Improving Global Survivorship for Brain Tumor Patients
Survivorship among brain tumor patients is much higher in the U.S. than in other parts of the world. WashU Medicine seek to mitigate this disparity through a new initiative called the International Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board.
About the Tumor Board
Started by Director of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Dr. Mohamed Abdelbaki, the Tumor Board provides a platform for collaboration with physicians across the globe to diagnose, manage, and treat some of the world’s most complex brain tumor cases.
It’s a platform that provides remote specialty consultation for patients with brain and spinal tumors from different countries around the globe, WashU Medicine physicians make up the panel of experts, and in collaboration with physicians from other institutions, we provide formal second opinions on the cases we discuss.
Dr. Abdelbaki
How It Works
At virtual monthly meetings, Washington University faculty, along with other international specialists, present and discuss cases, working together to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
The International Tumor Board currently includes members from 65 institutions across 37 countries, including Poland, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Germany, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Addressing Global Challenges
Brain tumor patients in low and middle income countries often lack access to a multi-disciplinary team. By the time experts in these countries see the patients, tumors have progressed significantly.
When a case is presented to the International Tumor Board, specialists discuss patient care from many angles, including medical history, tumor progression, management, and access to treatments. After initial discussions, board members often conduct follow-up with conference calls and patient care meetings.
Beyond Clinical Care
In addition to supporting global clinical care, the International Tumor Board provides a forum for research collaboration and organizes training for international specialists at WashU Medicine.
Dr. Abdelbaki is developing more relationships with other institutions to allow for formal collaboration in patient care.
Physicians and specialists interested in participating in the International Tumor Board may contact Mohamed Abdelbaki, MD, at mohameda@wustl.edu.