What Is a Sarcoma 'Specialist Center'? Multidisciplinary Research Finds an Answer.

Simple Summary: A multidisciplinary group researched and defined criteria to describe a sarcoma specialist treatment center or network. The project is led by Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Global Network (SPAGN), involves patient groups from around the world and is supported by clinical specialists and leading researchers. The paper identifies Core Principles and Key Features which define a specialist center/network. They are supported by evidence and experience. A primary aim is that new patients and their families can identify a specialist center which can provide curative treatment. A secondary aim is that countries where specialist treatment is not yet available can identify what they have to achieve to meet that ambition. The Core Principles allow a center or network to attain accreditation as a Sarcoma Intelligent Specialist Network. The Key Features are more aspirational and are expressed in a way that allows local needs, legal considerations and budgetary pressures to be taken into account. This is the first time an expert multidisciplinary group has defined specialism in cancer treatment in a worldwide context. The management of sarcomas in specialist centers delivers significant benefits. In much of the world, specialists are not available, and the development of expertise is identified as a major need. However, the terms 'specialist' or 'expert' center are rarely defined. Our objective is to offer a definition for patient advocates and a tool for healthcare providers to underpin improving the care of people with sarcoma. SPAGN developed a discussion paper for a workshop at the SPAGN 2023 Conference, attended by 75 delegates. A presentation to the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) and further discussion led to this paper. Core Principles were identified that underlie specialist sarcoma care. The primary Principle is the multi-disciplinary team discussing every patient, at first diagnosis and during treatment. Principles for optimal sarcoma management include accurate diagnosis followed by safe, high-quality treatment, with curative intent. These Principles are supplemented by Features describing areas of healthcare, professional involvement, and service provision and identifying further research and development needs. These allow for variations because of national or local policies and budgets. We propose the term 'Sarcoma Intelligent Specialist Network' to recognize expertise wherever it is found in the world. This provides a base for further discussion and local refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]