Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Research Articles

Palliative care for patients with gastroesophageal cancer at all stages: a narrative review.

Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is a highly morbid disease with a poor prognosis. While uncommon in the United States, globally it is ranked as the sixth or seventh most common cancer depending on survey tool. GEJ cancer presents a unique and challenging symptom profile for patients at all disease stages, regardless of histology. Even patients with early stage disease experience debilitating cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects. The heavy symptom burden associated with this disease includes dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, pain, anxiety, depression and malnutrition. These symptoms require a multidisciplinary approach involving local therapies including radiation and stent placement, systemic cancer-directed therapy, nutritional support, and supportive medical management. This review aims to examine the unique symptom burden experienced by patients with GEJ cancer and provide an updated overview of symptom management techniques. A PubMed search was conducted using the terms "gastroesophageal junction cancer AND palliative care". Articles published from 2008 to 2022 with a primary focus on supportive care for patients with GEJ cancers were reviewed. A total of 119 articles were identified and screened in our database search. Of these, 22 full text articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Seventeen articles addressed technical interventions for the alleviation of dysphagia, 1 article focused on nutrition, 1 article described the impact of multidisciplinary tumor boards, 1 article presented the effect of home nurse visits, 1 article described the use of antiemetics, and 1 article was a narrative review of supportive care. In this narrative review, we examine specific supportive care needs in the GEJ cancer population. While the predominant symptom addressed in the literature is dysphagia, patients with GEJ cancer carry a complex symptom burden from diagnosis, through cancer-directed therapy to end-of-life care. Early referral to specialty palliative care should be considered for all patients with GEJ cancer to foster symptom management and delivery of goal concordant care.

Abstract 4637: National multidisciplinary tumor board improves diagnostic stratification and therapeutic management in cancers of unknown primary

Abstract Introduction: With the increasing complexity of current diagnostic investigations, the integration of clinical, pathological and genomic characteristics is crucial for the management of patients (pts) with cancers of unknown primary (CUP). A national multidisciplinary tumor board (NatCUPMTB) was created in July 2020 in France to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic management of CUP pts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic impact of this NatCUPMTB after 39 months of activity. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study with prospective follow-up. All pts discussed at least once in the NatCUPMTB between July 2020 and October 2023 were included. Pts and tumors characteristics, pathological and genomic analyses including WGS, WES and transcriptome analysis performed on the two PFMG2025 (French Genomic Medecine Plan 2025) national sequencing laboratories, multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) conclusions, and follow-up after MTB were collected. Results: 244 pts were included. The median age at diagnosis was 60 yo, 53% were female, and the majority of patients had an OMS status <2. The median number of metastatic sites at diagnosis was 2, with a majority located in the lymph nodes (62%). The median time between diagnosis and first MTB presentation was 3 months (1-20). At the time of analysis, NatCUPMTB conclusions were available for 129 pts with a second MTB presentation. MTB investigations enabled to identify a likely primary origin in 89/129 (69%) pts, the most frequent being breast carcinoma (N=15), renal carcinoma (N=13) and lung carcinoma (N=13). The most frequently molecular alterations found were in TP53 (37%), KRAS (19%), CDKN2A (18%), NF2 (12%), KMT2C (10%), CDKN2B (9%), PBRM1 (9%) genes. MTB diagnoses were based on the combination of clinical, pathological and genomic investigations in 51/89 (59%) of pts. Importantly, a personalized therapeutic strategy was recommended by NatCUPMTB in 91/129 (71%) of pts. Among these recommendations, 72/91 (79%) were based on the diagnosis of tissue of origin (TOO), 9/91 (10%) on an actionable molecular alteration validated in the TOO indication, 8/91 (9%) on an actionable molecular alteration not validated in the TOO indication and 2/91 (2%) based on a druggable alteration only independently from the TOO. After a median follow-up of 1.5 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 17.7 months from the 2nd MTB presentation. Conclusion: NatCUPMTB provides significant diagnostic in 69% of pts with CUP and a therapeutic strategy recommendation for 71% of pts. Citation Format: Célia Dupain, Nicolas Jacquin, Isabelle Guillou, Etienne Rouleau, Julien Masliah Planchon, Isabelle Soubeyran, Christelle De La Fouchardière, Camille Tlemsani, Hélène Blons, Laëtitia Marisa, Anna Patrikidou, Fabienne Escande, Pierre Blanc, Jennifer Wong, Pierre Saintigny, Sandrine Boyault, Adrien Buisson, Yves Allory, Anne Vincent-Salomon, Vincent Cockenpot, Janick Selves, Ivan Bièche, Maud Kamal, Christophe Le Tourneau, Sarah Watson. National multidisciplinary tumor board improves diagnostic stratification and therapeutic management in cancers of unknown primary [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4637.

Abstract 2558: Molecularly matched targeted therapies benefit high risk pediatric cancer patients

Abstract Introduction: Genomic technologies have the potential to transform the paradigm for diagnosing and treating children with cancer. Although druggable alterations are identified in a large fraction of pediatric cancer patients, the extent to which point-of-care genomic testing directly impacts therapeutic outcomes of individual patients in real-world settings is less well-known. A review of patients sequenced through the Precision in Pediatric Sequencing (PIPseq) program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) was conducted to describe outcomes of patients treated with a molecularly matched targeted therapy (MTT). Methods: Matched tumor-normal whole exome and tumor transcriptome sequencing was conducted in a CLIA-certified laboratory at CUIMC between January 2013 and March 2023 on samples from 373 high risk pediatric cancer patients including those with <50% survival, rare cancers lacking standard therapies, and relapsed/refractory disease. All cases were reviewed at a multi-disciplinary molecular tumor board and reports were transmitted to the electronic health record (EHR). EHR data were reviewed to identify patients who received a MTT. Tumor-specific response and progression-free survival (PFS) among the MTT cohort were investigated. Clinical benefit was further assessed using the Growth Modulation Index (GMI) whereby patients served as their own control. GMI is the ratio of PFS on the MTT therapy to the PFS on the most recent prior therapy. A ratio of >/=1.3 indicates meaningful clinical activity. Results: Thirty pediatric patients (solid tumors, n=5; CNS tumors, n=15; hematologic malignancies, n=10) received a MTT. Median age at sequencing was 11 years, range 10 months-23 years. Median time to MTT from sequencing was 4.5 months, range 7 days to 19.2 months. Best overall response included 7 complete responses (23%), 6 partial responses (20%), 5 with stable disease (17%), 10 with progressive disease (33%), and 2 indeterminate due to early death or lack of follow-up during therapy (7%). GMI was calculated for 19/30 patients (63%); median GMI=1.1. 11 patients were excluded due to lack of prior therapy, early death, insufficient follow-up, or lack of progression between prior and targeted therapies. GMI ratios indicated clinical benefit from MTT for 12/19 patients (63%), median GMI=1.5. Conclusions: Clinical comprehensive molecular profiling for pediatric patients with high risk cancers identified patients who are candidates for MTT. Overall, MTT led to stable disease, partial or complete response, for 60% of patients. Utilizing GMI ratios as an indicator of clinical benefit for select patients provided additional information beyond traditional endpoints. Twelve patients with GMI >/=1.3 experienced improved PFS compared to their most recent prior therapy. These results demonstrate real-world clinical benefit from MTT, supporting molecular profiling of pediatric high risk tumors. Citation Format: Alice Tao, Jovana Pavisic, Jennifer A. Oberg. Molecularly matched targeted therapies benefit high risk pediatric cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2558.

Abstract 4627: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with occult primary: Clinical and biological evidence for a new entity of cancers of unknown primary that beneficiates from tissue-tailored treatment

Abstract Background: Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogenous group of malignancies characterized by distant metastases in the absence of detectable primary. Specifics subgroups of CUP that share similarities with cancers of known primary beneficiate from tissue-tailored therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and biological presentation of a cohort of patients with suspected CUP of renal origin (rCUP) and to evaluate their optimal therapeutic management. Methods: All Patients with rCUP identified prospectively between 2020 and 2023 within the French National Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for CUP were included. Centralized pathological review and immunohistochemical stainings were performed. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), whole transcriptomic sequencing (RNAseq) and application of the deep-learning based algorithm TransCUPtomics for prediction of tissue of origin, and DNA methylation analysis were performed and compared to public renal cell carcinomas (RCC). Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results: 23 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 57 yo and 17/23 were male. The most common metastatic sites were the bones (N=17) and the lymph nodes (N=14). 19/23 patients presented with at least two distinct distant metastatic sites. Genomic analyses performed in 10 patients led to the identification of recurrent inactivating mutations in genes commonly altered in RCC, including NF2 (N=7), SETD2 (N=3), or VHL (N=1). 10/11 samples analyzed by RNAseq were predicted as RCC by the TransCUPtomics classifier based on their gene expression profiles. DNA methylation profiling performed in 7 samples showed major similarity with known RCC subtypes.Centralized pathological review and integration of molecular characteristics led to the final diagnoses of papillary RCC (N=2), clear cell RCC (N=7), renal medullary carcinoma (N=1), TFEB-amplified RCC (N=1) and unclassified RCC (N=12). 20/23 patients received at least one line of systemic treatment based on the renal origin, including anti-angiogenic TKI, anti-PD1/PDL1 antibody, anti-CTLA4 antibody or mTOR inhibitor. The median PFS under the first renal-oriented systemic treatment was 5 months and 10 patients remained progression-free for more than 6 months under tailored-treatment. The median OS was 31 months, and 11 patients are still alive in October 2023. Conclusions: This study shows that rCUP represent a new entity within CUPs that shares major similarities with classical RCC despite the more frequent presentation of unfavorable prognostic factors. Prolonged survival can be observed with renal-tailored systemic treatment, supporting the individualization of these patients within CUP. Citation Format: Nicolas Jacquin, Julien Masliah-Planchon, Guillaume Grisay, Ronan Flippot, Riwan Brillet, Célia Dupain, Maud Kamal, Isabelle Guillou, Nadège Gruel, Nicolas Servant, Pierre Gestraud, Jennifer Wong, Vincent Cockenpot, Andreia Goncalves, Janick Selves, Hélène Blons, Etienne Rouleau, Oliver Delattre, Christophe Le Tourneau, Ivan Bièche, Yves Allory, Laurence Albigès, Sarah Watson. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with occult primary: Clinical and biological evidence for a new entity of cancers of unknown primary that beneficiates from tissue-tailored treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4627.

The Oncological and Surgical Outcomes of Immediate Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction With Contralateral Breast Adjustment.

Oncoplastic surgery is an expanding approach for managing breast conservation because it offers improved cosmetic outcomes while maintaining oncological safety. This study aimed to assess the oncological and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent oncoplastic procedures at a single institution. The study population includes all consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy followed by immediate oncoplastic breast reconstruction with contralateral breast adjustment between 2010 and 2021. Following IRB approval, patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical details, complications, and follow-up were evaluated for this group. Quality of life (QOL) and patient-reported outcome measures were assessed through questionnaires. Following multidisciplinary tumor board discussion, 77 patients (82 breasts) underwent oncoplastic surgery. Of these, 92.2% underwent breast MRI prior to surgery with mean mass enhancement of 2.35 cm (range, 0-8.5 cm) and non-mass enhancement of 5.77 cm (range, 0-14 cm), and 44% presented with multifocal disease. The final positive surgical margin rate was 2.4%, and all conserved breasts received adjuvant radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rate for invasive tumors was 4.1%. QOL scores were generally high, with most patients reporting good to excellent cosmetic outcomes and high personal satisfaction with breast appearance and softness. Physicians reported breast symmetry in 89.5%. The findings suggest that oncoplastic surgery with contralateral breast adjustment is safe, effective, and an excellent option for breast cancer patients wishing for breast conservation even for large or multifocal masses, with favorable oncologic and cosmetic outcomes. The QOL analysis indicates high patient satisfaction. These results support the use of oncoplastic surgery in the management of breast cancer.

Incorporation of Multidisciplinary Tumour Board (MTB) Practice on Cancer Patient Care: Experiences of a Comprehensive Cancer Care Hospital in the Eastern India

Aims/objectives: A multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) is a crucial aspect of comprehensive cancer care, providing evidence-based treatment for patients. The aim of this analysis was to assess the importance of MTB in comprehensive cancer care and its impact on cancer patients’ management and treatment compliance.Method: One-year audit of the patients discussed on the tumor board of a private comprehensive cancer care hospital between September 2020 and August 2021. The data were collected before, during, and after each MTB meeting. Result: A study of 800 cases discussed on the tumor board in one year. Approximately 60% of cases were presented by surgical oncology, 21% by medical oncology, and the rest by other departments. The median age of patients was 56 years. This audit revealed that the most common tumor was head and neck cancer (28.5%), followed by gastro-intestinal and breast cancer (55.2%). The most common treatment plan was surgical management (57.6%), followed by systemic therapy (45%), radiotherapy (32.1%), and palliative care (14.5%). Treatment compliance was over 50%, and after one year, 52.87% of patients were still alive. The audit revealed that more than 20% of the data was missing. Conclusion: The difficult management of advanced-stage disease is improved, and treatment compliance is increased, through MTB practice. The demographics of cancer in this region of the country were also displayed by this audit. In the future, a prospective trial with a larger patient population, comprehensive follow-up information, and fewer missing data points should be used to evaluate the true impact of multidisciplinary care.

Digital decision support for structural improvement of melanoma tumor boards: using standard cases to optimize workflow

PurposeChoosing optimal cancer treatment is challenging, and certified cancer centers must present all patients in multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDT). Our aim was to develop a decision support system (DSS) to provide treatment recommendations for apparently simple cases already at conference registration and to classify these as “standard cases”. According to certification requirements, discussion of standard cases is optional and would thus allow more time for complex cases.MethodsWe created a smartphone query that simulated a tumor conference registration and requested all information needed to provide a recommendation. In total, 111 out of 705 malignant melanoma cases discussed at a skin cancer center from 2017 to 2020 were identified as potential standard cases, for which a digital twin recommendation was then generated by DSS.ResultsThe system provided reliable advice in all 111 cases and showed 97% concordance of MDT and DSS for therapeutic recommendations, regardless of tumor stage. Discrepancies included two cases (2%) where DSS advised discussions at MDT and one case (1%) with deviating recommendation due to advanced patient age.ConclusionsOur work aimed not to replace clinical expertise but to alleviate MDT workload and enhance focus on complex cases. Overall, our DSS proved to be a suitable tool for identifying standard cases as such, providing correct treatment recommendations, and thus reducing the time burden of tumor conferences in favor for the comprehensive discussion of complex cases. The aim is to implement the DSS in routine tumor board software for further qualitative assessment of its impact on oncological care.

Undergraduate Medical Education Curriculum Reforms in Pakistan: A Mixed Methods Study of Academic Leadership Perspectives.

Periodic revision of undergraduate medical education (UGME) curricula is an essential part of evidence-based educational practices. Pakistan's national UGME curriculum, last updated in 2005, was reviewed, and recommended updates were made in 2022. The authors explore academic medical school leaders' perspectives about the proposed reforms, gaps within the existing curriculum, and how to ensure the reform implementation is effective, collaborative, and feedback-driven. Using a mixed methods approach, data were collected from April-July 2022. Academic leadership (principals, who could designate vice principals or medical educators) at all medical schools across Pakistan (n = 117) were invited. Agreement with each of 20 proposed reforms was measured via a survey employing a Likert scale. A semi-structured interview guide expanded on the survey questions with probes. Eighty-eight survey responses, from private (59; 67.0%) and public (29; 33.0%) institutions, were obtained (75.2% response rate). Participants recommended most of the proposed reforms. The 3 reforms that received the highest agreement were teaching professionalism as an integral part of the curriculum (83; 94.3%), mandating bedside procedural skills training (80; 90.9%), and including patient safety in the UGME curriculum (79; 89.8%). Including multidisciplinary tumor boards and surgical oncology had the lowest agreement (26; 29.5%). Fifteen interviews were conducted, which revealed 3 major themes: perceptions about changes to the curricular content; limitation of human and financial resources as barriers to reform implementation; and recommendations for effective implementation of an updated curriculum. The findings reflect an overall positive attitude of academic medical school leadership toward the 20 proposed UGME curriculum reforms, which could aid with on-the-ground implementation. However, major limitations, such as a lack of trained faculty and financial resources, must be addressed. The authors propose future research on the resources required for implementing UGME reforms and the reforms' impact after national implementation.

Virtual multi-institutional tumor board: a strategy for personalized diagnoses and management of rare CNS tumors.

Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) integrate clinical, molecular, and radiological information and facilitate coordination of neuro-oncology care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our MTB transitioned to a virtual and multi-institutional format. We hypothesized that this expansion would allow expert review of challenging neuro-oncology cases and contribute to the care of patients with limited access to specialized centers. We retrospectively reviewed records from virtual MTBs held between 04/2020-03/2021. Data collected included measures of potential clinical impact, including referrals to observational or therapeutic studies, referrals for specialized neuropathology analysis, and whether molecular findings led to a change in diagnosis and/or guided management suggestions. During 25 meetings, 32 presenters discussed 44 cases. Approximately half (n = 20; 48%) involved a rare central nervous system (CNS) tumor. In 21% (n = 9) the diagnosis was changed or refined based on molecular profiling obtained at the NIH and in 36% (n = 15) molecular findings guided management. Clinical trial suggestions were offered to 31% (n = 13), enrollment in the observational NCI Natural History Study to 21% (n = 9), neuropathology review and molecular testing at the NIH to 17% (n = 7), and all received management suggestions. Virtual multi-institutional MTBs enable remote expert review of CNS tumors. We propose them as a strategy to facilitate expert opinions from specialized centers, especially for rare CNS tumors, helping mitigate geographic barriers to patient care and serving as a pre-screening tool for studies. Advanced molecular testing is key to obtaining a precise diagnosis, discovering potentially actionable targets, and guiding management.

Who would be the winner? A prognostic nomogram for predicting the benefit of postoperative radiotherapy ± chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: TROD-02-01 study

We aimed to develop a basic, easily applicable nomogram to improve the survival prediction of the patients with stage II/III gastric cancer (GC) and to select the best candidate for postoperative radiotherapy (RT). In this multicentric trial, we retrospectively evaluated the data of 1597 patients with stage II/III GC after curative gastrectomy followed by postoperative RT±chemotherapy (CT). Patients were divided into a training set (n=1307) and an external validation set (n=290). Nomograms were created based on independent predictors identified by Cox regression analysis in the training set. The consistency index (C-index) and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and accuracy of the nomogram. A nomogram was created based on the predictive model and the identified prognostic factors to predict 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The multivariate Cox model recognized lymph node (LN) involvement status, lymphatic dissection (LD) width, and metastatic LN ratio as covariates associated with CSS. Depth of invasion, LN involvement status, LD width, metastatic LN ratio, and lymphovascular invasion were the factors associated with PFS. Calibration of the nomogram predicted both CSS and PFS corresponding closely with the actual results. In our validation set, discrimination was good (C-index, 0.76), and the predicted survival was within a 10% margin of ideal nomogram. In our relatively large cohort, we created and validated both CSS and PFS nomograms that could be useful for underdeveloped or developing countries rather than Korea and Japan, where the D2 gastrectomy is routinely performed. This could serve as a true map for oncologists who must make decisions without an experienced surgeon and a multidisciplinary tumor board.

113P A propensity-based analysis of SBRT and VATS for early-stage lung cancer: A guide to data-driven support and decision-making in a multidisciplinary tumour board

113P A propensity-based analysis of SBRT and VATS for early-stage lung cancer: A guide to data-driven support and decision-making in a multidisciplinary tumour board

Differentiation of benign and metastatic lymph nodes in soft tissue sarcoma

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) occurs in less than 5% of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients and indicates an aggressive course of disease. Suspicious lymph nodes (LN) in staging imaging are a frequent topic of discussion in multidisciplinary tumor boards. Predictive markers are needed to facilitate stratification and improve treatment of STS patients. In this study, 56 STS patients with radiologically suspicious and subsequently histologically examined LN were reviewed. Patients with benign (n = 26) and metastatic (n = 30) LN were analyzed with regard to clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters. Patients with LNM exhibited significantly larger short axis diameter (SAD) and long axis diameter (LAD) vs. patients with benign LN (median 22.5 vs. 14 mm, p < 0.001 and median 29.5 vs. 21 mm, p = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of central necrosis and high maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in FDG-PET-CT scans were significantly associated with LNM (60 vs. 11.5% of patients, p < 0.001 and median 8.59 vs. 3.96, p = 0.013, respectively). With systemic therapy, a slight median size regression over time was observed in both metastatic and benign LN. Serum LDH and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with LNM (median 247 vs. 187.5U/L, p = 0.005 and 1.5 vs. 0.55 mg/dL, p = 0.039, respectively). This study shows significant associations between LNM and imaging features as well as laboratory parameters of STS patients. The largest SAD, SUVmax in FDG-PET-CT scan, the presence of central necrosis, and high serum LDH level are the most important parameters to distinguish benign from metastatic LNs.

Capacity building for pediatric neuro-oncology in Pakistan- a project by my child matters program of Foundation S.

Initiated in June 2019, this collaborative effort involved 15 public and private sector hospitals in Pakistan. The primary objective was to enhance the capacity for pediatric neuro-oncology (PNO) care, supported by a My Child Matters/Foundation S grant. We aimed to establish and operate Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MTBs) on a national scale, covering 76% of the population (185.7 million people). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MTBs transitioned to videoconferencing. Fifteen hospitals with essential infrastructure participated, holding monthly sessions addressing diagnostic and treatment challenges. Patient cases were anonymized for confidentiality. Educational initiatives, originally planned as in-person events, shifted to a virtual format, enabling continued implementation and collaboration despite pandemic constraints. A total of 124 meetings were conducted, addressing 545 cases. To augment knowledge, awareness, and expertise, over 40 longitudinal lectures were organized for healthcare professionals engaged in PNO care. Additionally, two symposia with international collaborators and keynote speakers were also held to raise national awareness. The project achieved significant milestones, including the development of standardized national treatment protocols for low-grade glioma, medulloblastoma, and high-grade glioma. Further protocols are currently under development. Notably, Pakistan's first pediatric neuro-oncology fellowship program was launched, producing two graduates and increasing the number of trained pediatric neuro-oncologists in the country to three. The initiative exemplifies the potential for capacity building in PNO within low-middle income countries. Success is attributed to intra-national twinning programs, emphasizing collaborative efforts. Efforts are underway to establish a national case registry for PNO, ensuring a comprehensive and organized approach to monitoring and managing cases. This collaborative initiative, supported by the My Child Matters/Foundation S grant, showcases the success of capacity building in pediatric neuro-oncology in low-middle income countries. The establishment of treatment protocols, fellowship programs, and regional tumor boards highlights the potential for sustainable improvements in PNO care.

LINAC-based SBRT in treating early-stage NSCLC patients-single institution experience and survival data analysis.

Aim: This single institute prospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of LINAC-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in treating patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSLSC). We focused on the survival data with the local and distant control profiles and the cancer- and non-cancer-specific survival. Treatment-related side effects were also collected and analyzed. Methods: Patients with early-stage NSCLC between January 2018 and October 2021 were included in our prospective study; a total of 77 patients receiving LINAC-based SBRT were analyzed. All patients had pretreatment multidisciplinary tumor board decisions on SBRT. The average patient age was 68.8years (median: 70years, range: 52-82); 70 patients were in ECOG 0 status (91%), while seven patients were in ECOG 1-2 status (9%). 52% of the patients (40) had histologically verified NSCLC, and the other 48% were verified based on PETCT results. We applied the SBRT scheme 8 x 7.5 Gy for central tumors (74%) or 4 x 12 Gy for peripheral tumors (26%). Results: The mean follow-up time was 25.4months (median 23, range 18-50). The Kaplan-Meier estimation for overall survival in patients receiving LINAC-based SBRT was 41.67months. Of the 77 patients treated by SBRT, death was reported for 17 patients (9 cases cancer-specific, 8 cases non-cancer specific reason). The mean local tumor control was 34.25months (range 8.4-41), and the mean systemic control was 24.24months (range 7-25). During the treatments, no Grade I-II were reported; in 30 cases, Grade I non-symptomatic treatment-related lung fibrosis and two asymptomatic rib fractures were reported. Conclusion: In the treatment of early-stage NSCLC, LINAC-based SBRT can be a feasible alternative to surgery. Although we reported worse OS data in our patient cohort compared to the literature, the higher older average age and the initial worse general condition (ECOG1-2) in our patient cohort appear to be the reason for this difference. With the comparable local control and survival data and the favorable side effect profile, SBRT might be preferable over surgery in selected cases.

Challenges and Clinical Relevance of Modern Breast Pathology Reporting: Your Questions Answered

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Breast pathology reporting, especially for breast cancer, has evolved through the years, from terse succinct diagnostic conclusions with scant histological details to the current comprehensive reporting guidelines issued by major pathology colleges and bodies, including the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting. Pathology elements included in reporting guidelines are evidence based and contribute significantly to individualised and personalised patient management. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Summary:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This article is based on the lively interactive question and answer session that followed the breast pathology segment in the symposium jointly organised by the British Association of Urological Pathology, British Association of Gynaecological Pathologists, British Society of Gastroenterology and the Association of Breast Pathology, in November 2022, titled “Personalised histopathology reporting for personalised medicine.” &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Key Messages:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The breast pathology session emphasised the clinical utility of breast pathology data items, incorporating a case-based approach by highlighting the relevance of pathology information in various clinical scenarios. This review included clinico-pathological discussion points on florid lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical apocrine adenosis, post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy reporting, atypical ductal hyperplasia presenting at the margin, flat epithelial atypia versus columnar cell change, papilloma on core needle biopsy, margin status, mucocele-like lesion, total duct excision/microdochectomy specimen, and anterior and nipple margins in skin-sparing mastectomy. Effective communication and regular involvement of pathologists in breast multidisciplinary tumour boards are crucial.

The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MTB) on Treatment Decision Making for Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): 5-Year Data Analysis

ObjectiveTo describe the impact of a multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients in a locoregional renal cancer network by evaluating shared decision making (SDM) and adherence to MTB recommendations. Design, Setting and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study included all cases from a Dutch renal cancer network with suspicion of or histologically confirmed RCC discussed in MTBs between 2017-2022. Main endpoints were distribution of cases presented, proportion of recommendations with multiple treatment options enabling shared decision making (SDM), definite treatment after SDM and adherence to MTB recommendations. Further endpoints were definite treatment per tumor stage stratified by age and inclusion in clinical trials. Outcomes were displayed as means and proportions (%). Pearson's Chi-Squared test was used to analyze the effect of age on definite treatment advice. ResultsOverall, 2651 cases were discussed, of which 1900 (72%) were new referrals and 751 (28%) rediscussions. Majority of cases were cT1a-b tumors (46%) and 22% were local recurrences or metachronous metastatic. Adherence to MTB recommendation was 96% and in 30% multiple treatment options were recommended, allowing for SDM. In 45% of cases with cT1a tumors multiple treatment options were recommended by the MTB, resulting in (cryo)ablation (32%) and AS (30%) as most frequent definite treatments after SDM. Among patients with cT3-4 tumors the inclusion rate in clinical trials was 47%. ConclusionsA network MTB creates opportunity to discuss multiple treatment options and clinical trials in SDM with patients at a high rate of adherence to MTB recommendation.

Adverse radiation effect versus tumor progression following stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: Implications of radiologic uncertainty.

Adverse radiation effect (ARE) following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases is challenging to distinguish from tumor progression. This study characterizes the clinical implications of radiologic uncertainty (RU). Cases reviewed retrospectively at a single-institutional, multi-disciplinary SRS Tumor Board between 2015-2022 for RU following SRS were identified. Treatment history, diagnostic or therapeutic interventions performed upon RU resolution, and development of neurologic deficits surrounding intervention were obtained from the medical record. Differences in lesion volume and maximum diameter at RU onset versus resolution were compared with paired t-tests. Median time from RU onset to resolution was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate associations between clinical characteristics and time to RU resolution were assessed with Cox proportional-hazards regression. Among 128 lesions with RU, 23.5% had undergone ≥ 2 courses of radiation. Median maximum diameter (20 vs. 16mm, p < 0.001) and volume (2.7 vs. 1.5cc, p < 0.001) were larger upon RU resolution versus onset. RU resolution took > 6 and > 12months in 25% and 7% of cases, respectively. Higher total EQD2 prior to RU onset (HR = 0.45, p = 0.03) and use of MR perfusion (HR = 0.56, p = 0.001) correlated with shorter time to resolution; larger volume (HR = 1.05, p = 0.006) portended longer time to resolution. Most lesions (57%) were diagnosed as ARE. Most patients (58%) underwent an intervention upon RU resolution; of these, 38% developed a neurologic deficit surrounding intervention. RU resolution took > 6months in > 25% of cases. RU may lead to suboptimal outcomes and symptom burden. Improved characterization of post-SRS RU is needed.

Quality Measures for Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards and Their Role in Improving Cancer Care.

While multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) are widely used in managing patients with cancer, their impact on patient care and outcome is not routinely measured in different settings. The authors conducted a literature review in Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science using the following keywords: cancer, multidisciplinary, tumor board, quality performance indicator, lung cancer, and lymphoma. Standards from various accreditation and professional organizations were reviewed to compile relevant standards for MTB. A list of quality performance indicators that can be used to improve MTBs' performance and impact was compiled. Specific examples for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and lung cancer MTBs were presented. Guidance was provided to help MTB team members select implement the appropriate quality measures. The functions and impact of MTBs should be monitored and evaluated by a set of measures that help guide MTBs to improve their performance and provide better care to their patients.

Chest wall resections for sulcus superior tumors.

Chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection (trimodality therapy) is a guideline recommended treatment for sulcus superior tumors (SST). By definition, SSTs invade the chest wall and therefore require en-bloc chest wall resection with the upper lung lobe or segments. The addition of a chest wall resection, potentially results in higher morbidity and mortality rates when compared to standard anatomical pulmonary resection. This, together with their anatomical location in the thoracic outlet, and varying grades of fibrosis and adhesions resulting from induction chemoradiotherapy in the operation field, make surgery challenging. Depending on the exact location of the tumor and extent to which it invades the surrounding structures, the preferred surgical approach may vary, e.g., anterior, posterolateral, hemi-clamshell, or combined approach; all with their own potential advantages and morbidities. Careful patient selection, adequate staging and discussion in a multidisciplinary tumor board in a center experienced in complex thoracic oncology leads to the best long-term survival outcomes with the least morbidity and mortality. Enhanced recovery guidelines are now available for thoracic surgery, promoting faster recovery and helping to minimize complications and morbidity, including infections and thoracotomy pain. Although minimally invasive surgery can enhance recovery and reduce chest wall morbidity, and is in widespread use in thoracic oncology, its use for SST has been limited. However, this is an evolving area and hybrid surgical approaches (including use of the robot) are being reported. Chest wall reconstruction is rarely necessary, but if so, the prosthetic materials are preferably radiolucent/non-scattering, rigid enough while still being somewhat flexible, and inert, providing structural support, allowing chest wall movement, and closing defects, while inciting a limited inflammatory response. New techniques such as 3D image reconstructions/volume rendering, 3D-printing, and virtual reality modules may help pre-operative planning and informed patient consent.

Radioembolization plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Compared with Radioembolization plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PurposeTo investigate if combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization results in superior outcomes than those yielded by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and 90Y for the treatment of intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsA retrospective review of patients presented at an institutional multidisciplinary liver tumor board between January 1, 2012 and August 1, 2023 was conducted. In total, 44 patients with HCC who underwent 90Y 4 weeks within initiation of ICI or TKI therapy were included. Propensity score matching was conducted to account for baseline demographic differences. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and univariate statistics identified disease response and control rate differences. Duration of imaging response was defined as number of months between the first scan after therapy and the first scan showing progression as defined by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) or immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). Adverse events were analyzed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. ResultsPatients in the 90Y+ICI therapy group had better objective response rates (ORRs) (89.5% vs 36.8%; P < .001) and disease control rates (DCRs) (94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001) by mRECIST and iRECIST (ORR: 78.9% vs 36.8%; P < .001; DCR: 94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001). Median PFS (8.3 vs 4.1 months; P = .37) and OS (15.8 vs 14.3 months; P = .52) were not statistically different. Twelve patients (63.1%) in the 90Y+TKI group did not complete systemic therapy owing to adverse effects compared with 1 patient (5.3%) in the 90Y+ICI group (P < .001). Grade 3/4 adverse events were not statistically different (90Y+TKI: 21.1%; 90Y+ICI: 5.3%; P = .150). ConclusionsPatients with HCC who received 90Y+ICI had better imaging response and fewer regimen-altering adverse events than those who received 90Y+TKI. No significant combination therapy adverse events were attributable to radioembolization.