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Toward standardized brain tumor tissue processing protocols in neuro-oncology: a perspective for gliomas and beyond
Analiz Rodriguez1, Manmeet S Ahluwalia2, Chetan Bettegowda3
1Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
Abstract:
Implementation of standardized protocols in neurooncology during the surgical resection of brain tumors is needed to advance the clinical treatment paradigms that use tissue for diagnosis, prognosis, bio-banking, and treatment. Currently recommendations on intraoperative tissue procurement only exist for diffuse gliomas but management of other brain tumor subtypes can also benefit from these protocols. Fresh tissue from surgical resection can now be used for intraoperative diagnostics and functional precision medicine assays. A multidisciplinary neuro-oncology perspective is critical to develop the best avenues for practical standardization. This perspective from the multidisciplinary Oncology Tissue Advisory Board (OTAB) discusses current advances, future directions, and the imperative of adopting standardized protocols for diverse brain tumor entities. There is a growing need for consistent operating room practices to enhance patient care, streamline research efforts, and optimize outcomes.
Insights
Standardized protocols for brain tumor tissue collection are crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Implementing consistent operating room practices enhances patient care and research across all brain tumor types.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Standardized protocols for intraoperative tissue procurement in neuro-oncology are currently limited, primarily existing only for diffuse gliomas.
- Management of other brain tumor subtypes would also benefit from standardized tissue handling procedures.
- Advances in intraoperative diagnostics and functional precision medicine assays necessitate fresh tissue from surgical resections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for standardized protocols in neuro-oncology for surgical resection of brain tumors.
- To discuss current advances and future directions for practical standardization of tissue procurement.
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimizing patient care and research outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary perspective from the Oncology Tissue Advisory Board (OTAB) was adopted.
- Current advances in intraoperative tissue utilization were reviewed.
- Future directions for standardization across diverse brain tumor entities were considered.
Main Results:
- Standardized protocols are essential for advancing clinical treatment paradigms, including diagnosis, prognosis, bio-banking, and treatment.
- Consistent operating room practices can enhance patient care and streamline research efforts.
- Standardization is crucial for optimizing outcomes in the management of diverse brain tumor subtypes.
Conclusions:
- There is a growing imperative to adopt standardized protocols for intraoperative tissue procurement in neuro-oncology.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is critical for developing practical and effective standardization strategies.
- Implementing consistent practices will improve the utility of brain tumor tissue for research and clinical applications.
