University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Tumor Board Protocol for the Treatment of Advanced Brain Metastases

Overview

This study evaluates whether review by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board improves clinical outcomes for adults with advanced brain metastases. Participants receive standard-of-care treatment as determined by their treating physicians. The study assesses whether multidisciplinary tumor board review and implementation of its treatment recommendations are associated with improved overall survival, progression-free survival, treatment selection and other clinical outcomes compared with patients who do not adhere to the tumor board recommendations.

Brain metastases are a common complication of advanced cancer and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Management is complex and often requires coordination among multiple specialties including medical oncology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, pharmacy, and supportive care. Despite advances in systemic therapies and radiation techniques, optimal treatment selection remains challenging, particularly because the biology of brain metastases may differ from that of the primary tumor. This study evaluates the impact of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board on the management of adults with suspected or confirmed brain metastases. Eligible participants are presented to the multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists review clinical, imaging, pathology, and molecular information, when available, to develop individualized treatment recommendations. Treating physicians determine the final treatment approach and implementation of the tumor board recommendation is documented. Participants receive standard-of-care therapies as clinically indicated, which may include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, systemic therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or supportive care. No investigational treatment is assigned as part of this protocol. Clinical outcomes, including overall survival, progression-free survival, treatment patterns, time to treatment initiation, and adherence to multidisciplinary recommendations are collected and analyzed. The study also seeks to determine whether multidisciplinary review is associated with improved patient outcomes and more coordinated care for individuals with advanced brain metastases.