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Molecular Tumor Board-Directed Treatment for Patients with Advanced-Stage Solid Tumors: A Case-Control Real-World
Ben Ponvilawan1, Dhruv Bansal2, Karnav Modi3
1Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 North St. Clair St, Suite 2330, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) improve cancer patient survival. Treatments recommended by MTBs significantly increased overall survival, progression-free survival, and time on treatment in advanced cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Interpreting comprehensive genomic testing for cancer treatment is complex.
- Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) facilitate collaborative frameworks for integrating genomic data into patient care plans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of molecular tumor board (MTB) recommendations on patient outcomes.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of MTBs in a community cancer center setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 238 advanced-stage cancer patients (September 2017 - January 2023).
- Patients were grouped based on receiving MTB-recommended treatment versus not.
- Survival outcomes (overall survival, progression-free survival, time on treatment) analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- 58% of patients received at least one MTB-recommended treatment.
- Patients on MTB-recommended treatment showed significantly increased median overall survival (18.5 vs. 9.1 months), progression-free survival (9.7 vs. 4.3 months), and time on treatment (4.3 vs. 2.8 months).
- Hazard ratios indicated improved survival outcomes with MTB-guided treatment (OS HR 0.64, PFS HR 0.64, ToT HR 0.58).
Conclusions:
- Molecular tumor boards are feasible in community cancer centers.
- MTB recommendations significantly improve survival outcomes for advanced cancer patients.
- MTBs enhance the integration of genomic data into clinical decision-making for improved cancer care.
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