Molecular tumor board availability and organization in sarcoma referral centers in Italy: are we on the right track? - Summary - MDSpire

Molecular tumor board availability and organization in sarcoma referral centers in Italy: are we on the right track?

  • By

  • Concetta Elisa Onesti

  • Beatrice Casini

  • Annarosaria De Chiara

  • Valentina Fausti

  • Roberto Luksch

  • Giuseppe Maria Milano

  • Emanuela Palmerini

  • Sabrina Vari

  • Serena Ceddia

  • Federica Riva

  • Toni Ibrahim

  • Renato Covello

  • Gennaro Ciliberto

  • Katia Scotlandi

  • Virginia Ferraresi

  • June 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To analyze the organization and effectiveness of molecular tumor boards (MTBs) in referral centers for sarcoma treatment in Italy.

Key Findings:
  • 6 out of 10 contacted centers responded, all reported having an MTB.
  • 83% of centers had a dedicated oncologist in the MTB.
  • 100% of centers offered target panel sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES); 83% offered whole genome sequencing (WGS).
  • Analysis time was ≤ 10 days in 33% of centers and > 10 days in 67%.
  • 83% of centers stored results locally and recorded clinical data and follow-up.
Interpretation:

The survey indicates that while MTBs are present in most responding sarcoma centers, their organization and capabilities vary significantly, which may affect the quality of patient care.

Limitations:
  • The survey results are not representative of the national landscape as a whole, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
  • The analysis is merely descriptive and reflects early stages of MTB use in sarcomas, suggesting a need for further research.
Conclusion:

The findings highlight the clinical need for developing expertise in using MTBs for rare cancers and standardizing processes to improve patient outcomes.

Original Source(s)

Molecular tumor board availability and organization in sarcoma referral centers in Italy: are we on the right track?

  • by Concetta Elisa Onesti, Beatrice Casini, Annarosaria De Chiara, Valentina Fausti, Roberto Luksch, Giuseppe Maria Milano, Emanuela Palmerini, Sabrina Vari, Serena Ceddia, Federica Riva, Toni Ibrahim, Renato Covello, Gennaro Ciliberto, Katia Scotlandi, Virginia Ferraresi

  • June 3, 2026

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