Dr Kalinsky on the Role of Tumor Boards in Metastatic Breast Cancer Management

“One of the benefits of having different disciplines present at a molecular tumor board is that we can think about this from a systemic therapy approach, [as well as from] a local therapy approach. When we care for patients, not just in the early-stage setting but [also] sometimes in the metastatic setting, it requires a team approach.”

Kevin Kalinsky, MD, MS, FASCO, professor and director in the Division of Medical Oncology in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine; as well as the Louisa and Rand Glenn Family Chair in Breast Cancer Research and the director of the Glenn Family Breast Center at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, discussed the collaborative advantages of consulting multidisciplinary tumor boards when determining optimal treatment strategies for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

He emphasized that incorporating diverse clinical disciplines allows for a comprehensive assessment that transcends traditional systemic therapy to include nuanced local therapy options. Kalinsky also highlighted the critical role of multidisciplinary teams in optimizing outcomes for patients with metastatic disease, noting that forums like those featured at the 43rd Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference facilitate essential conversations regarding the integration of systemic treatments with targeted local interventions.

A key area of clinical focus in a tumor board discussion Kalinsky participated in during the meeting involved evaluating the safety and feasibility of combining systemic agents with radiation therapy when directed at specific organ sites. Furthermore, Kalinsky addressed the complex management of isolated liver metastases, specifically weighing the clinical advantages and limitations of localized treatment modalities, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, Yttrium-90 radioembolization, and radiofrequency ablation. Ultimately, Kalinsky underscored that treating patients in the metastatic setting—much like in the early-stage setting—necessitates a highly coordinated team approach to navigate complex clinical scenarios and tailor interventions to individual patient needs.