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At this time of great uncertainty, please know that you are not alone. FORCE is here for you! We will continue to share important information to keep you up-to-date and to help you take care of your health. We will work to connect you to resources, experts and other people who share your situation and who understand your challenges and issues. COVID-19 is a global issue but, as a community, we can empower one another. We are stronger together.


Webinar: A Second Helping of Stress:
Coping with Hereditary Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has added a large second helping of stress to everyone’s plate and has also created unique challenges for people living with hereditary cancer syndromes. Dr. Hurley, psychologist from the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in psychosocial issues related to hereditary cancer risk, presented how to feel more empowered when stresses, both rare and worldwide, combine and answered many questions from participants. 

Listen to recorded webinar and obtain list  of available resources 


Show your appreciation for FORCE volunteers  

Multi-generational family photoFORCE is so proud of our entire team of volunteers who provide support, education and resources to so many individuals in our community. Help us celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, by sharing your appreciation for our VolunteerFORCE team. Submit your message through the link below and we will share it with our volunteers. Thank you for brightening their day!
 
Thank your FORCE volunteer today!


Palliative care can improve patient outcomes  

Multi-generational family photoAre you a metastatic cancer patient, or do you know someone who is? Palliative care and integrative medicine can improve patient outcomes. Read our latest XRAY review about a young woman with metastatic breast cancer who used supportive care to improve her ability to cope with treatment.
 
Read our XRAY review


Read our FORCE blog for more updates

Blog LogoSubscribe to our blog, Thoughts from FORCE, for personal stories and deeper insights into issues that affect our community. Recent topics include:

View our blog


Get virtual support   

You are not alone You are not alone! FORCE’s staff and volunteers are available to support you via our virtual support programs. Connect with trained individuals who understand the decisions you face. 

If you would like to help others, please learn about our available volunteer roles and apply, if interested. Online training is provided and can be done from your own home.


Navigation portals connect people to information, research and support resources

couple looking at computerFORCE has new portal pages with links to information, research and support resources. Learn the role that genetics can play in these cancers, treatment options and opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Personalized portals are available for:


Find HBOC studies and participate in research!
 

research tool homepage on tablet
Please visit our new and improved HBOC Research Search Tool and Featured Research Page to find and participate in research studies enrolling patients like you. 
 

Clinical trials and research studies need participants

The research studies below are enrolling people with, or at high risk for hereditary cancer. 


A study to evaluate Rucaparib in patients with solid tumors and with deleterious mutations in HRR genes (LODESTAR)

Lodestar logoThe LODESTAR study is evaluating the response of the PARP inhibitor rucaparib in people with advanced solid tumors (including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and other cancers) who have an inherited or acquired mutation in any of the following genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BARD1, BRIP1, FANCA, NBN, RAD51 or RAD51B.

Learn more about LODESTAR


ELLIE's Project

Ellie's Project LogoDo you have a genetic mutation increasing your risk of cancer?  Help inform us how future research on lifestyle habits can better serve YOU!  Take a 20-minutes survey to learn about nutrition and exercise in relationship to hereditary cancer mutations.

Take the survey


IMMray™ PanCan-d Test for early detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk groups


rack of test tubesThe Study of IMMray™ PanCan-d Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer in High-risk Groups is enrolling people who do not have pancreatic cancer, but have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Learn more 


Study of safety and effectiveness of Motiva® breast implants

woman on beachThe only way to continue to advance the safety and performance of breast implants is through research. The Motiva Implants® US clinical study is recruiting now for breast reconstruction (both primary and revision) participants. Visit the study link to learn more and participate. 

Learn more 


Pilot study of Denosumab in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers scheduling risk-reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy

hands holding ovarian cancer ribbonAre you a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier scheduled to have your fallopian tubes and ovaries removed? Learn about an opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial looking at the effects of denosumab on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus (for women getting a hysterectomy) of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Denosumab is an FDA-approved injectable medication that is used to treat osteoporosis and to prevent fractures in cancer patients with bone metastases. The eventual goal is to understand if denosumab may be used to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation 

Learn more


Patient satisfaction survey for previvors, thrivers and survivors

survey imagePlease consider participating in a patient satisfaction survey for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and for high risk people. Our goal is to learn about patient satisfaction during the entire experience - from time of being identified as high risk or diagnosed with cancer, through treatment, screening or risk-reducing measures. We are trying to understand the impact of the nurse navigator on the entire experience from time of diagnosis through treatment and/or screening and prophylactic measures. We are comparing satisfaction between patients who had and those who did not have a nurse navigator.

Take the survey


GENERATE Study

Generate logoThe GENERATE (GENetic Education Risk Assessment and Testing) Study offers genetic testing for people who have a close relative with pancreatic cancer that was caused by a mutation in a gene. Knowing about inherited risk helps families protect themselves against pancreatic and other cancers. Visit the study website to learn more and fill out the Eligibility Questionnaire.

Learn more about GENERATE


Screening for men at high genetic risk for prostate cancer

 

group of diverse menCALLING ALL MEN WITH A BRCA MUTATION, A LYNCH SYNDROME MUTATION or one of the other mutations listed below! The National Institutes of Health has a clinical trial for men at high genetic risk for prostate cancer. This is trial is for men without prostate cancer, ages 30 to 70, who have tested positive for Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM) or BRCA1, BRCA2, HOXB13, ATM, NBN, TP53, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51D, FANCA. The trial involves screening MRI of the prostate every two years and biopsy of the prostate if the MRI is abnormal. There is no cost for travel or study-related tests.

Learn more about the study


A Study in advanced breast cancer patients with BRCA 1/2 mutations evaluating Olaparib alone or in combination with Atezolizumab

 

PARP inhibitor + Immunotherapy for Advanced BRCA breast cancer This is a study for women or men who have been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer with a BRCA 1/2 mutation. The goal of this study is to look at whether giving the DNA damage repair inhibitor (PARP inhibitor) olaparib (Lynparza) in combination with the immunotherapy atezolizumab (Tecentriq) improves outcomes for patients compared to olaparib alone.  

Learn more about the study


Olaparib Expanded study – metastatic breast cancer

 

prescription bottle with DNAThe Olaparib Expanded study is enrolling people with metastatic breast cancer who do not have an inherited BRCA mutation. The study is looking at olaparib to treat metastatic breast cancer in people with non-BRCA inherited mutations, such as PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, BRIP1 and others. The study is also open to people with BRCA or other mutations within their tumor.

Learn more about the study


CheckMate-9KD


Bristol-Myers SquibbCheckMate-9KD is a clinical research study for men with metastatic prostate cancer (which means cancer that has spread) that no longer responds to treatments that lower testosterone. Visit the link below to learn more about the study.

Learn more about CheckMate-9K


Metastatic Prostate Cancer Project

 

Metastatic prostate cancer project logoThe Metastatic Prostate Cancer Project is a nationwide genomic research study for men with advanced and/or metastatic prostate cancer. Patients can join online and participate by sharing their medical information and samples. The goal of the project is to generate a comprehensive database that will be shared with the entire research community to accelerate discoveries in prostate cancer. 

Learn more about the study


Ovarian Cancer Treatment Preferences Survey

 

surveyIf you have ever been diagnosed with Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal cancer and have undergone chemotherapy, please consider participating in this Patient Preferences Study. Our goal is to learn about what is most important to patients when choosing cancer treatment. Specifically, we'd like to know how patients feel about taking a break from treatment versus taking an additional medication.

Click here to begin the survey


Menopause and cognitive difficulty study

IMPRES logoDid you know undergoing surgically or chemically induced menopause could put you at risk for cognitive difficulties? Our study seeks to determine the effectiveness of a stimulant drug called Vyvanse on the cognitive functioning of women who experience executive functioning difficulties following surgically induced menopause. For more information, please contact our team.

Learn more about IMPRES


GENTleMEN Study: Genetic Testing for Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer

 

The Gentlemen StudyThe goal of this research study is to determine if online genetic education and testing with online telephone genetic counseling is an acceptable method of delivering genetic testing to men with metastatic prostate cancer.
 
This study involves undergoing genetic counseling and genetic testing for inherited cancer risk.

Learn more about the study


Athena- Rucaparib and Novolumab for maintenance in ovarian cancer

 

Athena logoATHENA is a study for women who are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. ATHENA is looking at whether maintenance therapy with a PARP inhibitor and/or immunotherapy improves outcomes for women who have completed front-line ovarian cancer treatment.

Learn more about ATHENA


Genetic Education for Men (GEM) Study

 

GEM logoThe Genetic Education for Men (GEM) study, is a clinical trial evaluating educational tools for men from families in which a BRCA1/2 gene mutation has been identified. In order to identify untested men from BRCA1/2 families, we are seeking women who have received positive BRCA1/2 test results and have at least one untested male relative. 

Learn more about the GEM study


ARIEL4- ovarian cancer

 

ARIEL 4 logoARIEL4 is a treatment study for women with relapsed, high-grade epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.  ARIEL4 is designed to evaluate rucaparib against standard of care chemotherapy in women who have had at least two prior chemotherapy regimens.  Visit the ARIEL4 Study page for more information.

More information on ARIEL4


TRITON3- prostate cancer

 

Triton 3The purpose of TRITON3 is to determine how patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and an inherited BRCA1, BRCA2 or ATM gene mutation or tumor genetic deficiency respond to treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib (Rubraca) compared to treatment with physician's choice of abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, or docetaxel. 

More information on TRITON3


Metastatic Breast Cancer Project

 

Metastatic Breast Cancer ProjectThe Metastatic Breast Cancer Project is a patient-partnered initiative that directly engages patients across the US & Canada to transform our understanding of metastatic breast cancer. Patients participate by sharing their medical information, tumor samples, and their voices. There is no cost to participate. A small effort can have a major impact. 

Learn more about the study


WISP - Women Choosing Surgical Prevention

WISP LogoThis study is open to pre-menopausal women between 30-50 with a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, BARD1, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2 or EPCAM.  Women choose to either have their fallopian tubes removed now and their ovaries later or to have their tubes and ovaries removed at the same time.  Outcomes are sexual function and quality of life between the women grouped by surgical procedure.  

Learn more about WISP


PALB2 Study

Theimage of test tubes containing DNA PALB2 Study is an international research study looking to recruit women with PALB2 mutations who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Research shows that PALB2 mutations increase the risk of developing breast cancer; however, it is not clear how to best treat or reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with PALB2 mutations. This research study collects information about breast cancer diagnosis and treatment using short questionnaires in order to learn more about breast cancer among women with a PALB2 mutation. This information will help to determine the best treatment for women with PALB2-associated breast cancer and determine which factors predict survival. Through a better understanding, we can personalize breast cancer treatment to increase survival and determine how to best manage at risk family members to detect cancer early or prevent it. For more information please email PALB2study@wchospital.ca.


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