Advancing Usability and Decision Support for Molecular Tumor Boards: Insights from PM4Onco’s Visual Analytics Workshop

The PM4Onco project aims to optimize cBioPortal for use in Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs), enhancing its usability in the clinical setting and integration of clinical and genomic data. A visual analytics workshop at the PM4Onco Symposium 2024, organized in a co-creative and participatory manner, using a user-centered design (UCD) approach, identified key improvements through discussion among involved stakeholders and exchange of perspectives. These improvements included customizable workflows, role-based access controls, and advanced visualization tools like time-series plots and patient similarity metrics. Participants also highlighted the need to address media silos and ensure seamless data integration from external sources like electronic health records (EHRs). Decision support systems, especially those leveraging annotation sources, were emphasized to improve the interpretation of molecular findings and provide therapy recommendations. The workshop ensured that new features would be practical, user-friendly, and aligned with the specific needs of MTB users, facilitating more efficient clinical decision-making and enhancing the platform's functionality in personalized oncology.