Impact of molecular tumor board on clinical outcomes in patients with refractory solid tumors: a real-world study

Yan Ling1, Xiao-Dong Jiao1, Bao-Dong Qin1

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200072, China.

The Oncologist
|July 1, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Treatments recommended by a molecular tumor board (MTB) significantly improve overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with refractory solid tumors. Matching MTB-recommended therapy is an independent factor for better oncologic outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Precision Medicine

Background:

  • Refractory solid tumors present a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options.
  • Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) aim to personalize cancer treatment based on genetic alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if treatments recommended by an MTB improve clinical outcomes in patients with refractory solid tumors.
  • To assess the impact of MTB-recommended therapy on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 338 patients with refractory solid tumors from 2017-2022.
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified actionable molecular alterations in 129 patients presented to the MTB.
  • Comparison of OS and PFS between patients receiving MTB-recommended therapy and those who did not.

Main Results:

  • 217 patients with available survival data were analyzed.
  • Patients receiving MTB-recommended therapy showed significantly longer median OS (17.7 vs. 4.4 months) and PFS (7.0 vs. 2.3 months).
  • MTB-recommended therapy was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.31 for OS and 0.32 for PFS.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular tumor board recommendations improve oncologic prognosis in refractory solid tumors.
  • Matching therapy based on MTB recommendations is an independent predictor of improved OS and PFS.