Defining the role and competencies of the medical oncologist in diagnostic and therapeutic care pathways: Consensus recommendations from the Italian association of medical oncology (AIOM)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Pathways (DTCPs) are clinical governance tools aimed at managing the care of specific patient populations through the coordinated application of standardized, evidence-based interventions by multidisciplinary teams. Their primary goal is to ensure equitable, timely, and cost-effective access to high-quality care. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A panel of recognized opinion leaders, endorsed by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), was convened to develop a consensus document defining the role of the medical oncologist within Multidisciplinary Oncology Groups (MOGs) and DTCPs. Employing the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method in its "consensus conference" format, the panel evaluated a series of statements derived from a review of the scientific literature and expert-generated Good Practice Points (GPPs). These statements addressed five key areas. To further support each topic, illustrative case studies were presented. RESULTS: A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, yielding 88 evidence-based recommendations. Additionally, panel members contributed 9 further GPPs based on clinical expertise. Of the 97 total recommendations, 95 received a relevance score above 7, while 2 scored between 4 and 6.9; none scored below 4. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus effort and the resulting document represent a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence regarding the role of medical oncologists within MOGs and DTCPs. The objective is to propose standardized criteria for the optimal management of cancer patients (pts) across all phases of care from initial diagnosis and staging to treatment, follow-up, and end-of-life support.
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy
Authors: Rossana Berardi, Francesca Rossi, Valentina Tarantino, Michele De Tursi, Angelo Dinota, Giancarlo Di Pinto, Roberto Bianco, Francesco Leonardi, Alessandra Bearz, Alessandra Fabi, Alessandro Pastorino, Franco Nolè, Paolo Alessandroni, Francesco Carrozza, Lucio Buffoni, Tiziana Latiano, Daniele Farci, Massimiliano Spada, Carmelo Bengala, Stefania Kinspergher, Marco Gunnellini, Antonella Brunello, Marcello Tucci, Filippo Pietrantonio, Ugo De Giorgi, Lorena Incorvaia, Giovanni Micallo, Antonio Russo, Rita Chiari, Matteo Lambertini, Giuseppe Curigliano, Saverio Cinieri, Nicola Silvestris, Francesco Perrone, Massimo Di Maio, Roberto Papa
Institutions: Marche Polytechnic University, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Associazione Italiana Di Oncologia Medica, University of Chieti-Pescara, Ospedale San Carlo, University of Naples Federico II, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, European Institute of Oncology, Ospedale Humanitas Gradenigo, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio di Cefalù, Ospedale Misericordia - Grosseto, Ospedale di Bolzano, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Asti, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, University of Salento, Ospedale Vito Fazzi, University of Palermo, University of Genoa, University of Milan, Ospedale A. Perrino, Istituto Tumori Bari, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,760
Funders: Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Gilead Sciences, Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica, Exelixis, Les Laboratories Pierre Fabre, BeiGene, Veracyte, Eisai, Servier, Ipsen, Nordic Pharma Group, Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco, Ministero della Salute, Daiichi Sankyo Europe
OpenAlex ID: W7123347438