A Prospective Observational Study on the Structuring Process and Implementation of a Large Regional, Inter-hospital, Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board on Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: At present, multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTB) are considered best practice in oncology. However, web-based virtualization of MDTB may increase participation in meetings, the number of cases discussed, and adherence to guidelines, deliver better treatment, and eventually improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an observational study focused on exploring the structuring process and implementing a multi-institutional virtual MDTB in Sicily, Italy. Other endpoints included the analysis of cooperation between participants, adherence to guidelines, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Overall, 126 patients were referred to the virtual MDTB for a total of 302 cases discussed in an 18-month period. Nearly 45% of cases were referred from general hospitals or tertiary centers, 38% from comprehensive cancer centers, and only 17% from academic ones. Most health professional participants (95%) reported eliminating geographical barriers and consequently reducing costs and saving time as key advantages of virtual meetings over face-to-face ones. Using a specifically designed platform for virtual MDTBs was another excellent point, especially to geolocate clinical trials and time-lapse data storage. The majority of referred patients had stage T 3-4 prostate cancer (79%). Overall, 71% of proposals discussed were approved unchanged, while 19% changed after the virtual MDTB discussion. Debated points were mostly radiologic, surgical, medical, or radiation treatment-related issues. In particular, the prescriptive appropriateness of positron emission tomography with 68Ga-prostatic specific membrane antigen, newer drugs, radiation versus surgical approach, stage T3-4 cases, and adjuvant therapy represented the most debated issues. The proposed diagnostic and/or therapeutic options were controlled for adherence to the guidelines and/or updated scientific evidence. Overall, 98% of approved proposals and changes were in line with the guidelines. Overall, most participants felt virtual MDTB was very useful and case discussions led to a major change of strategy in 19% of cases. CONCLUSION: Virtual MDTBs are a very useful way to achieve best management of prostate cancer while saving time and fostering cooperation.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Patients With Oligo-progressive Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: Data From the Real World.

AIM: This retrospective observational study evaluated the role of hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with oligo-progressive metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with first-line oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Data on local control, delay of further progression, and safety are reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2016, 28 patients with mRCC who showed oligo-progressive disease while receiving first-line pazopanib were treated with hypofractionated SRT to progressive metastatic sites to delay the change of systemic therapy. First and second progression-free survival (PFS-1 and PFS-2) were recorded, as well as objective response and toxicity. RESULTS: After pazopanib therapy, nine partial remissions (32%), 12 stable disease (43%) and seven progressions (25%) were recorded. The median time to progression from first-line pazopanib until oligo-progression was 9.45 months (PFS-1 range=2-30 months). Seventeen patients (61%) showed progression at pre-existing tumor sites, and 11 patients (39%) showed the appearance of new metastases. Progression-free survival after radiation therapy was 4.55 months (PFS-2 range=1-11 months). PFS-1 plus PFS-2 was 14.0 months (range=3-41 months). Severe grade 3-4 toxicities were seen only occasionally. CONCLUSION: Patients with oligo-progressive mRCC treated with first-line pazopanib may benefit from hypo-fractionated high-dose SRT at progressing sites achieving a further increase in median progression-free survival. Further studies and prospective validation are required to establish if this minimally invasive approach may have a positive impact on overall survival and reported outcomes.

High-dose Radiotherapy for Oligo-progressive NSCLC Receiving EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Real World Data.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Local ablative treatments for oligo-progressive, EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (mut-NCSLC) may improve long-term disease control and survival. We analyzed the efficacy of hypo-fractionated, high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT), in association with prolonged EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in oligo-progressive, EGFR mutant-NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Progression-free survival-1 (PFS-1, date from initiation of TKI therapy until oligo-progression or death), and progression-free survival-2 (PFS-2, date of focal progression until further progression or death) were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were analyzed. The median PFS 1 was 12.5 months. HDHRT consisted of intensity-modulated RT and stereotactic RT in 23 (64%) and 13 (36%) patients respectively. The median PFS 2 was 6.3 months. Overall survival was 38.7 months. CONCLUSION: Hypo-fractionated HDRT plus TKI therapy, is associated with a significant prolongation of disease control (overall PFS: 18.8 months), with manageable side effects. These real-world data support the use of local ablative approaches in oligo-progressive EGFR mut-NSCLC.

Cancer patient-centered home care: a new model for health care in oncology.

Patient-centered home care is a new model of assistance, which may be integrated with more traditional hospital-centered care especially in selected groups of informed and trained patients. Patient-centered care is based on patients' needs rather than on prognosis, and takes into account the emotional and psychosocial aspects of the disease. This model may be applied to elderly patients, who present comorbid diseases, but it also fits with the needs of younger fit patients. A specialized multidisciplinary team coordinated by experienced medical oncologists and including pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, and social assistance providers should carry out home care. Other professional figures may be required depending on patients' needs. Every effort should be made to achieve optimal coordination between the health professionals and the reference hospital and to employ shared evidence-based guidelines, which in turn guarantee safety and efficacy. Comprehensive care has to be easily accessible and requires a high level of education and knowledge of the disease for both the patients and their caregivers. Patient-centered home care represents an important tool to improve quality of life and help cancer patients while also being cost effective.