A digital tool cut the time it took specialists to reach a treatment decision for patients with bone metastases by more than 90%, according to research presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s 2026 annual meeting.
Researchers from Weston, Fla.-based Cleveland Clinic Florida and Milwaukee-based Medical College of Wisconsin analyzed 127 patients referred to a bone metastasis program between Sept. 2023 and April 2024 to assess the tool’s efficacy compared with weekly tumor boards.
Here are five notes from the study:
- The tool, called NIMBLE, connected radiation oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists as soon as a patient was referred.
- NIMBLE patients received a team recommendation a median of 1.9 hours after intake, while tumor board patients waited 24 hours.
- Radiation consultations took place at eight days for NIMBLE patients and 18 days for tumor board patients. Treatment began at 22 days and 38 days, respectively.
- Specialists recommended holding off on intervention for 67% of NIMBLE patients and 33% of tumor board patients.
- Each day of waiting before treatment was linked to roughly 6% lower overall survival.
Read the full abstract here.
At the Becker's Perioperative Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Chicago, perioperative leaders and healthcare executives will focus on improving operating room efficiency, enhancing patient safety, optimizing staffing and driving innovation across surgical services. Apply for complimentary registration now.
