For more on Risk Assessment
at Fox Chase Cancer Center,
call 1-877-627-9684.

Learn More: Progress through Research

• Our History
  
• What are Risk Factors
  
• Genetic Testing Information
  
• Progress through Research
  

Through Fox Chase’s Risk Assessment Program, you have the option to take part in research studies that help us learn more about cancer risk and prevention.

By studying the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that influence cancer risk, researchers at Fox Chase are working to understand more about the genes that influence cancer, who is at risk for certain types of cancers, and how we might reduce this risk.

In addition, our researchers are looking at how cancer risk and genetic information affect individual and family decisions, and are developing ways of communicating cancer risk information more effectively to patients and their families.

As an academic center we are constantly looking for new ways to detect, treat, and prevent cancer.  Below are some areas of research that we focus on at our center. Our doctors and scientists explore the entire spectrum of cancer from basic laboratory science to behavioral science to clinical trials.  We have great success in patient participation in our research—it is really you, our patients, who allow us to be on the cutting edge of cancer research!  If you are interested in participating in any of the studies below please phone or email the contact person associated with that study.

RISK ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Study Opportunities

RAP Registry (Risk Assessment Program Registry)
This is a research opportunity for women who have tested positive for a gene mutation which increases their risk for ovarian cancer. The purpose of this research study is to test the impact of some decision support materials we have developed to help women consider ways to reduce their risk for ovarian cancer. These materials contain information about genetic and other risk factors for ovarian cancer and options for reducing ovarian cancer risk, especially the surgical removal of the ovaries before cancer can develop. We want to determine if these materials are helpful to women faced with these decisions.
Contact: Nina F Galpern
Phone: 215-728-2465
Email: nina.galpern@fccc.edu

RAP Registry (Risk Assessment Program Registry)
This is a research study for people who have a higher than average risk of cancer. You will be asked to fill out a Health History Questionnaire and donate a blood sample (and possibly, stored tissue (cells from a tissue sample that was removed in the past). The purpose of this study is to create a registry (a type of study that follows large number of people over time). Information and blood are collected for researchers to study now, and in the future. We will collect information about the health history, family history of cancer and the environment of large numbers of people.
Contact: Nina F Galpern
Phone: 215-728-2465
Email: nina.galpern@fccc.edu

Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (CPMC):
Fox Chase Cancer Center Cohort
This is a research opportunity that will give individuals personal information about their genes to determine how the information is used in medical care and decision making. A saliva sample and completion of online questionnaires is required.
Contact: Honey Salador
Phone: 215-728-3504
Email:  honey.salador@fccc.edu

IMPACT
IMPACT is an international study of prostate cancer screening for men whose families have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The overall goal of this study is to determine the risk of prostate cancer for men with BRCA mutations. The results of this study will help develop an early detection program for them. Men between the ages of 40-69 who come from a family with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are eligible to enroll. Participation in the study includes a PSA blood test once a year for 5 years and completion of medical and family history questionnaires.
Contact: Laura Gross
Phone: 215-728-5516
Email: laura.gross@fccc.edu

Philadelphia Breast Cancer Family Registry (PBCFR) 
The Philadelphia Breast Cancer Family Registry (PBCFR) is one of six international sites of the Breast Cancer Family Registry (B-CFR) funded by the National Cancer Institute. The sites have collaborated over the past 17 years to establish a research resource for use by the scientific community. Health and family history information, blood samples and pathology information are collected from eligible participants and their family members. Additionally, some funding is available to provide BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for eligible individuals.
Contact: Lisa Bealin
Phone: 1-877-627-9684
Email: lisa.bealin@fccc.edu

Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program (PRAP)
The Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program (PRAP) is a research, education, and screening study for men who are at high risk for prostate cancer. The purpose of the program is to provide men at risk for prostate cancer with education and counseling so they can understand their personal risk. The program also provides yearly prostate cancer screening. Men between the ages of 35-69 who have a family history of prostate cancer or who are African-American, regardless of family history, are eligible for the study. Participation in the study involves an annual PSA blood test and physical exam, donation of blood for research, and completion of medical and family history questionnaires. Each participant receives personalized diet recommendations and a semi-annual newsletter providing up-to-date information on new findings in the field of cancer genetics and risk assessment. 
Contact: Laura Gross
Phone: 215-728-5516
Email: laura.gross@fccc.edu