Nest Software for Cancer Syndromes

Overseen By Jennifer W Mack, MD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nest Genomics

Disqualifiers: Age, No genetic variant, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a software platform called Nest can help young adults with a genetic risk for cancer improve their screening and care. The trial will determine if Nest users become more knowledgeable about their cancer risks, feel less worried, share information more, and keep their care plans updated compared to non-users. Participants will either use the Nest system or continue with their usual care for comparison. Those who have undergone genetic testing showing a high risk for cancer and are not currently in treatment might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cancer care for those at genetic risk.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this software platform is safe for improving cancer screening?

Research shows that the Nest software platform is designed to improve cancer screening for young adults with a potential genetic risk. Its safety primarily focuses on its effectiveness for patients. As a software tool, not a medication or physical treatment, Nest does not cause side effects like drugs do.

The platform has been tested with many individuals to identify those who might need a genetic evaluation, and no harm has been reported. Additionally, the software complies with HIPAA rules, ensuring personal health information remains private and secure.

Overall, using Nest is expected to be safe, as it serves as a tool for learning and planning rather than a medical procedure. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Nest Software because it offers a new way to enhance genetic counseling for cancer syndromes. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on standard counseling sessions, Nest integrates clinical decision support to guide clinicians during visits. This software also features a Patient Navigator, which empowers patients with personalized information and support. By improving communication and decision-making, Nest aims to make genetic counseling more effective and patient-centered.

What evidence suggests that the Nest software is effective for improving cancer screening in young adults with genetic risk for cancer?

Research shows that tools like Nest, used by participants in the intervention arm of this trial, can help people understand their cancer risks and the care they need. Studies have found that these tools often assist patients in making better health decisions, especially for those with a genetic risk for cancer. Early results suggest that using Nest can reduce stress and improve communication with family and doctors about cancer risks. Additionally, patients using Nest are more likely to follow their recommended cancer screenings. Overall, evidence supports that Nest may help patients better manage their cancer risk and care. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Huma Q Rana, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Jennifer Mack, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults at genetic risk for cancer. Participants must be willing to use the Nest software, attend genetic counseling or follow-up visits, take surveys, and complete recommended screenings and care. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I can speak and read English.

Receiving care at Dana Farber Cancer Institute

I am not currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

Not receiving care at Dana Farber Cancer Institute

I do not speak or read English.

I have not had genetic testing for cancer or my test did not find any high-risk gene changes.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase 1: Pilot

Pilot Nest among young adult hereditary cancer patients and clinicians to refine implementation for feasibility and acceptability

8 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for genetic counseling or follow-up

Phase 2: Randomized Trial

Implement the Nest intervention in a randomized trial to measure its impact on patient knowledge, psychological distress, and information sharing

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for genetic counseling or follow-up, plus use of Nest Patient Navigator

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as knowledge of cancer risks, psychological distress, and information sharing

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Nest

Trial Overview The trial tests if the Nest software platform can improve knowledge about cancer risks, reduce psychological distress, encourage sharing of cancer information with family/doctors, and ensure up-to-date care plans compared to non-users.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients in the intervention arm will complete a genetic counseling or follow-up visit with a clinician using Nest Clinical Decision Support and a post visit-survey. Intervention arm patients will be given access to the Nest Patient Navigator.

Group II: Control Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients in the control arm will complete a standard genetic counseling or follow-up visit and a post-visit survey.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nest Genomics

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

140+

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Collaborator

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Collaborator

Trials

273

Recruited

299,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06654466

NCT06654466 | Closing the GAPS: Guideline Adherence, ... Phase 2 will test Nest efficacy to improve patient and clinician experiences and outcomes, including patient knowledge of cancer risks and recommended care, and ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1098360025000711

Outcomes and effectiveness of decision aids for families ... Most DAs targeted women (69.6%) with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (73.9%) in North America and Europe (81.3%), primarily supporting decisions ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40196937/

Outcomes and effectiveness of decision aids for families ... Most DAs targeted women (69.6%) with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (73.9%) in North America and Europe (81.3%), primarily supporting decisions ...

4. cancer.jmir.org cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e59464/PDF

Mixed Methods Design Unlike a single assistant, Nest-CRC can scale the volume and capabilities of genetic services without being impacted by patient load, staff ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7000231/

Standards-Based Clinical Decision Support Platform to ... The CDS platform was executed against a target population of 143,012 patients; 5,245 (3.7%) met criteria for genetic evaluation based on the FHH ...

6. nestgenomics.com nestgenomics.com/

Nest Genomics It offers a turnkey solution for patient identification, Clinical Decision Support, and tailored educational resources for providers and patients. Coordinated ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06654466

NCT06654466 | Closing the GAPS: Guideline Adherence, ... The goal of this clinical trial is to see if a software platform can improve cancer screening in young adults with genetic risk for cancer.

8. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-neoplastic-syndromes-hereditary-8-2025-0076f

Nest Software for Cancer Syndromes · Info for Participants The goal of this clinical trial is to see if a software platform can improve cancer screening in young adults with genetic risk for cancer.