Project details

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Ability of the molecular tumour board to direct clinical decision making

Keywords:
Molecular tumour board Genetic sequencing Clinical decision making

Researchers:
H.J.M. Groen
F. Bensch
A.J. van der Wekken

Nature of the research:
Phase I: Retrospective data collection to complete information obtained within UMCG’s molecular tumour board between 2015-2018 Phase II: Prospective data collection within the molecular tumour board

Fields of study:
oncology

Background / introduction
Molecular techniques, such as genetic sequencing of tumour biopsies are evolving rapidly and have partially found their way into daily practice with the aim to further personalize anti-cancer treatment. Molecular tumour boards have been set up to place findings of rare sequencing results into clinical context and identify potentially actionable genomic alterations to subsequently frame clinical recommendations. The latter include targeted therapies based on the patient’s tumour genomic profile, applicable clinical trials and additional or repeated testing to confirm or rule out certain alterations. In 2014 a molecular tumour board has been founded in the UMCG as well, and since then, more than 400 cases have been discussed and recommendations have been sent to the treating physicians.
Research question / problem definition
Since 2014, genetic sequencing data of more than 400 oncology patients have been discussed in the UMCG’s molecular tumour board and recommendations regarding oncologic treatment were sent to the treating physicians. Whether recommendations have been followed and, if so, what the treatment outcome was, is unclear. Within this research project, we therefore want to assess the ability of the UMCG’s molecular tumour board to direct clinical decision making. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the clinical value of the given recommendations by collecting outcome data of patients treated with targeted agents based on the observed genetic alterations, next to gathering general information on the use of the molecular tumour board.
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