Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Establishment of Orthotopic Patient-derived Xenograft Models for Brain Tumors using a Stereotaxic Device
07:44

Establishment of Orthotopic Patient-derived Xenograft Models for Brain Tumors using a Stereotaxic Device

Published on: May 2, 2025

1.1K

Paediatric tumour boards in Spain: a national survey

P Berlanga1,2, V Segura3, A Juan Ribelles4,3

  • 1Paediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain. berlanga_pab@gva.es.

Clinical & Translational Oncology : Official Publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico
|December 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTs) improve pediatric cancer care. While most high-volume centers have dedicated pediatric MDTs, improvements in protected time, attendance tracking, and defined legal responsibilities are needed for optimal function.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Healthcare Management
  • Clinical Practice

Background:

  • Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTs) are crucial for optimal cancer patient management.
  • While their role in adult oncology is established, data on pediatric MDT functioning remains limited.
  • This study addresses the scarcity of information regarding pediatric MDTs in Spain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current state of multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) practice in pediatric oncology units in Spain.
  • To identify areas for improvement in the organization, logistics, and clinical decision-making processes of pediatric MDTs.
  • To inform the European Expert Paediatric Oncology Reference Network for Diagnostics and Treatment (ExPO-r-Net) initiative.

Main Methods:

  • A specific questionnaire was developed to assess various aspects of MDT practice.
  • Data collection focused on center/team characteristics, meeting infrastructure, organization, logistics, and clinical decision-making.
  • The survey was distributed to all Paediatric Oncology Units registered in the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumours (RETI-SEHOP).

Main Results:

  • A 74% response rate was achieved, with 88% of high-volume centers (>25 new patients/year) responding.
  • All high-volume centers reported dedicated pediatric MDTs, compared to 76% of lower-volume centers.
  • Key areas for improvement include protected time for specialists, attendance incentives, and clear definition of legal responsibilities.

Conclusions:

  • Dedicated pediatric multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTs) are prevalent in high-volume Spanish centers.
  • Enhancements are needed at the institutional level, including protected time, attendance tracking, and legal clarity for physicians.
  • Virtual MDTs offer a promising avenue for inter-center collaboration and expertise sharing in pediatric oncology.
Abstract

Keywords:
CancerPaediatric oncologySurveyTumour boards

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization09:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

3.8K
Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies08:34

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies

Published on: February 6, 2019

21.3K

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

1.5K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
462