The purpose of this project is to assess the understanding, expectations and knowledge that patients and doctors have about molecular tumour boards (MTB). Molecular Tumour Boards (MTB) were designed to provide patient tailored cancer treatments. MTBs integrate next generation sequencing (NGS) with a multidisciplinary team to provide a clinical interpretation of cancer mutations that can be targeted by certain drugs. MTBs have the potential to provide tailored treatment to cancer patients. However, not all cancer mutations that can be identified have a treatment option. This can lead to disappointment for patients. The aim of this study is to assess the patient’s understanding of what is a MTB, to identify any areas of uncertainty and to identify any areas of uncertainty and to identify patients’ expectation regarding the potential outcomes of the MTB.
This study will also assess oncologists understanding of MTB and their confidence in communicating with patients regarding MTBs. The aim of this section of the study is to assess the level of certainty oncologists have regarding knowledge about MTB. As well as assessing their confidence in explaining MTBs to patients and identifying any areas for additional training. The outcome of this study is to gather information on areas of uncertainty from both patients and doctors, then standardise the information available to patients and provide further training for doctors.