Molecular tumor board availability and organization in sarcoma referral centers in Italy: are we on the right track?
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By
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Concetta Elisa Onesti
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Beatrice Casini
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Annarosaria De Chiara
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Valentina Fausti
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Roberto Luksch
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Giuseppe Maria Milano
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Emanuela Palmerini
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Sabrina Vari
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Serena Ceddia
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Federica Riva
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Toni Ibrahim
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Renato Covello
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Gennaro Ciliberto
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Katia Scotlandi
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Virginia Ferraresi
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June 3, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Assessment of Molecular Tumor Board Structure and Accessibility in Italian Sarcoma Treatment Centers: Are We Making Progress?
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Sarcoma |
| Key Mechanisms | Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs) evaluate individualized treatment options through genomic profiling. |
| Target Population | Patients with sarcomas in Italy. |
| Care Setting | Referral centers for pediatric and adult sarcomas. |
Key Highlights
- 83% of centers have a dedicated oncologist in the MTB.
- 100% of centers offer target panel sequencing and whole exome sequencing.
- 67% of centers report analysis time exceeding 10 days.
- 83% of centers analyze both primary and metastatic tumors.
- MTBs are present in most responding sarcoma referral centers.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is recommended for identifying new therapeutic targets.
Management
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective MTB function.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Clinical data and follow-up should be recorded in a database.
Risks
- The lack of standard tools for analyzing sarcomas may hinder treatment options.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with rare sarcomas.
Genomic profiling is becoming increasingly common for treatment decisions.
Clinical Best Practices
- Standardization of MTB processes is needed across centers.
- Incorporation of bioinformatics expertise is critical for data analysis.
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