RESUMO
In Spain, lung cancer (LC) is the fourth most common cancer. Managing LC involves different professionals, and cooperative and coordinated work is crucial. Therefore, important decisions are better made by Multidisciplinary Thoracic Tumour Boards (MTTBs). On the other hand, certification systems have proven to improve the structure of care, ultimately having a positive impact on patient survival. Herein, a multidisciplinary working group of 11 experts (a Radiologist, a Thoracic Surgeon, a Pulmonologist, a Radiotherapy Oncologist, four Medical Oncologists, a Hospital Managing Director, a Cytologist, and a Molecular Biologist specialist) proposed a standard to certify and evaluate MTTBs. The following components were suggested for the standard: minimum requirements for the MTTB, a mixed model developed in two stages (preparation and audit), a structure comprising three groups of indicators (Strategic and Management, Support, and Operational), three certification levels, and an audit process. In our opinion, certifying MTTBs is critical to improve the standard of care for LC patients.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC have led to changes in the standard of care for this disease. For the selection of the best approach strategy for each patient, it is necessary the homogenization of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as well as the promotion of the evaluation of patients by a multidisciplinary oncology team. OBJECTIVE: Development of an expert consensus document with suggestions for the approach and treatment of locally advanced NSCLC leaded by Spanish Lung Cancer Group GECP. METHODS: Between March and July 2023, a panel of 28 experts was formed. Using a mixed technique (Delphi/nominal group) under the guidance of a coordinating group, consensus was reached in 4 phases: 1. Literature review and definition of discussion topics 2. First round of voting 3. Communicating the results and second round of voting 4. Definition of conclusions in nominal group meeting. Responses were consolidated using medians and interquartile ranges. The threshold for agreement was defined as 85% of the votes. RESULTS: New and controversial situations regarding the diagnosis and management of locally advanced NSCLC were analyzed and reconciled based on evidence and clinical experience. Discussion issues included: molecular diagnosis and biomarkers, radiologic and surgical diagnosis, mediastinal staging, role of the multidisciplinary thoracic committee, neoadjuvant treatment indications, evaluation of response to neoadjuvant treatment, postoperative evaluation, and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus clinical suggestions were generated on the most relevant scenarios such as diagnosis, staging and treatment of locally advanced lung cancer, which will serve to support decision-making in daily practice.