Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways) Study

FAQs | Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways) Study

What is a clinical study?

According to the NIH, a clinical study involves research using volunteers (or participants) to add to medical knowledge. There are two main types of clinical studies: clinical trials (also called interventional studies) and observational studies.

Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways) is an observational study. We do not provide medical treatment or interventions to any of the study volunteers.

Why this study matters?

Only about 1 of 5 people with cancer enroll in clinical research, according to a 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Hispanic/Latinos make up only 10% of participants in clinical trials run by the National Cancer Institute and 4% of drug trials run by the FDA, according to a 2019 study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Latinos in the US, only slightly behind heart disease. Every year heart disease and cancer cause 17% of Latino deaths, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2024-2026 report.

The American Cancer Society estimates 195,300 cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2024 with another 50,400 Hispanic/Latinos dying from the disease. 

Participant Testimonials

“Being able to share my [Hispanic/Latino cancer] experience with other people is something that I never had the chance to do.”
-Laticia C., Breast Cancer Survivor

“I feel it’s been helpful to me to be able to speak about everything that happened to me ... Having people who understand what I went through is a sort of therapy.”
-Sandra C., Colorectal Cancer Survivor

“I think it’s my obligation, my responsibility to [share my cancer story].”
-Rick A., Prostate Cancer Survivor

“The fact that the research that is being done is to help individuals that have had cancer figure out what to do next. We need help. We don’t have that in the community.”
-Yoli D., Stomach Cancer Survivor

“I felt heard when I spoke to [the study team about my cancer journey].”
-Rose H., Breast Cancer Survivor

More FAQs

How do I enroll?

To enroll at the San Antonio location, please call 210-562-6514 or email us at Caminos@uthscsa.edu.

To enroll at the Miami location, please call 305-243-7777 or email us at caminos@miami.edu.

Who can sign up?

We are recruiting volunteers from the San Antonio, TX, and Miami, FL, areas. You must meet the following criteria to enroll:

  • Age: 18 years or older
  • Able to read in English or Spanish
  • Willing to attend study visits
  • Completed primary treatment for breast, prostate, colon, kidney, liver, lung, stomach, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, thyroid, lymphomas (Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin), bladder, or melanoma cancers within the past ten years
  • No severe cognitive impairment or inpatient psychiatric treatment in past six months
  • No evidence of distant metastatic disease, or stage IV with No Evidence of Disease (NED) and or No Evidence of Disease Progression (NEDP) within the past year
  • No evidence of stage IV chronic kidney disease/renal failure

What do volunteers do in this study?

Volunteers must be willing to participate in a study over a six-year period.

  • First visit: Assessment interview, blood draw
  • 6-month visit: Assessment Interview
  • 12-month visit: Assessment interview, blood draw
  • Year 2 Visit: Assessment interview
  • Year 3 Visit: Assessment interview, blood draw
  • Year 4 Visit: Assessment interview
  • Year 5 Visit: Assessment interview, blood draw

How long will the study last?

This study lasts six years.

Will participating impact my care?

Your participation in this study will not impact your care at Mays Cancer Center.

Will I be receiving any treatment as part of this study?

No. Avanzando Caminos (Leading Pathways) is an observational study. We do not provide medical treatment or interventions to any of the study volunteers.

Will I be compensated?

Volunteers will receive $50 per visit (up to $350).

Still have questions?

Please contact us.

 

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