PROFILE OF PEDIATRIC SOLID TUMOR CARE AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY TUMOR BOARDS
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Abstract
Background Pediatric solid tumors require coordinated multidisciplinary
specialist care. However, expertise and resources to conduct
multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB) meetings are lacking in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to profile practices and
perceptions on MDTBs among pediatric solid tumor units (PSTUs) in
Southeast Asian LMIC countries. Methods Using online survey forms,
availability of specialty manpower and MDTBs among PSTUs was first
determined. From the subset of PSTUs with MDTBs, 1 pediatric surgeon and
1 pediatric oncologist from each center were queried using 5-point
Likert scale questions adapted from published questionnaires. Results In
37/46 (80.4%) identified PSTUs, pediatric-trained oncologists,
surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear
medicine physicians and nurses were available in 94.6%, 91.9%, 54.1%,
40.5%, 29.7%, 13.5% and 81.1% of PSTUs, respectively. Availability
of pediatric-trained surgeons, radiologists and pathologists were
significantly associated with existence of MDTBs (p=0.037, 0.005, 0.022
respectively). Among 43/48 (89.6%) respondents from 24 PSTUs with
MDTBs, 90.5% of oncologists reported >50%
oncology-dedicated workload versus 22.7% of surgeons. Views on benefits
and barriers did not significantly differ between both groups. Majority
agreed MDTBs helped improve accuracy of treatment recommendations and
team competence. Complex cases, insufficient radiology and pathology
preparation, and need for supplementary investigations, were the top
barriers. Conclusions Availability of pediatric-trained subspecialists
was a significant prerequisite for pediatric MDTBs. Most PSTUs lacked
pediatric-trained pathologists and radiologists. Correspondingly, gaps
in radiographic and pathological diagnoses were the commonest
limitations. Greater emphasis on holistic multidisciplinary subspecialty
development is needed to advance pediatric solid tumor care in Southeast
Asia.