Unlocking the potential of Molecular Tumor Boards: from cutting-edge data interpretation to innovative clinical pathways

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2024 Jul:199:104379. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104379. Epub 2024 May 7.

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.

Keywords: Genomics; Liquid biopsy; Molecular tumor board; Precision oncology; Variant annotation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Pathways
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Precision Medicine* / methods