Background: Tumour boards are multidisciplinary meetings designed to improve therapeutic decision-making in oncology. Their relevance is particularly evident in rare and complex diseases such as sarcomas, where diagnostic heterogeneity and limited expertise pose significant challenges. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of cases discussed at the Sarcoma Tumour Board (STB) of the National Cancer Institute of Paraguay (INCAN) and to explore its perceived clinical and educational impact.
Methods: A descriptive observational study with two sequential components was conducted. First, a retrospective review of all consecutive sarcoma cases discussed at the STB between March and December 2025 was performed. Second, cross-sectional surveys were administered to specialist physicians and residents participating in the STB. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: Eighty-five patients were included (median age: 44.1 years and IQR: 31.8–58.3). Extremities were the most frequent tumour location (28.2%), and liposarcoma was the most common histologic subtype (14.1%). The STB modified the initial therapeutic plan in 65.4% of cases. Among 54 eligible specialists, 29 responded (53.7%). Most rated the STB as highly valuable for clinical practice (79.3% strongly agreed) and reported frequent modification of initial management (58.6%). However, logistical difficulties (86.2%) and insufficient institutional time allocation (75.9%) were commonly identified. Twenty-three residents responded; 65.2% strongly agreed that the STB contributed to their clinical training, and 56.5% reported a very high contribution to diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning.
Conclusion: The STB at INCAN was associated with a high frequency of therapeutic modifications and was perceived as clinically valuable. Despite operational constraints, it also demonstrated substantial educational potential. These findings provide regional evidence supporting the organisational strengthening of multidisciplinary sarcoma boards as both clinical and formative tools.
