A pilot survey into the landscape of neuro-oncology care in the community.

Abstract

Background: The complexities of the field of neuro-oncology require multidisciplinary collaboration in order to deliver contemporary comprehensive care. There is increasing awareness that much of neuro-oncology care occurs in the community setting. In 2022, the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) created the Community Neuro-Oncology Committee (CNO) in an inaugural attempt to formally acknowledge community neuro-oncology practitioners.

Methods: A 19 question survey was developed by SNO-CNO to gather initial data on the current landscape of neuro-oncology care in the community. The survey was distributed via the SNO newsletter and email blasts as well as through partnerships with multiple advocacy groups. Results were analyzed and tabulated through R2.

Results: There were 112 responses from providers in the United States and Canada. Most providers were physicians and represented multiple disciplines including neurology, neuro-oncology, medical oncology, neurosurgery, and radiation oncology. Sixty-four (57%) described themselves as neuro-oncology-focused. Eighty-eight (79%) reported access to neuro-oncology tumor boards. Sixty-eight (73%) stated they had access to molecular tumor boards. Most respondents felt that they were adequately supported to manage neuro-oncology patients. When dividing responses based on a neuro-oncology-focused practice compared to a less neuro-oncology-focused practice, there were significant differences between access to molecular tumors boards (85% vs 63%, P = .023) and access to clinical trials (98% vs 82%, P = .022).

Conclusion: This qualitative and quantitative hypothesis-generating data is the start of understanding the challenges faced by community neuro-oncology providers. These results will guide future studies and recommendations aimed toward better supporting them and their patients.