2023-07-12 16:38:46
New Care Pathway Provides More Targeted Care for Cancer Patients with Unknown Tumors
OncoWest, a leading healthcare institution, has launched a Primary Tumor Unknown Care Pathway to provide more targeted care for patients with Primary Tumor Unknown (PTO). PTO refers to cases where the origin of a tumor cannot be determined through clinical and radiological examinations or tissue analysis. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by oncologists in identifying the primary origin of tumors and creating effective treatment plans.
Patients whose tumors cannot be identified by their local oncologists can now be registered at the PTO clinic with Prof. Dr. Hans Gelderblom of the LUMC oncology center, who specializes in PTO cases. As part of the pathway, all relevant patient data, including radiology and pathology reports, are sent to the LUMC for a second opinion and if necessary, further research to determine the primary origin of the tumor.
In some cases, the origin of the tumor can be found through this process. However, if it remains unknown, an in-depth analysis can be conducted at the LUMC. This requires freezing a biopsy of the tumor, which is usually not available in hospitals within the OncoWest region. In such cases, patients are requested to visit the outpatient clinic at the LUMC for the biopsy.
The Primary Tumor Unknown Care Pathway aligns with OncoWest’s vision of providing the best care close to patients whenever possible. Should treatment be required at the LUMC, steps are taken to ensure that the patients receive the necessary care, even if it means traveling further. Prof. Dr. Vincent Smit, head of Pathology at the LUMC, fully supports the initiative and collaborates with Prof. Dr. Gelderblom to implement the national Care Path PTO in OncoWest. Together, they work towards improving the prognosis of patients with PTO through more targeted treatment plans.
To determine the primary origin of the tumor, an advanced tissue analysis called Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is conducted. This involves extracting DNA from the frozen biopsy and lymphocytes from a blood sample. The genetic data is then sent to a specialized laboratory in Leiden, GenomeScan, for analysis. Using a complex calculation system known as an algorithm developed by the Hartwig Medical Foundation, the data is compared to a large database of genetic information from patients with metastatic cancer. Based on this analysis, a reliable prediction about the primary origin of the tumor can be made, enabling the formulation of a targeted treatment plan for the patient.
The results and treatment plan are shared with the patient and recorded in the Electronic Patient File (EPD). Additionally, the data is entered into a national database that contains information from other regional PTO patients. This ensures that all relevant information is readily accessible to healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
The availability of Whole Genome Sequencing and the collaboration between the Hartwig Medical Foundation, GenomeScan, and the LUMC have made it possible for this advanced analysis to be conducted in Leiden. This breakthrough in technology offers hope to patients with unknown tumors, providing them with a clearer understanding of their condition and paving the way for more effective treatment options.
By implementing the Primary Tumor Unknown Care Pathway and offering Whole Genome Sequencing, OncoWest and the LUMC are taking significant steps towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of patients with unknown tumors. This innovative approach brings hope to patients and doctors alike, ensuring that no one has to face the uncertainty of an unknown tumor alone.]
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