About IGNITE-TX

A study built on knowledge, care, and family.

The IGNITE-TX Study is a clinical trial investigating how to better support families diagnosed with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome or Lynch syndrome (LS).

Both conditions are caused by inherited gene mutations that significantly increase cancer risk — not just for the person diagnosed, but for their entire family.

Through IGNITE-TX, we're learning how patients can better understand their genetic test results, share this life-changing information with relatives, and access the resources they need to take action.

Participation is completely free. Our team is here to support you 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

Understanding your genetic risk isn't just about you — it's about everyone who shares your DNA.

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

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

Our dedicated support team is available to address any questions about genetic results or the study itself, at every step of the process.

Why IGNITE-TX
Our Objectives
Our objectives

What we're working to achieve

The primary objectives of the IGNITE-TX Study are to help families understand their cancer risk linked to HBOC and Lynch syndrome, share genetic testing results with at-risk relatives, and connect participants with essential resources for those considering testing

Both HBOC and Lynch syndrome increase the likelihood of cancer in men and women. This trial presents a unique opportunity to expand access to genetic knowledge for families across Texas — 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
Gynecologic Oncologist
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Principal Investigator
NA
Núria Agustí, MD
Research Coordinator · Study Manager · Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Study Manager
KB
Karla L. Barajas, MD
Research Coordinator · Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Research Coordinator
AK
Alexa Kanbergs, MD-ScM, MS
Gynecologic Oncology Fellow
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Fellow
MI
Maria Iniesta, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Co-Investigator
RW
Roni N. Wilke, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Co-Investigator
EB
Erica Bednar, MS, MPH, CGC
Senior Healthcare Systems Improvement Specialist · Certified Genetic Counselor
Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Genetic Counselor
TC
Tara B. Coffin, PhD, MEd, CIP, CLE
Regulatory Specialist · Research & Communications Consultant
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Regulatory
BK
Beth Y. Karlan, MD
Nancy Marks Endowed Chair in Women's Health Research · Professor and Vice Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology · Director, Cancer Population Genetics
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Co-Investigator
SL
Sayoni Lahiri, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Genetic Counselor
SP
Sara Pirzadeh-Miller, MS, CGC
President-Elect, National Society of Genetic Counselors · Director, Cancer Genetics Program
UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Genetic Counselor
KP
Kathy Pratt, BSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, ONN-CG
Genetic Nurse Navigator
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Nurse Navigator
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.