Abstract LB145: Implementing timely germline genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer via a point-of-care digital education and health assessment tool
Authors: Permuth Jennifer B. , Moravec Sophie , Barton Laura V. , Suresh Revathy , Vadaparampi Susan T. , Rivera Jessica Rivera , Hicks J. Kevin , Ho Teresa , Kim Dae Won , Palm Russel , Hodul Pamela J. , Schmidlen Tara , Snir Moran , Hayward Laura 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. National guidelines recommend germline genetic testing (GT) for all PDAC patients, but only 6.8-19% obtain GT. Current GT barriers include under-referral and genetic counselor shortage. Our goal was to improve uptake of GT among PDAC patients using a novel delivery model for genetic education and testing.

Methods: The Genetic Information for Treatment Decisions (GIFTD) Initiative at Moffitt Cancer Center was created to streamline education and GT for PDAC patients. A Genetic Risk Education Coordinator (GREC), trained by licensed, board-certified genetic counselors, was hired to identify eligible patients and facilitate GT during clinician appointments. In partnership with Nest Genomics, a digital point-of-care tool was developed to collect personal and family history information, provide education about GT, and assess interest in GT. Patients receive a link from Nest ahead of their appointment via text and/or email to invite them to provide information and view education via mobile device. An auto-generated summary report with an indicator regarding GT interest is created in real-time for the GREC.

Results: Seventy patients were invited to the Nest tool over the six-week launch period. Of those who opened the link, 83% (35/42) logged into their Nest account. Of these patients who logged into Nest, 71% (25/35) completed Nest’s GT education. The GREC met with 68% (17/25) of the patients that completed the education. 76% (13/17) of these patients were consented to GT. There were 2 patients who initially indicated that they were not interested in genetic testing in Nest but changed their mind after meeting with the GREC.

Conclusion: Moffitt's collaboration with Nest through the GREC has successfully facilitated prompt germline genetic testing for PDAC patients, aiding in informed treatment decisions and family screening. Our preliminary findings suggest that the scalable Nest tool successfully captures PDAC patients who may be interested in GT, but follow-up with the GREC may further increase GT rates. Future directions for increasing uptake of GT and adhering to national guidelines include additional personalization and enhancement of the Nest tool.

Citation Format: Jennifer B. Permuth, Sophie Moravec, Laura V. Barton, Revathy Suresh, Susan T. Vadaparampi, Jessica Rivera Rivera, J. Kevin Hicks, Teresa Ho, Dae Won Kim, Russel Palm, Pamela J. Hodul, Tara Schmidlen, Moran Snir, Laura Hayward. Implementing timely germline genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer via a point-of-care digital education and health assessment tool [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB145.