ID #1013 Advancing pediatric neuro-oncology through international multidisciplinary collaboration: the Polish-WashU tumor board experience
Malgorzata A Krawczyk, Margaret Shatara, Marta Perek-Polnik, Mohamed AbdelbakiAbstract
Background
Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors require highly specialized, multidisciplinary management and continuous adaptation to rapidly evolving diagnostic and therapeutic standards. Even within high-income healthcare systems, differences in access to subspecialty expertise and rapidly evolving treatment standards may influence clinical outcomes.
Methods
In January 2022, an international, monthly multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB) was established between Polish pediatric oncology centers and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA. The Polish-WashU Tumor Board was designed as a telemedicine-based forum for systematic review of complex pediatric CNS tumor cases. Core disciplines include pediatric neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and neuropathology. Cases are submitted in advance, presented by the treating team, and discussed using a structured format, with consensus recommendations.
Results
Here, we present outcome data from the most recent yeat of the Polish-WashU Tumor Board activity. During this period, 11 MTB meetings were conducted, and 28 pediatric patients with CNS tumors were reviewed. The most common indications for consultation were treatment strategy optimization (82%), evaluation of relapse or progression (32%), and diagnostic or molecular classification refinement (18%). The most frequently discussed diagnoses included high grade gliomas, low grade gliomas, embryonal tumors, and ependymomas, while rare and molecularly defined accounted for 25% of cases. Multidisciplinary discussion resulted in modification of the initial diagnostic interpretation and/or treatment plan in 32% of patients. Recommendations most frequently involved adjustments in systemic therapy selection, surgical strategy, radiotherapy planning, and incorporation of molecularly guided or investigational treatment approaches. Comprehensive results from the entire period of tumor board activity (since 2022) will be presented at the conference.
Conclusions
The Polish-WashU Tumor Board provides measurable clinical value by directly influencing diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making in pediatric neuro-oncology. This outcome-oriented international collaboration demonstrates that structured telemedicine-based MTB can serve as an effective mechanism for continous quality improvement, harmonization of care, and integration of evolving scientific evidence into clinical practice within high-income healthcare settings.