OTHR-02. ONE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE NEW ERN PAEDCAN CNS TUMOR BOARD: LESSONS LEARNT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

European Reference Networks (ERN) are collaborative networks connecting healthcare professionals across Europe. A virtual tumor board for pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors was established within the ERN for pediatric oncology (ERN PaedCan) in September 2022. We report the feasibility, the implementation of recommendations and satisfaction of the participants.

A web-based questionnaire was distributed to physicians presenting cases between November 2022 and November 2023. Questions addressed the implementation of recommendations, satisfaction and basic information about the local institution. Basic data of the presented cases were taken from anonymized tumor board protocols.

In the first year, 19 patients from 11 institutions located in nine European countries were discussed in 21 tumor boards. Median age at diagnosis was 10 (1-17) years. Demonstration of MRI findings by the German national reference center for neuroradiology was conducted in 19/21 conferences. 18/21 questionnaires (86%) were answered by physicians from eight countries. Main reason to request the discussion were questions about therapy (78%, n=14/18). Inquiring institutions treated a median of 10 (5-150) neuro-oncological pediatric patients per year. All hospitals conducted own institutional tumor boards. National central review was available in 3/8 countries (38%). Recommendations were followed, at least partly, in all cases except for one patient experiencing unexpected clinical deterioration. Recommendations were deemed helpful in 89%. All participants would recommend the tumor board to colleagues. Technical issues regarding data provision were reported as the main obstacle in 50 %.

A European virtual tumor board for pediatric patients with CNS tumors is feasible and perceived as useful by the participating institutions. Recommendations were followed frequently. Optimization of privacy-compliant data exchange is crucial for continuance of the format. This project has been supported by ERN PaedCan, which is funded by the European Union within the EU4Health Program 2021-2027. Funded by EU-grant 101085543.