Datasets for the reporting of primary tumour in bone: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Bone tumours are relatively rare and as a consequence, treatment in a center of expertise is required. Current treatment guidelines also recommend review by a specialized pathologist. Here we report on international consensus-based datasets for the pathology reporting of biopsy and resection specimens of bone sarcomas. The datasets were produced under the auspices of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of major (inter-)national pathology and cancer organisations.


METHODS AND RESULTS
According to the ICCR's process for dataset development, an international expert panel consisting of pathologists, an oncologic orthopedic surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiologist produced a set of core and non-core data items for biopsy and resection specimens based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence. All professionals involved were bone tumour experts affiliated with tertiary referral centers. Commentary was provided for each data item to explain the rationale for selecting it as a core or non-core element, its clinical relevance, and to highlight potential areas of disagreement or lack of evidence, in which case a consensus position was formulated. Following international public consultation, the documents were finalised and ratified, and the datasets, including a synoptic reporting guide, were published on the ICCR website.


CONCLUSIONS
These first international datasets for bone sarcomas are intended to promote high quality, standardised pathology reporting. Their widespread adoption will improve consistency of reporting, facilitate multidisciplinary communication and enhance comparability of data, all of which will help to improve management of bone sarcoma patients.