Genetic Information to Inform Treatment and Screening (GIFTS) for Prostate Cancer

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The purpose of the Genetic Information to Inform Treatment and Screening (GIFTS) for prostate cancer study is to understand the importance of genetics in prostate cancer risk and prostate cancer development.

Prostate cancer is the second cause of cancer death in men in the state of Washington and in the U.S. The goal of this study is to learn how genetic factors (things that are passed down in your family) change a person’s risk of aggressive prostate cancer, and how they change what the disease does, in people with prostate cancer and their close relatives. We will set up a varied group of people that we will follow long-term to help us understand why some people have better or worse effects from prostate cancer. We hope that what we learn will help us find better ways to treat patients with prostate cancer and improve cancer screening for people with a higher risk of prostate cancer. 

Para obtener más información en español sobre el estudio: Estudio GIFTS

Learn about genetic testing for prostate cancer

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Why should you join the study?

Your participation could lead to:

  • Better screening practices for prostate cancer
  • Better treatment options for prostate cancer
  • Improved quality of life for prostate cancer survivors
     

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer:

  • Male sex
  • Aged 35–89 years old at diagnosis
  • Had a Washington state address at diagnosis
  • Currently living in the U.S.

Or

First-degree male relatives of GIFTS participant:

  • Is a father, son or brother of GIFTS participant with prostate cancer
  • Male sex
  • Aged 35–89
  • Currently living in U.S.
  • With or without prostate cancer history

Participant Requirements

Basic study requirements:

  • Sign the study consent form
  • Complete a health questionnaire (about 20–30 minutes)
  • Provide at least one saliva sample that will be used to study your genetic information
  • Complete follow-up questionnaires every two years 

Optional Study Activities

You may choose to take part in:

  • Provide contact information for your male relatives
  • Provide consent for a medical record review
  • Provide consent for us to obtain your tumor tissue collected during routine medical care
  • Provide access to any prior genetic test results you may have done

All study activities can be done from your home without going anywhere. You can complete study materials online or return them by postal mail.

Participant Compensation

After you complete the health questionnaire and provide at least one saliva sample, you will receive a $40 gift card. You will also get free genetic testing, and you can have genetic counseling to go over your test results.

Annual Newsletters

Study participants will also get a GIFTS newsletter once a year with updates on the study, news about prostate cancer genetics and information about events you may be interested to attend. See below for examples of past study newsletter(s):

Study Research Team

Burcu F. Darst, PhD

Burcu F. Darst, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator

Heather H. Cheng, MD, PhD

Heather H. Cheng, MD, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator

Contact Us

Contact the GIFTS Study Staff

Please contact study staff with any questions you may have. 

E-mail: GIFTSstudy@fredhutch.org
Phone: 206.667.4738 / 833.338.1383 toll free

Address:
GIFTS Study
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
PO Box 19024, Mailstop: M1-B208
Seattle, WA 98109

If you are a GIFTS study participant and have changed your name, address, phone number or email address, please email GIFTSstudy@fredhutch.org to let us know.