagnosis of cancer (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancers)
- Previous use of a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Dartmouth College
Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756
Christine M Gunn, PhD, 603-646-5430, christine.m.gunn@dartmouth.edu
Laura B Beidler, MPH, 603-646-5611, laura.beidler@dartmouth.edu
About this study
Official title: Investigating Information Preferences, Risk Perceptions, and Tradeoffs in Multi-Cancer Early Detection Decisions: A Randomized Vignette Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn what people's informational preferences and risk perceptions are in regards to the use of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. Participants will be asked to review three informational factors about MCED tests and complete a survey about their intentions to use an MCED test. Some participants will also be asked to complete an interview.
Read the detailed description
This is a clinical trial using a randomized vignette design where the vignette sequentially introduces 3 information factors to participants. This allows for the effect of each informational factor to be tested in the context of the preceding sequence of factors. In this study, the investigators will deliver the vignette in three phases, varying the level of detail of one factor in each phase, resulting in 8 combinations of study conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to these conditions and repeated measures of outcomes of interest will be derived from survey assessments conducted after each informational factor is presented. At the end of trial participation, respondents will be invited to participate in one qualitative interview lasting 30-45 minutes.
- Conditions
- Early Detection of Cancer
- Being tested
- Test Performance Information: High Detail, Test Performance Information: Low Detail, Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail, Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail, Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail
- Keywords
- Cancer screening, multi-cancer early screening, decision making, informational preferences, randomized clinical trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Test Performance Information: High DetailBehavioural
The test performance data presented in the vignette will focus on established evidentiary standards for the evaluation of screening tests: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the ability of tests to find specific cancers and more early-stage cancers. The high numerical detail condition will utilize these numbers and present them according to the decision aid criteria for presenting treatment option data and addressing health literacy.
Test Performance Information: Low DetailBehavioural
The low numerical detail condition will describe the potential for false positives and use descriptions to denote qualitatively performance (high, acceptable, moderate, low). The test performance data presented in the vignette will focus on established evidentiary standards for the evaluation of screening tests: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the ability of tests to find specific cancers and more early-stage cancers.
Diagnostic Workup Information: High DetailBehavioural
The high numerical data will use diagnostic workup data from the most up-to-date findings at the time of survey fielding. Data will be presented on the number of positive tests, follow up included (type and properties of tests), likelihood of receiving each type of test upon a positive findings, and data on median length of time to diagnostic resolution for both true positives and false positives.
Diagnostic Workup Information: Low DetailBehavioural
The low numerical detail condition will describe the possibility of further testing (more blood tests, imaging, and/or procedures) that may be required if the multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test has a positive finding, in line with prior studies communicating about MCED test workup.
Test and Workup Cost Information: High DetailBehavioural
Cost estimates will include insurance and out of pocket costs associated with various pathways of diagnostic workup. The investigators will use test cost estimates based on market rates and insurance coverage mandates at the time of fielding the survey. The high numerical data condition will provide precise estimates conditioned on level of workup and insurance coverage. As above, the final content will be informed by new information that may be gleaned from ongoing studies.
Test and Workup Cost Information: Low DetailBehavioural
The low numerical data will provide broad ranges of diagnostic costs, indicating what costs are covered by insurance, and which are not.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: High, High, High | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 2: High, High, Low | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 3: High, Low, Low | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 4: High, Low, High | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 5: Low, High, High | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 6: Low, Low, High | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 7: Low, High, Low | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 8: Low, Low, Low | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail; Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Decisional Conflict
A validated 10-item scale scored 0-100 that assesses decisional conflict using a 3-point Likert for each item; Includes 4 subscales: informed, uncertainty, values clarity, and support. The full scale will be administered after the third vignette is presented (Time 3).
Measured: 24 hours
Secondary outcomes (3)
Screening Intentions
Validated 2 item measure including 1-item measuring intentions on 100 point scale and 1 decision question (yes/no/unsure). This will be assessed at the end of each vignette (Time 1, 2, 3).
Measured: 24 hours
Informed Subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale
3 Items from the Decisional Conflict Scale will measure how informed participants feel about available options for MCED testing, benefits of MCED testing, and risks of MCED testing. Each is rated on the 3-point scale (yes/no/unsure). This will be assessed at the end of each vignette (Time 1, 2, 3).
Measured: 24 hours
Uncertainty Subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale
Two items from the Decisional Conflict Scale will measure uncertainty about the decision to use MCED tests. This will include feeling clear about the best choice for the participant, and feeling sure about what to choose. Each is rated on the 3-point scale (yes/no/unsure). This will be assessed at the end of each vignette (Time 1, 2, 3).
Measured: 24 hours
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Aug 2026
- Study startSep 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completionJul 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Early Detection of CancerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 3,000 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Trustees of Dartmouth College
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Christine M. Gunn, Trustees of Dartmouth College
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07793539
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY00033796
- Other IDs
- 1R01CA317672
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Based on ethical considerations related to the protection of human subjects, the following data produced during the project will be preserved and shared: * Survey responses * Survey weights * Qualitative interview data, deidentified and without any participant identifiers beyond assigned study group, state, and limited sociodemographic characteristics The investigators will seek to share as much data as possible while maintaining a de-identified dataset without protected health information. Thus, the final shared data set will not include geographic subdivisions smaller than the state level, dates, birth dates, contact information, or other identification numbers. Data available to be shared will be archived in the University of Michigan ICPSR data repository, which was chosen for its focus on social and behavioral data that align with the nature of data collected in this project.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigating Information Preferences, Risk Perceptions, and Tradeoffs in Multi-Cancer Early Detection Decisions: A Randomized Vignette Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07793539
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STUDY00033796
- Conditions
- Early Detection of Cancer
- Keywords
- Cancer screening, multi-cancer early screening, decision making, informational preferences, randomized clinical trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 3,000 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Trustees of Dartmouth CollegeUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Study start
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn what people's informational preferences and risk perceptions are in regards to the use of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. Participants will be asked to review three informational factors about MCED tests and complete a survey about their intentions to use an MCED test. Some participants will also be asked to complete an interview.
Detailed description
This is a clinical trial using a randomized vignette design where the vignette sequentially introduces 3 information factors to participants. This allows for the effect of each informational factor to be tested in the context of the preceding sequence of factors. In this study, the investigators will deliver the vignette in three phases, varying the level of detail of one factor in each phase, resulting in 8 combinations of study conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to these conditions and repeated measures of outcomes of interest will be derived from survey assessments conducted after each informational factor is presented. At the end of trial participation, respondents will be invited to participate in one qualitative interview lasting 30-45 minutes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 8
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: High, High, High | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 2: High, High, Low | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 3: High, Low, Low | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 4: High, Low, High | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 5: Low, High, High | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 6: Low, Low, High | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: High Detail |
| Arm 7: Low, High, Low | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
| Arm 8: Low, Low, Low | Experimental | Behavioral: Test Performance Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Diagnostic Workup Information: Low Detail, Behavioral: Test and Workup Cost Information: Low Detail |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 74 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Aged 40-74
- Speak English or Spanish
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Prior diagnosis of cancer (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancers)
- Previous use of a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Test Performance Information: High DetailThe test performance data presented in the vignette will focus on established evidentiary standards for the evaluation of screening tests: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the ability of tests to find specific cancers and more early-stage cancers. The high numerical detail condition will utilize these numbers and present them according to the decision aid criteria for presenting treatment option data and addressing health literacy. | Behavioural | Arm 1: High, High, High, Arm 2: High, High, Low, Arm 3: High, Low, Low, Arm 4: High, Low, High |
| Test Performance Information: Low DetailThe low numerical detail condition will describe the potential for false positives and use descriptions to denote qualitatively performance (high, acceptable, moderate, low). The test performance data presented in the vignette will focus on established evidentiary standards for the evaluation of screening tests: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the ability of tests to find specific cancers and more early-stage cancers. | Behavioural | Arm 5: Low, High, High, Arm 6: Low, Low, High, Arm 7: Low, High, Low, Arm 8: Low, Low, Low |
| Diagnostic Workup Information: High DetailThe high numerical data will use diagnostic workup data from the most up-to-date findings at the time of survey fielding. Data will be presented on the number of positive tests, follow up included (type and properties of tests), likelihood of receiving each type of test upon a positive findings, and data on median length of time to diagnostic resolution for both true positives and false positives. | Behavioural | Arm 1: High, High, High, Arm 2: High, High, Low, Arm 5: Low, High, High, Arm 7: Low, High, Low |
| Diagnostic Workup Information: Low DetailThe low numerical detail condition will describe the possibility of further testing (more blood tests, imaging, and/or procedures) that may be required if the multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test has a positive finding, in line with prior studies communicating about MCED test workup. | Behavioural | Arm 3: High, Low, Low, Arm 4: High, Low, High, Arm 6: Low, Low, High, Arm 8: Low, Low, Low |
| Test and Workup Cost Information: High DetailCost estimates will include insurance and out of pocket costs associated with various pathways of diagnostic workup. The investigators will use test cost estimates based on market rates and insurance coverage mandates at the time of fielding the survey. The high numerical data condition will provide precise estimates conditioned on level of workup and insurance coverage. As above, the final content will be informed by new information that may be gleaned from ongoing studies. | Behavioural | Arm 1: High, High, High, Arm 4: High, Low, High, Arm 5: Low, High, High, Arm 6: Low, Low, High |
| Test and Workup Cost Information: Low DetailThe low numerical data will provide broad ranges of diagnostic costs, indicating what costs are covered by insurance, and which are not. | Behavioural | Arm 2: High, High, Low, Arm 3: High, Low, Low, Arm 7: Low, High, Low, Arm 8: Low, Low, Low |
Primary outcome
Decisional Conflict
Time frame: 24 hours
A validated 10-item scale scored 0-100 that assesses decisional conflict using a 3-point Likert for each item; Includes 4 subscales: informed, uncertainty, values clarity, and support. The full scale will be administered after the third vignette is presented (Time 3).
3 secondary outcomes
Screening Intentions
Time frame: 24 hours
Informed Subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale
Time frame: 24 hours
Uncertainty Subscale of the Decisional Conflict Scale
Time frame: 24 hours
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Based on ethical considerations related to the protection of human subjects, the following data produced during the project will be preserved and shared: * Survey responses * Survey weights * Qualitative interview data, deidentified and without any participant identifiers beyond assigned study group, state, and limited sociodemographic characteristics The investigators will seek to share as much data as possible while maintaining a de-identified dataset without protected health information. Thus, the final shared data set will not include geographic subdivisions smaller than the state level, dates, birth dates, contact information, or other identification numbers. Data available to be shared will be archived in the University of Michigan ICPSR data repository, which was chosen for its focus on social and behavioral data that align with the nature of data collected in this project.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Test Performance Information: High Detail, Test Performance Information: Low Detail and Diagnostic Workup Information: High Detail in people with Early Detection of Cancer, run by Trustees of Dartmouth College at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Christine M Gunn, PhD (603-646-5430, christine.m.gunn@dartmouth.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Decisional Conflict (time frame: 24 hours). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Aug 2026.