Breast cancer (BC) patients’ (pts) management was affected by a global reorganization after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our multicenter study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to diagnosis, staging and treatment for BC pts compared to pre-pandemic. Medical records of all consecutive newly diagnosed BC pts referred to 6 Italian Institutions between March and December 2020 were assessed. Monthly access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset, radiological, cytohistological diagnosis and treatment start were analyzed and compared with 2019. A reduction (25%) in newly diagnosed BC was observed compared to 2019 (666 vs 890). New BC pts in 2020 were less likely to be diagnosed with early stage BC (77% vs 83%, p < 0.01), had a worse performance status according to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG PS) (19.8% had PS > 0 in 2020 vs 16.5% in 2019, p < 0.01) and fewer pts were asymptomatic at diagnosis in 2020 (54% vs 71%,p < 0.01). COVID-19 did not negatively impact in terms of access to diagnosis, staging and treatment. Time intervals between symptom onset and radiological diagnosis, symptom onset and cytohistological diagnosis, cytohistological diagnosis and treatment start were maintained or improved. However, less cases were discussed in multidisciplinary tumor meetings during 2020 (60% vs 73%, p < 0.01). Our data proved an alarming reduction of early stage BC associated with the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Despite the upheaval generated by the pandemic, our study shed light on the effective performance delivered by Italian Oncology Departments to guarantee diagnostic-therapeutic pathways.

Introduction Cancer incidence is rising in Italy, making it harder for researchers to search for innovative and comprehensive treatment strategies. The advancement of precision medicine, the hunt for molecular targets, and the development of drugs that may operate on a specific target have all become increasingly important aspects of the oncological treatment strategy in recent years. The aim of this study is to analyze the activity and performance of the Oncology and Research Center of the Marche Region (CORM) and its Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) in implementing precision medicine to improve cancer treatment. Methods CORM was established to provide multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic services, promoting early diagnosis, innovative treatments, and continuous patients support. The MTB, including various specialists, facilitates the interpretation of genomic profiles to identify targeted therapies. Results From June 2021 to May 2024, 118 patients were evaluated at the MTB of the Marche Region, with 77 undergoing molecular profiling. This study highlights the efficacy of the MTB in selecting appropriate molecular tests, interpreting results, and recommending personalized treatment strategies, leading to improved patient outcomes. Conclusion Challenges such as the complexity of genomic data interpretation and the need for more computational tools to assist clinicians were also identified. Still, constant multidisciplinary collaboration between experts and the finest possible innovative technological support are required to achieve the best outcomes in cancer treatment.