Assessing and investigating children with suspected soft tissue sarcomas: an e-Delphi consensus process.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Clinical Guidelines
• Diagnostic Challenges

Background:

• Childhood soft tissue sarcoma (STS) presents diagnostic challenges, impacting patient survival.
• Early diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes in pediatric STS.
• This study aimed to develop clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals (HCPs) managing suspected pediatric STS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus among healthcare professionals on best practices for diagnosing and managing childhood soft tissue sarcoma (STS).
• To inform the development of clinical guidelines for primary and secondary care settings.
• To enhance early detection and referral pathways for pediatric STS.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi consensus process involving healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• 48 statements derived from an evidence review were ranked using a 9-point Likert scale.
• Multiple rounds of consensus building were conducted to refine statements.

Main Results:

• High consensus (98%) was achieved on 47 out of 48 statements in the first round.
• Strong agreement was reached on urgent referral, investigations, and secondary care consultation for suspected STS.
• Barriers to timely diagnosis included logistical and systemic issues, necessitating increased HCP education and institutional support.

Conclusions:

• The consensus statements will form the basis of a clinical guideline for suspected STS in primary and secondary care.
• The findings will be translated into public awareness tools for the Child Cancer Smart campaign.
• Improved guidelines and awareness are expected to facilitate earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for children with STS.