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T. Molina



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    MO03 - Thymic Malignancies (ID 123)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Medical Oncology
    • Presentations: 1
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      MO03.03 - RYTHMIC: a nationwide network for thymic malignancies in France (ID 2631)

      10:40 - 10:45  |  Author(s): T. Molina

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      RYTHMIC (Réseau tumeurs THYMiques et Cancer) is a nationwide network for thymic malignancies, which was appointed in 2012 by the French National Cancer Institute, as part of its rare cancer program. The objectives of the network include a territorial coverage by regional expert centers, the dissemination of highest standards for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients, and the promotion of collaborative research. Registration in RYTHMIC of all patients diagnosed with thymic malignancy is recommended as part of good clinical practice for oncologists.

      Methods
      Starting January 2012, the management of all patients diagnosed with thymic malignancy in France has been discussed on a real-time basis at a reference national multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB), which is organized twice a month using a web-based conferencing system. Decision-making is based on consensual recommendations, that were originally established using available evidence, and are updated and approved each year by all members of the network. A prospective database of all patients is hosted by the French Thoracic Cancer Intergroup. We report the characteristics and treatment modalities of patients included during the first year.

      Results
      From January to December 2012, 257 patients were enrolled in RYTHMIC. There were 126 (49%) men and 131 (51%) women; mean age at diagnosis was 54.5 years. Among 214 cases, histology was thymoma for 146 (56%) patients (11 (5%) type A, 28 (13%) type AB, 22 (10%) type B1, 35 (16%) type B2, 24 (11%) type B3, 26 (12%) mixed type), and thymic carcinoma for 33 (15%) patients, 8 of which were neuroendocrine carcinomas; other histologies were diagnosed for 35 (16%) patients. Among 144 cases, Masaoka-Koga stage was I, IIA, IIB, III, IVA, and IVB in 34 (24%), 19 (13%), 20 (14%), 22 (15%), 35 (24%), and 14 (10%) patients, respectively. 44 (17%) patients presented with autoimmune disorder, consisting of myasthenia gravis in 28 cases. Surgery was performed for 166 patients, mostly using a median sternotomy approach (52% of cases). Postoperative radiotherapy was delivered to 42 patients; 71 patients received perioperative chemotherapy. Exclusive chemotherapy/radiotherapy was administered to 20 and 4 patients, respectively. Mature data will be presented at the meeting.

      Conclusion
      This first analysis of the RYTHMIC prospective cohort demonstrates the feasibility of a national MTB for thymic malignancies, that, besides ensuring all patients an equal access to highly specialized treatment, provides with a comprehensive tool to monitor dedicated actions to improve the management of patients in the future, increase the quality-of-care, and screen patients for future translational research and clinical trials. Supported by Institut National du Cancer

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