The national MCM for cancers of unknown primary

A multidisciplinary consultation meeting dedicated to cancers of unknown primary—the national CUP tumor board—was established in 2020 and is coordinated at the national level by Institut Curie.

It brings together physicians and scientists (oncologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, etc.) from across France. Every two weeks, members meet to review patient cases submitted by treating physicians and to discuss optimal management strategies. Any patient diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary in France may have their case discussed at the CUP MCM, at any stage of the disease (at diagnosis or during treatment).
 

The objectives of the national CUP MCM are to:

• Coordinate and facilitate access to advanced diagnostic tests, particularly molecular biology
• Review all diagnostic results to identify tissue of origin and/or potential therapeutic targets
• Advise physicians on the most appropriate therapeutic management
• Provide a foundation for research projects on cancers of unknown primary
   

Thanks to this pooling of clinical, pathological, and molecular expertise, the national CUP MCM has demonstrated clear benefits for patient management and survival.