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Pastò B, Buzzatti G, Schettino C, Malapelle U, Bergamini A, De Angelis C, Musacchio L, Dieci MV, Kuhn E, Lambertini M, Passarelli A, Toss A, Farolfi A, Roncato R, Capoluongo E, Vida R, Pignata S, Callari M, Baldassarre G, Bartoletti M, Gerratana L, Puglisi F. Unlocking the potential of Molecular Tumor Boards: from cutting-edge data interpretation to innovative clinical pathways. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 199:104379. [PMID: 38718940 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The emerging era of precision medicine is characterized by an increasing availability of targeted anticancer therapies and by the parallel development of techniques to obtain more refined molecular data, whose interpretation may not always be straightforward. Molecular tumor boards gather various professional figures, in order to leverage the analysis of molecular data and provide prognostic and predictive insights for clinicians. In addition to healthcare development, they could also become a tool to promote knowledge and research spreading. A growing body of evidence on the application of molecular tumor boards to clinical practice is forming and positive signals are emerging, although a certain degree of heterogeneity exists. This work analyzes molecular tumor boards' potential workflows, figures involved, data sources, sample matrices and eligible patients, as well as available evidence and learning examples. The emerging concept of multi-institutional, disease-specific molecular tumor boards is also considered by presenting two ongoing nationwide experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenno Pastò
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
| | - Giulia Buzzatti
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Clorinda Schettino
- Clinical Trials Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Alice Bergamini
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano 20132, Italy; Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Oncology Unit - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Lucia Musacchio
- Department of Women and Child Health, Division of Gynaecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy; Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milano 20122, Italy; Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Medical Oncology, U.O. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova 16132, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Anna Passarelli
- Department of Urology and Gynaecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Angela Toss
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena 41124, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41124, Italy
| | - Alberto Farolfi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Rossana Roncato
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy; Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
| | - Ettore Capoluongo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli 80131, Italy; Clinical Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Addolorata, Roma 00184, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vida
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Department of Urology and Gynaecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Napoli 80131, Italy
| | | | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
| | - Michele Bartoletti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gerratana
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy.
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano 33081, Italy
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Arafat W, Fu P, Wagner AJ, Osterman T, Martin DB, Sugalski J, Heinrichs T, Racz J, Tevaarwerk AJ. Clinician Perspectives Regarding the Impact of Information Technology on Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: A National Comprehensive Cancer Network Survey. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2300056. [PMID: 37944060 DOI: 10.1200/cci.23.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) support high-quality cancer care. Little is known about the impact of information technology (IT) tools on the operational and technical aspects of MTBs. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network EHR Oncology Advisory Group formed a workgroup to investigate the impact of IT tools such as EHRs and virtual conferencing on MTBs. METHODS The workgroup created a cross-sectional survey for oncology clinicians (eg, pathology, medical, surgical, radiation, etc) participating in MTBs at 31 National Comprehensive Cancer Network member institutions. A standard invitation e-mail was shared with each EHR Advisory Group Member with a hyperlink to the survey, and each member distributed the survey to MTB participants at their institution or identified the appropriate person at their institution to do so. The survey was open from February 26, 2022, to April 26, 2022. Descriptive statistics were applied in the analysis of responses, and a qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses was completed. RESULTS Individuals from 27 institutions participated. Almost all respondents (99%, n = 764 of 767) indicated that their MTBs had participants attending virtually. Most indicated increased attendance (69%, n = 514 of 741) after virtualization with the same or improved quality of discussion (75%, n = 557 of 741) compared with in-person MTBs. Several gaps between the current and ideal state emerged regarding EHR integration: 57% (n = 433 of 758) of respondents noted the importance of adding patients for MTB presentation via the EHR, but only 40% (n = 302 of 747) reported being able to do so most of the time. Similarly, 87% (n = 661 of 760) indicated the importance of documenting recommendations in the EHR, but only 53% (n = 394 of 746) reported this occurring routinely. CONCLUSION Major gaps include the lack of EHR integration for MTBs. Clinical workflows and EHR functionalities could be improved to further optimize EHRs for MTB management and documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waddah Arafat
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Paul Fu
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
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Duenweg SR, Bobholz SA, Lowman AK, Stebbins MA, Winiarz A, Nath B, Kyereme F, Iczkowski KA, LaViolette PS. Whole slide imaging (WSI) scanner differences influence optical and computed properties of digitized prostate cancer histology. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100321. [PMID: 37496560 PMCID: PMC10365953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Digital pathology is becoming an increasingly popular area of advancement in both research and clinically. Pathologists are now able to manage and interpret slides digitally, as well as collaborate with external pathologists with digital copies of slides. Differences in slide scanners include variation in resolution, image contrast, and optical properties, which may influence downstream image processing. This study tested the hypothesis that varying slide scanners would result in differences in computed pathomic features on prostate cancer whole mount slides. Design This study collected 192 unique tissue slides from 30 patients following prostatectomy. Tissue samples were paraffin-embedded, stained for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and digitized using 3 different scanning microscopes at the highest available magnification rate, for a total of 3 digitized slides per tissue slide. These scanners included a (S1) Nikon microscope equipped with an automated sliding stage, an (S2) Olympus VS120 slide scanner, and a (S3) Huron TissueScope LE scanner. A color deconvolution algorithm was then used to optimize contrast by projecting the RGB image into color channels representing optical stain density. The resulting intensity standardized images were then computationally processed to segment tissue and calculate pathomic features including lumen, stroma, epithelium, and epithelial cell density, as well as second-order features including lumen area and roundness; epithelial area, roundness, and wall thickness; and cell fraction. For each tested feature, mean values of that feature per digitized slide were collected and compared across slide scanners using mixed effect models, fit to compare differences in the tested feature associated with all slide scanners for each slide, including a random effect of subject with a nested random effect of slide to account for repeated measures. Similar models were also computed for tissue densities to examine how differences in scanner impact downstream processing. Results Each mean color channel intensity (i.e., Red, Green, Blue) differed between slide scanners (all P<.001). Of the color deconvolved images, only the hematoxylin channel was similar in all 3 scanners (all P>.05). Lumen and stroma densities between S3 and S1 slides, and epithelial cell density between S3 and S2 (P>.05) were comparable but all other comparisons were significantly different (P<.05). The second-order features were found to be comparable for all scanner comparisons, except for lumen area and epithelium area. Conclusion This study demonstrates that both optical and computed properties of digitized histological samples are impacted by slide scanner differences. Future research is warranted to better understand which scanner properties influence the tissue segmentation process and to develop harmonization techniques for comparing data across multiple slide scanners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah R. Duenweg
- Departments of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Samuel A. Bobholz
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Allison K. Lowman
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Margaret A. Stebbins
- Departments of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Aleksandra Winiarz
- Departments of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Biprojit Nath
- Departments of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Fitzgerald Kyereme
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Iczkowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Peter S. LaViolette
- Departments of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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van Dijk SPJ, Lončar I, van Veen-Berkx E, Edward Visser W, Peeters RP, van Noord C, Massolt ET, Castro Cabezas M, Schouten M, von Meyenfeldt EM, van Ginhoven TM. Establishing a Multicenter Network for Patients With Thyroid Nodules and Cancer: Effects on Referral Patterns. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:91-100. [PMID: 35290130 DOI: 10.1177/01945998221086203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a qualitative evaluation of the Thyroid Network, with a quantitative analysis of second opinion referrals for patients in the southwestern part of the Netherlands who have thyroid nodules and cancer. METHODS This prospective observational study registered all patients with thyroid nodules and cancer who were referred to the academic hospital from 2 years before and 4 years after the foundation of the Thyroid Network. We implemented biweekly regional multidisciplinary tumor boards using video conference and a regional patient care pathway for patients with thyroid nodules and cancer. For qualitative evaluation, interviews were conducted with a broad selection of stakeholders via maximum variation sampling. The primary outcome was the change in second opinions after the foundation of the Thyroid Network. RESULTS Second opinions from Thyroid Network hospitals to the academic hospital decreased from 10 (30%) to 2 (7%) two years after the start of the Thyroid Network (P = .001), while patient referrals remained stable (n = 108 to 106). Qualitative evaluation indicated that the uniform care pathway and the regional multidisciplinary tumor board were valued high. DISCUSSION Establishing a regional network, including multidisciplinary tumor boards and a care pathway for patients with thyroid nodules and cancer, resulted in a decrease in second opinions of in-network hospitals and high satisfaction of participating specialists. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The concept of the Thyroid Network could spread to other regions as well as to other specialties in health care. Future steps would be to assess the effect of regional collaboration on quality of care and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam P J van Dijk
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ivona Lončar
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth van Veen-Berkx
- Erasmus Centre for Healthcare Governance, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W Edward Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte van Noord
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maasstad Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elske T Massolt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Castro Cabezas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Franciscus Gasthuis and Vlietland Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlise Schouten
- Erasmus Centre for Healthcare Governance, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik M von Meyenfeldt
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa M van Ginhoven
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Specchia ML, Di Pilla A, Gambacorta MA, Filippella A, Beccia F, Farina S, Meldolesi E, Lanza C, Bellantone RDA, Valentini V, Tortora G. An IT Platform Supporting Rectal Cancer Tumor Board Activities: Implementation Process and Impact Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15808. [PMID: 36497903 PMCID: PMC9736877 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (RC) is the third most common cancer, with an increasing incidence in recent years. Digital health solutions supporting multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) could improve positive outcomes for RC patients. This paper describes the implementation process of a digital solution within the RC-MTB and its impact analysis in the context of the Fondazione Policlinico 'A. Gemelli' in Italy. Adopting a two-phase methodological approach, the first phase qualitatively describes each phase of the implementation of the IT platform, while the second phase quantitatively describes the analysis of the impact of the IT platform. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed for all variables, with a p-value < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. The implementation of the platform allowed more healthcare professionals to attend meetings and resulted in a decrease in patients sent to the RC-MTB for re-staging and further diagnostic investigations and an increase in patients sent to the RC-MTB for treatment strategies. The results could be attributed to the facilitated access to the platform remotely for specialists, partly compensating for the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to the integration of the platform into the hospital's IT system. Furthermore, the early involvement of healthcare professionals in the process of customizing the platform to the specific needs of the RC-MTB may have facilitated its use and contributed to the encouraging quantitative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucia Specchia
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Pilla
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filippella
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Beccia
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Farina
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Meldolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Lanza
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Domenico Alfonso Bellantone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Shore ND, Morgans AK, El-Haddad G, Srinivas S, Abramowitz M. Addressing Challenges and Controversies in the Management of Prostate Cancer with Multidisciplinary Teams. Target Oncol 2022; 17:709-725. [PMID: 36399218 PMCID: PMC9672595 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-022-00925-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The diagnostic and treatment landscapes of prostate cancer are rapidly evolving. This has led to several challenges and controversies regarding optimal management of the disease that outpace guidelines and clinical data. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) can be used to engage the array of specialists that collaborate to treat complex malignancies such as prostate cancer. While the rationale for the use of MDTs in prostate cancer is well known, ways to optimally use MDTs to address the challenges and controversies associated with prostate cancer management are less well understood. One area of MDT care that remains undefined is how MDTs can most effectively provide guidance on clinical decision-making in situations in which information from novel diagnostic testing (genetic testing, molecular imaging) is substantially different from the established clinical risk factors. In this review, we provide a clinical perspective on ways that MDTs can be used to address this and other challenges and controversies across the prostate cancer disease continuum, from diagnosis to end-of-life considerations. Beyond clinical scenarios, we also review ways in which MDTs can mitigate disparities of care in prostate cancer. Overall, MDTs play a central role in helping to address the daily vexing issues faced by clinicians related to diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. Given the accelerating advances in precision medicine and targeted therapy, and the new questions and controversies these will bring, the value of MDTs for prostate cancer management will only increase in the future.
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Bosserman LD, Mambetsariev I, Ladbury C, Barzi A, Johnson D, Morse D, Deaville D, Smith W, Rajurkar S, Merla A, Hajjar G, Kim D, Fricke J, Trisal V, Salgia R. Pyramidal Decision Support Framework Leverages Subspecialty Expertise across Enterprise to Achieve Superior Cancer Outcomes and Personalized, Precision Care Plans. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226738. [PMID: 36431215 PMCID: PMC9697355 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of cancer care requires integrated and continuous support to deliver appropriate care. An expert network with complementary expertise and the capability of multidisciplinary care is an integral part of contemporary oncology care. Appropriate infrastructure is necessary to empower this network to deliver personalized precision care to their patients. Providing decision support as cancer care becomes exponentially more complex with new diagnostic and therapeutic choices remains challenging. City of Hope has developed a Pyramidal Decision Support Framework to address these challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, health plan restrictions, and growing geographic site diversity. Optimizing efficient and targeted decision support backed by multidisciplinary cancer expertise can improve individual patient treatment plans to achieve improved care and survival wherever patients are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda D. Bosserman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Isa Mambetsariev
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Afsaneh Barzi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Deron Johnson
- Department of Clinical Informatics, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Denise Morse
- Department of Quality, Risk and Regulatory Management, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Debbie Deaville
- Department of Enterprise Business Intelligence, City of Hope, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Wade Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
| | - Swapnil Rajurkar
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Upland, CA 91784, USA
| | - Amartej Merla
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Antelope Valley, CA 93534, USA
| | - George Hajjar
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Mission Hills, CA 91345, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jeremy Fricke
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Vijay Trisal
- Department of Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ekhator C, Kesari S, Tadipatri R, Fonkem E, Grewal J. The Emergence of Virtual Tumor Boards in Neuro-Oncology: Opportunities and Challenges. Cureus 2022; 14:e25682. [PMID: 35677741 PMCID: PMC9169580 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtual tumor board (VTB) platforms are an important aspect of cancer management. They enable easier access to a multidisciplinary team of experts. To deliver high-quality cancer care, it is necessary to coordinate numerous therapies and providers, share technical knowledge, and maintain open lines of communication among all professionals involved. The VTB is an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer. For patients with glioma and brain metastases, multidisciplinary tumor board guidelines should guide diagnosis and therapy throughout the course of the illness. VTBs are an emerging resource across various cancer care networks in the United States. Methodology We performed a systematic search of all VTBs incorporating a platform designed for this specific role. We reviewed the records of the Genomet VTB, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) VTB, and Xcures VTB. Summary data examined included the year of launch, demographics, characteristics of cases, average response time, advantages, and how they handle protected health information. Results Overall, 30% of VTBs examined were launched in 2017. All had a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant online environment. On a review of Xcures records, the median age of the female patients was 57 years and the median age of the male patients was 55 years. The data showed that 44% (4.4 out of every 10 patients) with a confirmed treatment chose the VTB integrated option. Overall, 76% of patients in the Xcures registry had primary central nervous system tumors, with at least 556 patients in the tumor registry which included 46% glioblastoma cases (96% primary, 4% secondary). In the MUSC VTB project, 112 thoracic tumor cases and nine neuro-oncology cases were reviewed. The tumor board met weekly, and the average response time was within 24 hours of case review and presentation. The Genomet VTB de-identifies all patient information; this is a virtual platform primarily focused on neuro-oncology cases. Cases involved a median of five specialists most commonly neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, molecular pathologists, and neuroradiologists. The case review revealed an age range of six months to 84 years (mean age = 44.5 years), with 69.6% males and 30.4% females, 43.5% glioblastomas, 8.7% adenocarcinomas, and 8.7% infratentorial tumors. The average response time observed in all cases was ≤24 hours. Conclusions VTBs allow for quicker expert analysis of cases. This has resulted in an accelerated number of cases reviewed with a shortened communication time. More studies are needed to gain additional insights into user engagement metrics.
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Lucarini A, Garbarino GM, Orlandi P, Garofalo E, Bragaglia L, Laracca GG, Canali G, Pecoraro A, Mercantini P. From “Cure” to “Care”: The Role of the MultiDisciplinary Team on Colorectal Cancer Patients’ Satisfaction and Oncological Outcomes. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1415-1426. [PMID: 35785259 PMCID: PMC9249348 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s362550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lucarini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: Alessio Lucarini, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy, Email
| | - Giovanni Maria Garbarino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Orlandi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Garofalo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bragaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guglielmo Laracca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Canali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecoraro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Mercantini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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10
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Bhandari D, Ozaki A, Ghimire B, Sigdel S, Shrestha R, Shrestha S, Higuchi A, Uprety A, Tsubokura M, Tanimoto T, Singh YP. Oncology clinical practice guidelines usage among physicians in Nepal. J Eval Clin Pract 2022; 28:142-150. [PMID: 34184374 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oncology clinical practice guidelines (OCPGs) are systematically developed evidence-based recommendations aimed to guide practitioners in decision making during the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer patients under specific circumstances, thereby optimizing clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the implementation of those guidelines in low and middle-income countries including Nepal. This research aimed to identify the type of OCPGs used by Nepalese physicians working in oncology departments and to explore barriers and facilitators affecting their use. METHODS Using the total population sampling technique, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey from June 2020 to January 2021 among physicians working in the oncology departments of Nepal. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize the research findings. RESULTS Out of 171 physicians approached for the study, 102 (59.6%) responded to the questionnaire. The sizable proportions of the participants were a senior group of physicians with 27.5% being consultants, 14.7% senior consultants, and 16.7% professors. The most commonly used guideline was the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline of the United States (75.5%) followed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline (44.7%). While only 22.6% of physicians reported using OCPGs every time, more than half (56.9%) highlighted that OCPGs are not feasible to implement in Nepal. Insufficient facilities/equipment, physicians' unwillingness to change their usual practice, inability to discuss research with knowledgeable colleagues, and lack of time were commonly cited barriers. CONCLUSION Findings of our study highlighted that the OCPGs developed in high-income countries may not be feasible for low resource settings like Nepal. Comprehensive local OCPGs should be developed considering the available resources, feasibility, and financial constraints of patients. Furthermore, a constant sharing and learning environment should be created to enhance the knowledge of practicing physicians and to promote the proper implementation of evidence-based findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihiko Ozaki
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, Jyoban Hospital of Tokiwa Foundation, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Bikal Ghimire
- Department of GI and General Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shailendra Sigdel
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ranish Shrestha
- Infection Control Unit, Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Service Research, Nepal Health Research and Innovation Foundation, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Asaka Higuchi
- Medical Governance Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Anup Uprety
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yogendra Prasad Singh
- Department of GI and General Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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11
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Marshall H, Mehta L, Plecha D. Relationship Building as a Strategy for Managing Referring Clinicians. JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2022; 4:56-60. [PMID: 38422419 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The strength of a radiology practice depends on the strong relationships radiologists develop with referring clinicians. Solid relationships with referring clinicians can contribute to a satisfying work environment, and ultimately excellent patient care. There are several different ways that a radiologist can help improve relationships with clinicians. As a start, this includes a radiologist strengthening one's emotional intelligence. Also, identifying the personality traits of others is key to successful interactions. Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable, and effective negotiation is helpful in building relationships with clinicians. Interacting with the referring clinicians is also key to a successful relationship. This includes all in-person communication, participating in tumor boards, community outreach events, and social functions outside of work. This article presents several tips to improve and manage relationships with referring clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Marshall
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Department of Radiology, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lina Mehta
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Department of Radiology, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Donna Plecha
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Department of Radiology, Cleveland, OH, USA
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12
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Gaudino S, Giordano C, Magnani F, Cottonaro S, Infante A, Sabatino G, La Rocca G, Della Pepa GM, D’Alessandris QG, Pallini R, Olivi A, Balducci M, Chiesa S, Gessi M, Guadalupi P, Russo R, Schiarelli C, Ausili Cefaro L, Di Lella GM, Colosimo C. Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: The Point of View of the Neuroradiologist. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020135. [PMID: 35207625 PMCID: PMC8875699 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The multi-disciplinary tumor board (MTB) is essential to quality cancer care and currently recommended to offer the best personalized clinical approach, but little has been published regarding MTBs in neuro-oncology (nMTBs). The aim of the present paper is to describe our nMTB, to evaluate its impact on clinical management decisions, and to assess the role of neuroradiologists. Methods: The retrospective evaluation of the cases discussed at our nMTB from March 2017 to March 2020. From the electronic records, we extracted epidemiological, clinical and other specific data of nMTB. From the radiological records, we calculated data relating to the number, time for revision, and other specifications of MRI re-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: a total of 447 discussions were analyzed, representing 342 patients. The requests for case evaluations came from radiation oncologists (58.8%) and neurosurgeons (40.5%), and were mainly addressed to the neuroradiologist (73.8%). The most frequent questions were about the treatment’s changes (64.4%). The change in patient treatment was reported in 40.5% of cases, 76.8% of these were based on the neuroradiologic assessment. A total of 1514 MRI examinations were re-evaluated, employing approximately 67 h overall. The median of the MRI exams reviewed per patient was 3 (min–max 1–12). Conclusions: Our study supported that the multidisciplinary approach to patient care can be particularly effective in managing brain tumors. A review by an expert neuroradiologist impacts patient management in the context of nMTBs, but has costs in terms of the time and effort spent preparing for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gaudino
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Giordano
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Francesca Magnani
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Simone Cottonaro
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology, Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy;
| | - Amato Infante
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Diagnostic Imaging, COVID Center 2, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Sabatino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
- UOC Neurosurgery, Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Rocca
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
- UOC Neurosurgery, Mater Olbia Hospital, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Della Pepa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Quintino Giorgio D’Alessandris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.S.); (G.L.R.); (G.M.D.P.); (Q.G.D.); (R.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Mario Balducci
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Oncological Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Chiesa
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Oncological Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Marco Gessi
- UOS Neuropathology, UOC Pathology Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Rosellina Russo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Chiara Schiarelli
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Luca Ausili Cefaro
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Maria Di Lella
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, UOC Neuroradiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.G.); (F.M.); (R.R.); (C.S.); (L.A.C.); (G.M.D.L.); (C.C.)
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13
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Nobori A, Jumniensuk C, Chen X, Enzmann D, Dry S, Nelson S, Arnold CW. Electronic Health Record-Integrated Tumor Board Application to Save Preparation Time and Reduce Errors. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2022; 6:e2100142. [PMID: 35025671 DOI: 10.1200/cci.21.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multidisciplinary oncology meetings, or tumor boards (TBs), ensure and facilitate communication between specialties regarding the management of cancer cases to improve patient care. The organization of TB and the preparation and presentation of patient cases are typically inefficient processes that require the exchange of patient information via e-mail, the hunting for data and images in the electronic health record, and the copying and pasting of patient data into desktop presentation software. METHODS We implemented a standards-based electronic health record-integrated application that automated several aspects of TB organization and preparation. We hypothesized that this application would increase the efficiency of TB preparation, reduce errors in patient entry, and enhance communication with the clinical team. Our experimental design used a prospective evaluation by pathologists who were timed in preparing for weekly TBs using both the new application and the conventional method. In addition, patient data entry errors associated with each method were tracked, and TB attendees completed a survey evaluating satisfaction with the new application. RESULTS The total time savings for TB preparation using the digital TB application over the conventional method was 5 hours and 19 minutes, representing a 45% reduction in preparation time (P < .01). Survey results showed that 91% of respondents preferred the digital method and believed that it improved the flow of the TB meeting. In addition, most believed that the digital method had an impact on subsequent patient care. CONCLUSION This study provides further evidence that new electronic systems have the potential to significantly improve the overall TB paradigm by optimizing and enhancing case organization, preparation, and presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Nobori
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chayanit Jumniensuk
- Department of Pathology, Phramongkutklao Hospital and College of Medicine, Army Institute of Pathology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Dieter Enzmann
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sarah Dry
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Scott Nelson
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Corey W Arnold
- Departments of Radiological Sciences, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Bioengineering, and Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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14
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Gebbia V, Guarini A, Piazza D, Bertani A, Spada M, Verderame F, Sergi C, Potenza E, Fazio I, Blasi L, La Sala A, Mortillaro G, Roz E, Marchese R, Chiarenza M, Soto-Parra H, Valerio MR, Agneta G, Amato C, Lipari H, Baldari S, Ferraù F, Di Grazia A, Mancuso G, Rizzo S, Firenze A. Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: A Narrative Review Focused on Lung Cancer. Pulm Ther 2021; 7:295-308. [PMID: 34089169 PMCID: PMC8177259 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-021-00163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the virtual multidisciplinary tumor boards (vMTBs) are increasingly used to achieve high-quality treatment recommendations across health-care regions, which expands and develops the local MTB team to a regional or national expert network. This review describes the process of lung cancer-specific MTBs and the transition process from face-to-face tumor boards to virtual ones. The review also focuses on the project organization's description, advantages, and disadvantages. Semi-structured interviews identified five major themes for MTBs: current practice, attitudes, enablers, barriers, and benefits for the MTB. MTB teams exhibited positive responses to modeled data feedback. Virtualization reduces time spent for travel, allowing easier and timely patient discussions. This process requires a secure web platform to assure the respect of patients' privacy and presents the same unanswered problems. The implementation of vMTB also permits the implementation of networks especially in areas with geographical barriers facilitating interaction between large referral cancer centers and tertiary or community hospitals as well as easier access to clinical trial opportunities. Studies aimed to improve preparations, structure, and conduct of MTBs, research methods to monitor their performance, teamwork, and outcomes are also outlined in this article. Analysis of literature shows that MTB participants discuss 5-8 cases per meeting and that the use of a vMTB for lung cancer and in particular stage III NSCLC and complex stage IV cases is widely accepted by most health professionals. Despite still-existing gaps, overall vMTB represents a unique opportunity to optimize patient management in a patient-centered approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Gebbia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, University of Palermo, Via San Lorenzo Colli n. 312D, 90100, Palermo, Italy.
- GSTU Foundation, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Aurelia Guarini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione Ospedale Giglio, Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Bertani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS Ismett, UPMC, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Spada
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione Ospedale Giglio, Cefalù, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Sergi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, ARNAS, Ospedale Garibaldi, Nesima, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Potenza
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, ARNAS, Ospedale Garibaldi, Nesima, Catania, Italy
| | - Ivan Fazio
- Radiation Therapy Unit, Clinica Macchiarella, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livio Blasi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Arnas Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alba La Sala
- Bronchial Endoscopy Unit, Arnas Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Elena Roz
- Pathology Unit, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Marchese
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Agneta
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Ospedale Cervello Villa Sofia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Amato
- Patients Advocacy "Serena a Palermo", Palermo, Italy
| | - Helga Lipari
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University Hospital G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferraù
- Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale San Vincenzo, Taormina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfio Di Grazia
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Mancuso
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, University of Palermo, Via San Lorenzo Colli n. 312D, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Rizzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, La Maddalena Clinic for Cancer, University of Palermo, Via San Lorenzo Colli n. 312D, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Firenze
- Risk Management Unit, Policlinico, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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15
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[Current developments in healthcare information technology : Impact on structured reporting]. Radiologe 2021; 61:986-994. [PMID: 34652454 PMCID: PMC8517570 DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Structured reporting has become established in many radiological applications over the last 20 years. However, its significance is often still seen as being limited to a narrow section of clinical workflows-image reporting and the creation of radiological reports. By placing every clinical and radiological finding in a semantic context from which its clinical meaning can be reproduced at any time, even by digital assistance systems, structured handling of medical data is essential for the interoperability of clinical systems along the entire diagnostic and therapeutic pathway.
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16
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De B, Kuban DA, Tang C. Multidisciplinary clinics in prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1553-1554. [PMID: 34316333 PMCID: PMC8310670 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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17
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Punnen GE, Keshava SN, Gibikote S. Clinical Radiology Case Presentation: Do's and Don'ts. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2021; 31:24-29. [PMID: 34316108 PMCID: PMC8299493 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical case presentation is part of daily routine for doctors to communicate with each other to facilitate learning, and ultimately patient management. Hence, the art of good clinical case presentation is a skill that needs to be mastered. Case presentations are a part of most undergraduate and postgraduate training programs aimed at nurturing oratory and presentation design skills. This article is an attempt at providing a trainee in radiology a guideline to good case presentation skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geethu E Punnen
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shyamkumar N Keshava
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Interventional Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sridhar Gibikote
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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18
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Loh KP, Abdallah M, Kadambi S, Wells M, Kumar AJ, Mendler J, Liesveld J, Wittink M, O’Dwyer K, Becker MW, McHugh C, Stock W, Majhail NS, Wildes TM, Duberstein P, Mohile SG, Klepin HD. Treatment decision-making in acute myeloid leukemia: a qualitative study of older adults and community oncologists. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:387-398. [PMID: 33040623 PMCID: PMC7878016 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1832662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the characteristics of patients, physicians, and organizations that influence treatment decisions in older patients with AML. We conducted qualitative interviews with community oncologists and older patients with AML to elicit factors that influence their treatment decision-making. Recruitment was done via purposive sampling and continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in the inclusion of 15 patients and 15 oncologists. Participants' responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. Oncologists and patients considered comorbidities, functional status, emotional health, cognition, and social factors when deciding treatment; most oncologists evaluated these using clinical gestalt. Sixty-seven percent of patients perceived that treatment was their only option and that they had not been offered a choice. In conclusion, treatment decision-making is complex and influenced by patient-related factors. These factors can be assessed as part of a geriatric assessment which can help oncologists better determine fitness and guide treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Poh Loh
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Maya Abdallah
- Department of Medicine, Sections of Geriatrics and Hematology/Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, , Massachusetts
| | - Sindhuja Kadambi
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Megan Wells
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | | | - Jason Mendler
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Jane Liesveld
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Marsha Wittink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Kristen O’Dwyer
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Michael W. Becker
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Colin McHugh
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Wendy Stock
- The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Navneet S. Majhail
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Tanya M. Wildes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Supriya Gupta Mohile
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Heidi D. Klepin
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC
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Role of Key Guidelines in an Era of Precision Oncology: A Primer for the Radiologist. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2021; 216:1112-1125. [PMID: 33502227 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.20.23025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the evidence-based imaging guidelines of major oncologic societies and organizations and to discuss approaches to effective implementation of the most recent guidelines in daily radiology practice. CONCLUSION. In an era of precision oncology, radiologists in practice and radiologists in training are key stakeholders in multidisciplinary care, and their awareness and understanding of society guidelines is critically important.
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20
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Patel MM, Parikh JR. Patient Diversity in Breast Imaging: Barriers and Potential Solutions. JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2021; 3:98-105. [PMID: 38424834 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent reports have highlighted disparities in breast cancer care related to patient diversity. Breast radiologists represent the face of breast imaging and are key players in advocating for patients to reduce these disparities. Diversity-related barriers for breast imaging patients, as they journey from screening to survivorship, include impediments to access and quality of care, gaps in communication, and lack of knowledge in both providers and patients. Potential strategies for overcoming these specific barriers include "culturally tailored" nurse navigators, mobile mammography, improved communication, patient and provider education, and breast radiologist involvement in advocacy efforts promoting diversity. As current trends in recommendations and guidelines for breast imaging include more numerous and advanced imaging modalities, it is important to acknowledge and address diversity-related disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miral M Patel
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, Houston, TX
| | - Jay R Parikh
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, Houston, TX
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21
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Pelayo S, Bouaud J, Blancafort C, Lamy JB, Sekar BD, Larburu N, Muro N, Ribate AU, Belloso J, Valderas G, Guardiola S, Ngo C, Teixeira L, Guézennec G, Séroussi B. Preliminary Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of DESIREE, a Decision Support Platform for the Management of Primary Breast Cancer Patients. AMIA ... ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. AMIA SYMPOSIUM 2021; 2020:1012-1021. [PMID: 33936477 PMCID: PMC8075492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The DESIREE project has developed a platform offering several complementary therapeutic decision support systems (DSSs) to improve care quality for breast cancer patients. A first assessment of the system was carried out in close-to-real tumor boards (TBs). Fourteen TB sessions were organized corresponding to a total of 125 exploitable decisions previously made without the system and re-played with the system after a washout period in three pilot sites. Results show an overestimation of declared compliance with guidelines when not using the system as compared to measured compliance with the recommendations issued from the guideline-based DSS of DESIREE. After using the system, measured compliance rate of decisions with guidelines was significantly improved from 74.4% to 89.6%. Most of the changes in decisions when using the guideline-based DSS were associated with non-compliant decisions that became compliant. Qualitative analysis and interviews showed that despite maturity issues, clinicians found DESIREE DSSs innovative and promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Pelayo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CIC-IT 1403/Evalab, EA 2694, Lille, France
| | - Jacques Bouaud
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, DRCI, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Blancafort
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Lamy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
| | - Booma Devi Sekar
- School of Computing and Mathematics, Ulster University, United Kingdom
| | - Nekane Larburu
- eHeatlh and Biomedical Applications, Vicomtech-IK4, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Biodonostia, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Naiara Muro
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
- eHeatlh and Biomedical Applications, Vicomtech-IK4, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Biodonostia, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | | | - Jon Belloso
- R&D department, Fundación Onkologikoa, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Guillermo Valderas
- Radiology department, Exploraciones Radiológicas Especiales S.L, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Guardiola
- Radiology department, Exploraciones Radiológicas Especiales S.L, Valencia, Spain
| | - Charlotte Ngo
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
- Faculté de santé, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luis Teixeira
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
- Faculté de santé, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Guézennec
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
| | - Brigitte Séroussi
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LIMICS UMR_S 1142, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
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22
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Petrella F, Radice D, Guarize J, Piperno G, Rampinelli C, de Marinis F, Spaggiari L. The Impact of Multidisciplinary Team Meetings on Patient Management in Oncologic Thoracic Surgery: A Single-Center Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E228. [PMID: 33435181 PMCID: PMC7827504 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the aim of this paper is to quantify multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) impact on the decisional clinical pathway of thoracic cancer patients, assessing the modification rate of the initial out-patient evaluation. METHODS the impact of MDT was classified as follows: confirmation: same conclusions as out-patient hypothesis; modification: change of out-patient hypothesis; implementation: definition of a clear clinical track/conclusion for patients that did not receive any clinical hypothesis; further exams required: the findings that emerged in the MDT meeting require further exams. RESULTS one thousand consecutive patients evaluated at MDT meetings were enrolled. Clinical settings of patients were: early stage lung cancer (17.4%); locally advanced lung cancer (27.4%); stage IV lung cancer (9.8%); mesothelioma (1%); metastases to the lung from other primary tumors (4%); histologically proven or suspected recurrence from previous lung cancer (15%); solitary pulmonary nodule (19.2%); mediastinal tumors (3.4%); other settings (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS MDT meetings impact patient management in oncologic thoracic surgery by modifying the out-patient clinical hypothesis in 10.6% of cases; the clinical settings with the highest decisional modification rates are "solitary pulmonary nodule" and "proven or suspected recurrence" with modification rates of 14.6% and 13.3%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrella
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy; (J.G.); or (L.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Radice
- Department of Biostatistcs, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Juliana Guarize
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy; (J.G.); or (L.S.)
| | - Gaia Piperno
- Department of Radiotherapy, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Cristiano Rampinelli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, 20141 Milan, Italy; (J.G.); or (L.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20141 Milan, Italy
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23
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Abdul BAA, Chava S, Katta SS, Gupta SC, Gangula PR, Pandey MK, Durden DL, Byrareddy SN, Challagundla KB. COVID-19 and Cancer Comorbidity: Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges. Theranostics 2021; 11:731-753. [PMID: 33391502 PMCID: PMC7738845 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that affects the respiratory system of infected individuals. COVID-19 spreads between humans through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The COVID-19 outbreak originated in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. As of 29 Sept 2020, over 235 countries, areas or territories across the globe reported a total of 33,441,919 confirmed cases, and 1,003,497 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19. Individuals of all ages are at risk for infection, but in most cases disease severity is associated with age and pre-existing diseases that compromise immunity, like cancer. Numerous reports suggest that people with cancer can be at higher risk of severe illness and related deaths from COVID-19. Therefore, managing cancer care under this pandemic is challenging and requires a collaborative multidisciplinary approach for optimal care of cancer patients in hospital settings. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients, their care, and treatment. Further, this review covers the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, genome characterization, COVID-19 pathophysiology, and associated signaling pathways in cancer, and the choice of anticancer agents as repurposed drugs for treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S. Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center; University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Saito-Asagi Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Bakrudeen AA. Abdul
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research & Development, PRIST Deemed University, Vallam, Tamil Nadu 613403, India
| | - Srinivas Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center; University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Santharam S. Katta
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Rukmini Knowledge Park Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Subash C. Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Pandu R. Gangula
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences and Research, School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Manoj K. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Donald L. Durden
- Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- SignalRx Pharmaceuticals, Omaha, NE 68124, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center; University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishore B. Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center; University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The Children's Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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24
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Chakravarthy VB, Grabowski MM, Benzel EC, Benzil DL. Neuro-Oncology Practice resources for optimizing care and practice in spinal oncology. Neurooncol Pract 2020; 7:i62-i69. [PMID: 33299575 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As the diagnosis and treatment of systemic cancers continues to improve, increased patient survival has resulted in a rise in the number of patients who develop spinal metastases (SM). Within many areas of oncology, utilization of multidisciplinary care models in the management and decision making of SM patients has proven effective for optimizing care and improving patient safety. Three main goals of an effective clinical pathway include improving outcomes and quality, improving the patient experience, and lowering cost. This paper outlines the strategies employed to optimally establish such a collaborative program for the management of patients with SM, as well as direct providers in and out of the field, patients and caregivers, and practice managers to the appropriate resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram B Chakravarthy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew M Grabowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Edward C Benzel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Deborah L Benzil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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25
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Genitourinary Cancer Care: Re-envisioning the Future. Eur Urol 2020; 78:731-742. [PMID: 32893062 PMCID: PMC7471715 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated rapid changes in medical practice. Many of these changes may add value to care, creating opportunities going forward. OBJECTIVE To provide an evidence-informed, expert-derived review of genitourinary cancer care moving forward following the initial COVID-19 pandemic. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A collaborative narrative review was conducted using literature published through May 2020 (PubMed), which comprised three main topics: reduced in-person interactions arguing for increasing virtual and image-based care, optimisation of the delivery of care, and the effect of COVID-19 in health care facilities on decision-making by patients and their families. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Patterns of care will evolve following the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine, virtual care, and telemonitoring will increase and could offer broader access to multidisciplinary expertise without increasing costs. Comprehensive and integrative telehealth solutions will be necessary, and should consider patients' mental health and access differences due to socioeconomic status. Investigations and treatments will need to maximise efficiency and minimise health care interactions. Solutions such as one stop clinics, day case surgery, hypofractionated radiotherapy, and oral or less frequent drug dosing will be preferred. The pandemic necessitated a triage of those patients whose treatment should be expedited, delayed, or avoided, and may persist with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in circulation. Patients whose demographic characteristics are at the highest risk of complications from COVID-19 may re-evaluate the benefit of intervention for less aggressive cancers. Clinical research will need to accommodate virtual care and trial participation. Research dissemination and medical education will increasingly utilise virtual platforms, limiting in-person professional engagement; ensure data dissemination; and aim to enhance patient engagement. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting effects on the delivery of health care. These changes offer opportunities to improve access, delivery, and the value of care for patients with genitourinary cancers but raise concerns that physicians and health administrators must consider in order to ensure equitable access to care. PATIENT SUMMARY The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed the care provided to many patients with genitourinary cancers. This has necessitated a transition to telemedicine, changes in threshold or delays in many treatments, and an opportunity to reimagine patient care to maintain safety and improve value moving forward.
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26
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Ferraioli D, Bally O, Meeus P, Benayoun D, Bakrin N, De Saint Hilaire P, Beal Ardisson D, Provençal J, Barletta H, Mousseau M, Chauleur C, Verbaere S, Knibiehly A, Fuso L, Charreton A, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Chopin N, Glehen O, Labrosse-Canat H, Farsi F, Ray-Coquard I. Impact of multidisciplinary tumour board in the management of ovarian carcinoma in the first-line setting. Exhaustive analysis from the Rhone-Alpes region. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 29:e13313. [PMID: 32894629 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a poor prognosis disease partly linked to diagnosis at an advanced stage. The quality of care management is a factor that needs to be explored, more specifically optimal organisation of first-line treatment. METHODS A retrospective study, dealing with all patients diagnosed within the Rhone-Alpes region with initial diagnosis EOC in 2012, was performed. The aim was to describe the impact of multidisciplinary tumour boards (MTB) in the organisation of care and the consequence on the patient's outcomes. RESULTS 271 EOC were analysed. 206 patients had an advanced EOC. Median progression-free survival (PFS) is 17.8 months (CI95%, 14.6-21.2) for AOC. 157 patients (57.9%) had a front-line surgery versus 114 patients (42.1%) interval debulking surgery. PFS for AOC patients with no residual disease is 24.3 months compared with 15.3 months for patients with residual disease (p = .01). No macroscopic residual disease is more frequent in the patients discussed before surgery in MTB compared with patients not submitted before surgery (73% vs. 56.2%, p < .001). CONCLUSION These results highlight the heterogeneity of medical practices in terms of front-line surgery versus interval surgery, in the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in the setting of MTB discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ferraioli
- Gynecology Department, Leon Berard Cancer Center, Lyon, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Olivia Bally
- Oncology Department, Private Hospital Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Meeus
- Surgical Department, Leon Berard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - David Benayoun
- Oncology Department, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Naoual Bakrin
- Surgical Department, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | - Hugues Barletta
- Surgical Department, Private Hospital Drome Ardeche, Valence, France
| | - Mireille Mousseau
- Surgical Department, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Céline Chauleur
- Oncology Department, Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Sylvain Verbaere
- Surgical Department, Private Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Alain Knibiehly
- Surgical Department, Hospital of Montelimar, Montelimar, France
| | - Luca Fuso
- Gynecology Oncology Department, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicolas Chopin
- Gynecology Department, Leon Berard Cancer Center, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Glehen
- Surgical Department, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Fadila Farsi
- Regional Network of Cancer (ONCO AuRA), Lyon, France
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27
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Rajurkar S, Mambetsariev I, Pharaon R, Leach B, Tan T, Kulkarni P, Salgia R. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer from Genomics to Therapeutics: A Framework for Community Practice Integration to Arrive at Personalized Therapy Strategies. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1870. [PMID: 32549358 PMCID: PMC7356243 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease, and therapeutic management has advanced with the identification of various key oncogenic mutations that promote lung cancer tumorigenesis. Subsequent studies have developed targeted therapies against these oncogenes in the hope of personalizing therapy based on the molecular genomics of the tumor. This review presents approved treatments against actionable mutations in NSCLC as well as promising targets and therapies. We also discuss the current status of molecular testing practices in community oncology sites that would help to direct oncologists in lung cancer decision-making. We propose a collaborative framework between community practice and academic sites that can help improve the utilization of personalized strategies in the community, through incorporation of increased testing rates, virtual molecular tumor boards, vendor-based oncology clinical pathways, and an academic-type singular electronic health record system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (S.R.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (B.L.); (T.T.); (P.K.)
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28
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Specchia ML, Frisicale EM, Carini E, Di Pilla A, Cappa D, Barbara A, Ricciardi W, Damiani G. The impact of tumor board on cancer care: evidence from an umbrella review. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:73. [PMID: 32005232 PMCID: PMC6995197 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4930-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor Boards (TBs) are Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings in which different specialists work together closely sharing clinical decisions in cancer care. The composition is variable, depending on the type of tumor discussed. As an organizational tool, MDTs are thought to optimize patient outcomes and to improve care performance. The aim of the study was to perform an umbrella review summarizing the available evidence on the impact of TBs on healthcare outcomes and processes. Methods Pubmed and Web of Science databases were investigated along with a search through citations. The only study design included was systematic review. Only reviews published after 1997 concerning TBs and performed in hospital settings were considered. Two researchers synthetized the studies and assessed their quality through the AMSTAR2 tool. Results Five systematic reviews published between 2008 and 2017 were retrieved. One review was focused on gastrointestinal cancers and included 16 studies; another one was centered on lung cancer and included 16 studies; the remaining three studies considered a wide range of tumors and included 27, 37 and 51 studies each. The main characteristics about format and members and the definition of TBs were collected. The decisions taken during TBs led to changes in diagnosis (probability to receive a more accurate assessment and staging), treatment (usually more appropriate) and survival (not unanimous improvement shown). Other outcomes less highlighted were quality of life, satisfaction and waiting times. Conclusions The study showed that the multidisciplinary approach is the best way to deliver the complex care needed by cancer patients; however, it is a challenge that requires organizational and cultural changes and must be led by competent health managers who can improve teamwork within their organizations. Further studies are needed to reinforce existing literature concerning health outcomes. Evidence on the impact of TBs on clinical practices is still lacking for many aspects of cancer care. Further studies should aim to evaluate the impact on survival rates, quality of life and patient satisfaction. Regular studies should be carried out and new process indicators should be defined to assess the impact and the performance of TBs more consistently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lucia Specchia
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Maria Frisicale
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Local Health Authority, ASL ROMA 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Danila Cappa
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Walter Ricciardi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Damiani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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29
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Ntalos D, Berger-Groch J, Rohde H, Grossterlinden LG, Both A, Luebke A, Hartel MJ, Klatte TO. Implementation of a multidisciplinary infections conference affects the treatment plan in prosthetic joint infections of the hip: a retrospective study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2019; 139:467-473. [PMID: 30488282 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-018-3079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Establishing a systematic multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) of the hip and analyzing its effect on clinical decision-making. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six patients diagnosed with PJI of the hip were included in the retrospective study. The treatment plan was either established by a single-discipline approach (n = 20) or by a weekly multidisciplinary infections conference (n = 26) consisting of at least an orthopedic surgeon, microbiologist and pathologist. Recorded data included the length of hospital stay, number and type of surgeries, medical complications, recovered organisms as well as the number of applied antibiotics. RESULTS Patients discussed in the multidisciplinary infections conference showed a significantly shorter in-hospital stay (29 vs 62 days; p < 0.05), a significant reduction in surgeries (1.8 vs 5.1; p < 0.05) and a smaller number of antibiotics required (2.8 vs 4.2; p < 0.05). No significant difference could be found comparing inpatient complications between the two groups. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently recovered organisms in both patient groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the successful implementation of a weekly infections conference as an instrument to introduce a multidisciplinary approach to PJI of the hip. Implementation of these conferences significantly improves the treatment plan compared to a single-discipline approach, which we therefore highly recommend for other institutions. Multidiscipline may even affect clinical outcome which needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Ntalos
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - J Berger-Groch
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Rohde
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L G Grossterlinden
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Spine Surgery, Asklepios Hospital Altona, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Both
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Luebke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M J Hartel
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - T O Klatte
- Department of Trauma-, Hand-, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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30
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Gupta RT, Saunders RS, Rosenkrantz AB, Paulson EK, Samei E. The Need for Practical and Accurate Measures of Value for Radiology. J Am Coll Radiol 2018; 16:810-813. [PMID: 30598415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Radiologists play a critical role in helping the health care system achieve greater value. Unfortunately, today radiology is often judged by simple "checkbox" metrics, which neither directly reflect the value radiologists provide nor the outcomes they help drive. To change this system, first, we must attempt to better define the elusive term value and, then, quantify the value of imaging through more relevant and meaningful metrics that can be more directly correlated with outcomes. This framework can further improve radiology's value by enhancing radiologists' integration into the care team and their engagement with patients. With these improvements, we can maximize the value of imaging in the overall care of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan T Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Robert S Saunders
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Andrew B Rosenkrantz
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, New York, New York
| | - Erik K Paulson
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ehsan Samei
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Departments of Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ravin Advanced Imaging Labs, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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