The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has published the first guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of chordoma patients. Although surgery and radiation have long been considered the mainstays of chordoma treatment, this is the first time that expert-developed standards have been codified for the care of chordoma patients.
These guidelines will help chordoma patients and their physicians make informed decisions that reflect the very latest standard of care. Health insurance companies also commonly rely on NCCN guidelines to determine covered procedures, meaning that patients and hospitals will now be able to reference these guidelines when submitting claims.
The NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 23 of the world’s leading cancer centers and is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. A variety of experts contributed to the development of these guidelines, including Chordoma Foundation scientific advisory board member, Dr. Francis Hornicek of Massachusetts General Hospital. As new treatment approaches are developed and refined, NCCN will review and update these guidelines, ensuring that chordoma patients continue to have access to up-to-date information about the optimal treatment of this rare disease.
A copy of the guidelines can be downloaded from the NCCN website at jnccn.org/content/11/6/688.long. A free account is needed to access this document.