The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey
Abstract Background In neuro-oncology, the inclusion of tumor patients in the molecular tumor board has only become increasingly widespread in recent years, but so far there are no standards for indication, procedure, evaluation, therapy recommendations and therapy implementation of neuro-oncologica...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Cancer |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-11858-x |
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| author | Lisa S. Hönikl Sebastian Lange Vicki M. Butenschoen Claire Delbridge Bernhard Meyer Stephanie E. Combs Anna Lena Illert Friederike Schmidt-Graf |
| author_facet | Lisa S. Hönikl Sebastian Lange Vicki M. Butenschoen Claire Delbridge Bernhard Meyer Stephanie E. Combs Anna Lena Illert Friederike Schmidt-Graf |
| author_sort | Lisa S. Hönikl |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In neuro-oncology, the inclusion of tumor patients in the molecular tumor board has only become increasingly widespread in recent years, but so far there are no standards for indication, procedure, evaluation, therapy recommendations and therapy implementation of neuro-oncological patients. The present work examines the current handling of neuro-oncological patients included in molecular tumor boards in Germany. Methods We created an online based survey with questions covering the handling of neuro-oncologic patient inclusion, annotation of genetic analyses, management of target therapies and the general role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology in Germany. We contacted all members of the Neuro-Oncology working group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) by e-mail. Results 38 responses were collected. The majority of those who responded were specialists in neurosurgery or neurology with more than 10 years of professional experience working at a university hospital. Molecular tumor boards (MTB) regularly take place once a week and all treatment disciplines of neuro-oncology patients take part. The inclusions to the MTB are according to distinct tumors and predominantly in case of tumor recurrence. An independently MTB member mostly create the recommendations, which are regularly implemented in the tumor treatment. Recommendations are given for alteration classes 4 and 5. Problems exist mostly within the cost takeover of experimental therapies. The experimental therapies are mostly given in the department of medical oncology. Conclusions Molecular tumor boards for neuro-oncological patients, by now, are not standardized in Germany. Similarities exists for patient inclusion and interpretation of molecular alterations; the time point of inclusion and implementation during the patient treatment differ between the various hospitals. Further studies for standardization and harmonisation are needed. In summary, most of the interviewees envision great opportunities and possibilities for molecular-based neuro-oncological therapy in the future. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T12:36:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ccae5cbe5d684842a7310644a0662045 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2407 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T12:36:50Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Cancer |
| spelling | doaj.art-ccae5cbe5d684842a7310644a06620452024-01-21T12:24:44ZengBMCBMC Cancer1471-24072024-01-012411910.1186/s12885-024-11858-xThe role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide surveyLisa S. Hönikl0Sebastian Lange1Vicki M. Butenschoen2Claire Delbridge3Bernhard Meyer4Stephanie E. Combs5Anna Lena Illert6Friederike Schmidt-Graf7Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM)Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical Universitiy of Munich (TUM)Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM)Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical Universitiy of Munich (TUM)Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM)Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM)Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical Universitiy of Munich (TUM)Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical Universitiy of Munich (TUM)Abstract Background In neuro-oncology, the inclusion of tumor patients in the molecular tumor board has only become increasingly widespread in recent years, but so far there are no standards for indication, procedure, evaluation, therapy recommendations and therapy implementation of neuro-oncological patients. The present work examines the current handling of neuro-oncological patients included in molecular tumor boards in Germany. Methods We created an online based survey with questions covering the handling of neuro-oncologic patient inclusion, annotation of genetic analyses, management of target therapies and the general role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology in Germany. We contacted all members of the Neuro-Oncology working group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) by e-mail. Results 38 responses were collected. The majority of those who responded were specialists in neurosurgery or neurology with more than 10 years of professional experience working at a university hospital. Molecular tumor boards (MTB) regularly take place once a week and all treatment disciplines of neuro-oncology patients take part. The inclusions to the MTB are according to distinct tumors and predominantly in case of tumor recurrence. An independently MTB member mostly create the recommendations, which are regularly implemented in the tumor treatment. Recommendations are given for alteration classes 4 and 5. Problems exist mostly within the cost takeover of experimental therapies. The experimental therapies are mostly given in the department of medical oncology. Conclusions Molecular tumor boards for neuro-oncological patients, by now, are not standardized in Germany. Similarities exists for patient inclusion and interpretation of molecular alterations; the time point of inclusion and implementation during the patient treatment differ between the various hospitals. Further studies for standardization and harmonisation are needed. In summary, most of the interviewees envision great opportunities and possibilities for molecular-based neuro-oncological therapy in the future.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-11858-xNeuro-oncologyMolecular tumor boardMTBTarget therapyPersonalized medicinePrecision oncology |
| spellingShingle | Lisa S. Hönikl Sebastian Lange Vicki M. Butenschoen Claire Delbridge Bernhard Meyer Stephanie E. Combs Anna Lena Illert Friederike Schmidt-Graf The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey BMC Cancer Neuro-oncology Molecular tumor board MTB Target therapy Personalized medicine Precision oncology |
| title | The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey |
| title_full | The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey |
| title_fullStr | The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey |
| title_short | The role of molecular tumor boards in neuro-oncology: a nationwide survey |
| title_sort | role of molecular tumor boards in neuro oncology a nationwide survey |
| topic | Neuro-oncology Molecular tumor board MTB Target therapy Personalized medicine Precision oncology |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-11858-x |
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