Abstract
Background
In an era of precision oncology, Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) play a crucial role in interpreting next generation sequencing (NGS) results and providing treatment recommendations for patients by matching patients with targeted therapies. Despite the abundance of data about MTB outcomes, there is limited evidence regarding the value of these boards perceived by specialists. This study aims to analyse the real-world impact of MTBs in clinical decision-making for cancer patients in the UK.
Methods
Participants of the TARGET National and CUP-COMP MTBs were surveyed to gather insights and learning around the value of MTBs as perceived by healthcare professionals who participate in them. The objective was to better understand the impact of MTBs on medical decision-making, identify areas for improvement and develop best practices going forward.
Results
Overall, 43 respondents (97.7%) felt that MTBs increased awareness of open trials matching genomic alterations, and 37 (84%) reported more confidence in interpreting genomic data. Additionally, 42 (95.4%) valued MTBs as educational, and 40 (90.1%) felt they fostered clinician collaboration. While 38 specialists (86.3%) supported offering NGS to all trial candidates, only 17 (38.6%) recommended referring all patients to MTBs after molecular profiling. MTB decisions on ctDNA and tissue samples were returned in adequate time for treatment decisions in 38.4% and 47.2% of cases, respectively, with frequency and capacity of MTBs being the main limiting factors for ctDNA, and sample collection and laboratory turnaround time for tissue samples. Participants also valued the use and accuracy of trial finder tools. One-third of respondents encountered challenges attending MTBs regularly due to MTBs not being factored into job plans.
Conclusions
MTBs are essential tools for precision oncology. This survey affirms the purpose of MTBs nationally to improve treatment options for patients and as an educational tool for oncologists. It highlights areas for optimisation such as efficiency of meetings, rapid molecular analysis turnaround time and reliable trial finder tools.
In an era of precision oncology, Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) play a crucial role in interpreting next generation sequencing (NGS) results and providing treatment recommendations for patients by matching patients with targeted therapies. Despite the abundance of data about MTB outcomes, there is limited evidence regarding the value of these boards perceived by specialists. This study aims to analyse the real-world impact of MTBs in clinical decision-making for cancer patients in the UK.
Methods
Participants of the TARGET National and CUP-COMP MTBs were surveyed to gather insights and learning around the value of MTBs as perceived by healthcare professionals who participate in them. The objective was to better understand the impact of MTBs on medical decision-making, identify areas for improvement and develop best practices going forward.
Results
Overall, 43 respondents (97.7%) felt that MTBs increased awareness of open trials matching genomic alterations, and 37 (84%) reported more confidence in interpreting genomic data. Additionally, 42 (95.4%) valued MTBs as educational, and 40 (90.1%) felt they fostered clinician collaboration. While 38 specialists (86.3%) supported offering NGS to all trial candidates, only 17 (38.6%) recommended referring all patients to MTBs after molecular profiling. MTB decisions on ctDNA and tissue samples were returned in adequate time for treatment decisions in 38.4% and 47.2% of cases, respectively, with frequency and capacity of MTBs being the main limiting factors for ctDNA, and sample collection and laboratory turnaround time for tissue samples. Participants also valued the use and accuracy of trial finder tools. One-third of respondents encountered challenges attending MTBs regularly due to MTBs not being factored into job plans.
Conclusions
MTBs are essential tools for precision oncology. This survey affirms the purpose of MTBs nationally to improve treatment options for patients and as an educational tool for oncologists. It highlights areas for optimisation such as efficiency of meetings, rapid molecular analysis turnaround time and reliable trial finder tools.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Abstract book of the ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies Congress 2025 3-5 March 2025, Paris, France |
| Publisher | ESMO Press |
| Chapter | 104271 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Edition | Supplement 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2025 |
Publication series
| Name | ESMO Open |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ESMO Press |
| ISSN (Print) | 2059-7029 |
