About IGNITE-TX

A study built on knowledge, support, and family.

The IGNITE-TX Study is a clinical trial research study focused on finding better ways to support families affected by Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome or Lynch syndrome (LS).

These conditions are caused by inherited changes in genes (sometimes called mutations) that can increase the risk of cancer— not just for the person diagnosed, but for their entire family.

Through IGNITE-TX, researchers are learning how people understand their genetic test results, how they share that information with family members, and what kinds of support may help them take the next step.

Participation is completely free, and the study team is available to answer questions and provide support at every step.

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"Being aware of our genetic risks empowers us to make informed decisions — for ourselves and for the people we love."

Why it matters

Why genetic testing matters

Learning about your genetic risk isn't just about you — it is important for everyone who shares your DNA.

When someone is diagnosed with HBOC or Lynch syndrome, close relatives may have the same gene mutations and face elevated cancer risks without knowing it. Yet across the country, fewer than 50% of at-risk relatives ever receive genetic testing.

The IGNITE-TX study wants to change that. By helping families navigate genetic information together, we can turn awareness into prevention — and science into care.

Our dedicated study team is available to answer any questions you have about genetic testing and study participation along the way.

Why IGNITE-TX
Our Objectives
Our objectives

What we're working to achieve

The IGNITE-TX study is focused on helping families better understand their inherited cancer risk related to HBOC and Lynch syndrome, . This research is also invested in learning more about how people share genetic test results with family members and what kinds of supports can support those considering testing.

Both HBOC and Lynch syndrome can increase the risk of cancer in men and women. By improving access to information and resources about genetic risk and genetic testing, this study presents a unique opportunity to expand access to genetic knowledge for families across the country — and make early prevention a reality for more people.

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Research team

The people behind the study

JR
J. Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD, MPH
Associate Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Principal Investigator
MF
Melissa Frey, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
Principal Investigator
RS
Ravi Sharaf, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine
Principal Investigator
MI
Maria Iniesta, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Project Manager
NA
Núria Agustí, MD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine
Project Manager
EB
Erica Bednar, MS, MPH, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Cancer Prevention and Control Platform and Clinical Cancer Genetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Collaborator
RW
Roni N. Wilke, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Collaborator
KJ
Kristoffer Jennings
Assistant Professor in Biostatistics
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Collaborator
TC
Tara B. Coffin, PhD, MEd, CIP, CLE
Consultant
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Collaborator
Get in touch

Have questions about the study?

Our team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to answer any questions about eligibility, the study process, or genetic testing.