The Oncologist’s Guide to Synoptic Reporting: A Primer

Abstract

Synoptic reporting in tumour pathology is defined by (1) completeness in terms of data elements as well as (2) a specific, laboratory value-like format. Adoption of synoptic reporting leads to more complete reporting of essential parameters, improved standardisation of diagnostic criteria and terminology, as well as easier retrieval of information. It is therefore associated with a high degree of satisfaction among end users including surgeons and oncologists and contributes to improvement of clinical care. Furthermore, synoptic reporting is an important step towards higher levels of data capture, which facilitate data exchange and analysis for quality assurance, cancer epidemiology and clinical and basic research. Increased interest in and adoption of synoptic reporting on a global level is stimulated by the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) which publishes freely available, evidence-based datasets for reporting an increasing number of different cancer types. These developments pave the path for increased future application of synoptic reporting across the entire field of oncologic medicine, where it will likely deploy similar benefits to those in pathology. Given that synoptic reporting can be considered the most precise means available for reporting of medical findings, it may be predicted to be critical for the promise of precision medicine to become real.Oncologic pathology reports have a key role in diagnostic work-up, therapeutic management and post-therapeutic follow-up of every cancer patient. Given the multidisciplinarity of current oncologic management, it is natural that various specialists rely on different types of information. These specialists include, but are not limited to, medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and pathologists themselves. Additional stakeholders include cancer registries, clinical researchers, biobanking experts and quality managers. Furthermore, it is increasingly acknowledged that patients demand access to their reports -which in turn may influence how the information therein should be presented [1].

Standardisierte strukturierte Befundberichte gastrointestinaler Tumoren

“…Neben einer Vereinheitlichung der Terminologie ist eine verbesserte Vollständigkeit bezogen auf prognostisch oder therapeutisch wichtige Parameter das wichtigste Ziel synoptischer Berichte. Dass dieses Ziel durch die Einführung synoptischer Berichte tatsächlich erreicht wird, ist in der Literatur gut belegt [6]. Eine Vielzahl von Studien zeigt diesen Effekt beispielsweise für maligne Melanome [5][6][7], kolorektale Karzinome [10] oder Prostatakarzinome [1].…”

“…Dass dieses Ziel durch die Einführung synoptischer Berichte tatsächlich erreicht wird, ist in der Literatur gut belegt [6]. Eine Vielzahl von Studien zeigt diesen Effekt beispielsweise für maligne Melanome [5][6][7], kolorektale Karzinome [10] oder Prostatakarzinome [1].…”

Oncology Informatics: Status Quo and Outlook

“…For data that is to be used in subsequent analyses, efficient mapping to computationally useable formats is essential [7]. While structured reporting alone may suffer from loss of "verbatim" information, it allows for an automated interpretation of meaning, enabling automated analyses otherwise not possible [8]. However, the transformation of unstructured data using natural language processing and other "intelligent" text parsing technologies can preserve the original textual context in addition to providing the structured data for analyses.…”

Synoptic reporting in pathology: maximum sense in minimal time

“…In February, 2020, CAP has updated the protocols and has released 47 revised cancer protocols and 1 new adult autopsy reporting format. 2 The word Synoptic comes from the Greek word "Synopsis" meaning overview 3 as it provides the best possible overview of the submitted specimen in a structured manner. Though mostly used in cancer related reporting, synoptic reporting is also making inroads into non-neoplastic pathology reports.…”

“…A web based synoptic reporting using standardized softwares and linking with SNOMED-CT and LOINC 3,6 will ultimately result in integration of standardized data worldwide and may revolutionize the patient care and research in the coming years. But more importantly, as of today, achieving a Level 3 report using available international protocols will require no extra effort and is very much recommended.…”