Quantifying the utility of a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology tumor board

Adham M. Khalafallah, Adrian E. Jimenez, Carlos G. Romo, David Olayinka Kamson, Lawrence Kleinberg, Jon Weingart, Henry Brem, Stuart A. Grossman, Debraj Mukherjee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE There has been limited research on the efficacy of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) in improving the treatment of patients with tumors affecting the nervous system. The objective of the present study was to quantify the utility of MDTBs in providing alternative diagnostic interpretations and treatment plans for this patient population. METHODS The authors performed a prospective study of patients in 4 hospitals whose cases were discussed at MDTBs between July and November 2019. Patient demographic data, diagnoses, treatment plans, and eligibility for clinical trials were recorded, among other variables. RESULTS A total of 176 cases met eligibility criteria for study inclusion. The majority (53%) of patients were male, and the mean patient age was 52 years. The most frequent diagnosis was glioblastoma (32.4%). Among the evaluable cases, MDTBs led to 38 (21.6%) changes in image interpretation and 103 (58.2%) changes in patient management. Additionally, patients whose cases were discussed at MDTBs had significantly shorter referral times than patients whose cases were not discussed (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS MDTB discussions led to significant numbers of diagnostic and treatment plan changes as well as shortened referral times, highlighting the potential clinical impact of multidisciplinary care for patients with nervous system tumors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)87-92
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of neurosurgery
Volume135
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Decision-making
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Surgery

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