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Molecular Tumor Board Improves Outcomes for Hispanic Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Carolina Sotelo-Rodríguez1,2, Dora Vallejo-Ardila1,2, Alejandro Ruiz-Patiño1,2
1Foundation for Clinical and Applied Cancer Research-FICMAC, Bogotá, Colombia.
JCO Global Oncology
|January 18, 2024
Summary
Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) are feasible in developing countries, offering targeted therapy recommendations based on genomic profiling. This first Colombian MTB demonstrated potential to guide clinical management for cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Clinical Decision Support
Background:
- Multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs) are crucial for interpreting complex genomic data in oncology.
- Established MTBs are prevalent in developed nations, but their application in developing countries requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and limitations of the first molecular tumor board (MTB) established in Colombia.
- To assess the impact of genomic profiling on clinical recommendations in a low- and middle-income country setting.
Main Methods:
- A virtual, open-access platform was utilized to discuss clinical cases with genomic alterations identified by next-generation sequencing.
- Patient data, including demographics and clinical information, were collected from August 2020 to November 2021.
- The study assessed the benefits and accessibility of targeted therapies based on MTB recommendations.
Main Results:
- 146 patients were discussed in the MTB, with a median age of 59 years; 59.6% were female.
- Genomic results led to a change in therapeutic decisions for 53.1% of patients.
- Non-small-cell lung cancer was the most common malignancy (51%), followed by soft-tissue sarcomas, brain tumors, and breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) are feasible in low- and middle-income countries using virtual platforms.
- MTBs can provide access to targeted therapies and influence clinical management, even when not standard of care.
- Recommendations from the Colombian MTB were accessible to oncologists nationwide, offering options to modify patient care.
