Virtual multi-institutional tumor board: a strategy for personalized diagnoses and management of rare CNS tumors

Category	Detail
Condition	Rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors
Key Mechanisms	Multidisciplinary collaboration via virtual tumor boards enabling expert review of diagnosis, imaging, pathology, and molecular data across institutions
Target Population	Patients with rare CNS tumors including atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, choroid plexus tumors, histone mutated gliomas, ependymoma, gliosarcoma, medulloblastoma, high-grade meningioma, IDH mutated gliomas, and others
Care Setting	Virtual multidisciplinary tumor boards involving tertiary and quaternary academic centers and external institutions

Virtual multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) enable multi-institutional expert collaboration for complex CNS tumor cases, overcoming geographic barriers.
MTBs facilitate improved diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatment planning, and timely referrals for rare CNS tumors.
The National Cancer Institute’s NCI-CONNECT program supports virtual MTBs focusing on rare CNS tumors, enhancing access to specialized molecular testing and clinical trials.

Use multidisciplinary review including neuroradiology, neuropathology, and molecular data to improve diagnostic accuracy for rare CNS tumors.
Incorporate expert neuroradiologist and neuropathologist input during virtual MTB case discussions.

Develop personalized treatment plans through collaborative input from neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and other specialties during MTBs.
Consider clinical trial options when applicable as part of management discussions.
Facilitate referrals to tertiary and quaternary centers with specialized expertise in rare CNS tumors.

Regular participation in virtual MTBs to review ongoing cases and update management strategies as new data emerge.

Potential for diagnostic errors reduced by high MTB participation and expert review.
Treatment-related complications minimized through specialized multidisciplinary care.

Adults with rare CNS tumors presenting at multiple institutions including community and academic centers.

Virtual MTBs enable tailored treatment plans informed by advanced molecular testing and expert consensus, improving appropriateness of care.

Standardize case presentation using data capture forms including clinical, imaging, pathology, and molecular information prior to MTB.
Use secure, HIPAA-compliant video teleconferencing platforms for virtual MTB meetings.
Include diverse clinical expertise (neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, genetics) in MTB discussions.
Moderate meetings to ensure adequate time for case discussion and consensus building.
Leverage virtual MTBs to overcome geographic and institutional barriers to expert care for rare CNS tumors.

Clinical Scorecard: Collaborative Virtual Tumor Board Approach: Enhancing Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment for Rare CNS Tumors