In the ever-evolving landscape of clinical oncology, the role of data visualization in supporting interdisciplinary team treatment planning is a critical yet often overlooked aspect. This scoping review aims to shed light on the current state of data visualization tools for tumor boards and related areas, offering a comprehensive overview of the digital support available to medical professionals.
The review reveals a diverse range of visualization solutions, with a particular focus on the complexity of omics data. While tables remain the dominant strategy for clinical data visualization, the review highlights the innovative approaches being developed to tackle the challenges posed by omics data.
One of the key findings is the lack of integration of these tools into clinical routines, despite the potential benefits they offer. The review also emphasizes the need for standardization and user-centered design to ensure the widespread adoption of these tools, ultimately enhancing multidisciplinary decision-making in oncology settings.
Furthermore, the review explores the geographical distribution of these visualization tools, with a significant number originating from the United States and Germany. The review also delves into the different categories of visualization tools, ranging from joint data visualization to specialized tools for specific data types.
In conclusion, while numerous data visualization tools have been developed for tumor boards, many are either not adopted into routine practice or remain in the research phase. The review underscores the importance of addressing technical and organizational barriers to integrate these solutions into clinical workflows, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.