Utilization of Interdisciplinary Tumor Boards for Sarcoma Care in Germany: Results from the PROSa Study

Eichler M, Andreou D, Golcher H, Hentschel L, Richter S, Hohenberger P, Kasper B, Pink D, Jakob J, Ashmawy H, Hettmer S, Tuchscherer A, Grube M, Heidt V, Jentsch C, Pablik J, Wardelmann E, Kreitner KF, Kneser U, Tonus C, Wimberger P, Schoffer O, Reichardt P, Wartenberg M, Eberlein-Gonska M, Bornhauser M, Schmitt J, Schuler MK (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

DOI: 10.1159/000516262

Abstract

Background: Data on institutional structures of sarcoma care in Germany are scarce. The utilization of an interdisciplinary tumor board (IDTB) is an essential part of modern cancer care. We investigated to which extent and when IDTB are used in sarcoma care. We hypothesized that IDTB before treatment initiation were used more often at certified cancer centers and at high-volume centers and that IDTB utilization increased over time. Methods: From 2017 to 2020 we conducted a prospective cohort study, undertaking major efforts to include the whole spectrum of sarcoma treatment facilities. To analyze potential predictors of IDTB utilization, we calculated multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Patients and survivors (n = 1,309) from 39 study centers (22 tertiary referral hospitals, 9 other hospitals, and 8 office-based practices) participated; 88.3% of the patients were discussed at some stage of their disease in an IDTB (56.1% before treatment, 78% after therapy, and 85.9% in metastatic disease). Hypotheses were confirmed regarding the utilization of IDTB in certified cancer centers (vs. all others: OR = 5.39; 95% CI 3.28-8.85) and the time of diagnosis (2018/2019 vs. until 2013: OR = 4.95; 95% CI 2.67-9.21). Conclusion:Our study adds to the evidence regarding the institutional structures of sarcoma care in Germany. Utilization of a tumor board before therapy seems to be in an implementation process that is making progress but is far from complete. Certification is a possible tool to accelerate this development.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Göttingen Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Freiburg Germany (DE) Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen Dresden (NCT/UCC) Germany (DE) HELIOS Kliniken Germany (DE) Technische Universität Dresden Germany (DE) German Sarcoma Foundation / Deutsche Sarkom-Stiftung Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Münster Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Regensburg Germany (DE) BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen (BGU) / BG Hospital Ludwigshafen Germany (DE) Asklepios Kliniken Germany (DE) Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Germany (DE) Universität zu Köln Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf Germany (DE) Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Eichler, M., Andreou, D., Golcher, H., Hentschel, L., Richter, S., Hohenberger, P.,... Schuler, M.K. (2021). Utilization of Interdisciplinary Tumor Boards for Sarcoma Care in Germany: Results from the PROSa Study. Oncology Research and Treatment. https://doi.org/10.1159/000516262

MLA:

Eichler, Martin, et al. "Utilization of Interdisciplinary Tumor Boards for Sarcoma Care in Germany: Results from the PROSa Study." Oncology Research and Treatment (2021).

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