ConnectedNest for Cancer

Overseen By Allison Iwan

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Disqualifiers: Children

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

300 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new platform, ConnectedNest, designed to connect cancer patients with social and community services. The study aims to determine if this platform improves health outcomes for those facing issues like unstable housing and financial stress during cancer treatment or survivorship. Participants will either use the ConnectedNest platform or continue with standard cancer care to compare results. The trial seeks adults currently undergoing cancer treatment or who are cancer survivors receiving care at specific clinics in Minnesota. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on social support rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that the ConnectedNest platform is safe for cancer patients?

Research has shown that ConnectedNest, a digital platform aiding cancer patients in finding social and community services, has undergone safety testing. In an earlier small study, 50 cancer survivors used the platform for 90 days without reporting any negative effects. This indicates that the platform is safe and user-friendly. The current study is in Phase 2, meaning earlier tests demonstrated its safety for broader use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about ConnectedNest because it offers a unique, tech-driven approach to supporting adults undergoing cancer therapy or in survivorship. Unlike traditional treatments that focus primarily on the physical aspects of cancer, ConnectedNest emphasizes mental and emotional well-being by integrating digital tools to provide personalized support and resources. This approach aims to enhance overall quality of life and potentially improve treatment outcomes by addressing the holistic needs of patients, a feature that sets it apart from the standard care options.

What evidence suggests that the ConnectedNest platform is effective for addressing social determinants of health in cancer patients?

Research has shown that ConnectedNest, a digital platform, may help people with cancer by addressing social needs like housing and food. In this trial, some participants will receive ConnectedNest, while others will receive standard care. An earlier study involved 50 cancer survivors using ConnectedNest for 90 days. The study found that the platform improved cooperation between patients and community groups and increased social care referrals. These findings suggest that ConnectedNest could positively impact the well-being of cancer patients by addressing social factors that affect health. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Helen Parsons, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who can read and write in English, are being seen at a participating Minnesota oncology clinic, and are either undergoing active cancer therapy or are in survivorship. It aims to help them with social and health challenges related to their condition.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

I am currently receiving treatment for cancer or am in the survivorship phase.

I can read and write in English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pilot Study

50 cancer survivors utilized the ConnectedNest platform for a 90-day duration to assess patient and CBO engagement, SDoH needs, and social care referrals.

12 weeks

Phase II Implementation

The platform is implemented and tested among patients at multiple oncology clinics to evaluate health outcomes.

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social needs, quality of life, and satisfaction with care after using the platform.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ConnectedNest

Trial Overview The ConnectedNest digital platform is being tested against standard care. This platform connects cancer patients with community services for social needs and involves the clinical team in the referral process. The study evaluates how well it improves health outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: ConnectedNest adults Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices randomized to receive ConnectedNest

Group II: Standard of care adults Active Control 1 Intervention

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices randomized to receive standard of care

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,459

Recruited

1,623,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12141133/

Enhancing cancer care through digital social care referrals To test ConnectedNest, we conducted a 3-month pilot study with 41 cancer survivors and caregivers and 13 CBOs. Both survivors and CBOs were ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06559228

Study Details | NCT06559228 | ConnectedNest: a Digital ... 50 cancer survivors from these CBOs were enrolled to utilize the ConnectedNest platform for a 90-day duration. Our study involved the collection and analysis of ...

3. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11195638

Project Details - NIH RePORTER ConnectedNest, a novel digital referral platform developed by XanthosHealth, addresses the impact of non-medical factors on individuals facing cancer.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/392436960_Enhancing_cancer_care_through_digital_social_care_referrals_insights_from_the_ConnectedNest_pilot_study

Enhancing cancer care through digital social care referrals in this study. To test ConnectedNest, we conducted a 3-month pilot. study with 41 cancer survivors and caregivers and 13 CBOs.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-2-malignancies-2025-fd2db

ConnectedNest for Cancer 50 cancer survivors utilized the ConnectedNest platform for a 90-day duration to assess patient and CBO engagement, SDoH needs, and social care referrals. ... The ...

6. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/BvO3GJ__30qk_vui_Ko60Q/project-details/11195638

Project Details - NIH RePORTER ConnectedNest, a novel digital referral platform developed by XanthosHealth, addresses the impact of non-medical factors on individuals facing cancer. Following ...