To deliver superior patient value in sarcoma by operating a network-wide value and learning steering system that links clinically meaningful outcomes (including PROMs) with episode costs across the full cycle of care. The Sarcoma Value Index enables transparent benchmarking, appropriateness steering, and rapid learning loops across institutions.
Sarcomas are rare, heterogeneous cancers with high-risk treatment decisions that span diagnostics, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, rehabilitation, and surveillance. Fragmented care pathways and small patient numbers create a “small-N” evidence gap, variable quality, and cost-inefficient rework (notably unplanned excisions) that directly harms patients and health systems.
The SwissSarcomaNetwork (SSN) addresses this by combining (i) a mature multi-institutional MDT structure with weekly sarcoma boards, (ii) a harmonized outcomes framework (quality indicators, PROMs, and adverse event metrics), and (iii) a digital value-operating system (SHAPEHub) that integrates clinical and patient-reported outcomes with episode costs. The Sarcoma Value Index operationalizes “value” as outcomes divided by costs across the full cycle of care, with stratification by biological behavior (intermediate vs malignant), anatomical site, grade, and treatment modality.
Uniqueness: SSN is not an EHR reporting layer, but a clinically-driven learning system that closes the loop from measurement to action. The platform supports quarterly value reports and real-time feedback to MDTs, enabling (1) benchmarking across institutions under transparent risk adjustment, (2) appropriateness steering (e.g., reducing low-benefit, high-toxicity therapy and preventing avoidable “whoops” surgeries), and (3) rapid-cycle learning workshops that translate metrics into pathway improvements.
Scope: In 2025, SSN discussed 640 sarcoma patients (241 malignant; 116 intermediate) across its network. The LUKS Sarcoma IPU serves as the operational hub, while partner hospitals act as spokes, sharing governance, measurement, and MDT decisions. SSN is actively defining a payer-provider pilot with CSS to link selected outcomes to contracting discussions.
Preliminary results include established measurement capability for core surgical pathway metrics (including unplanned excisions and 90-day morbidity) and the availability of surgery cost data, with expansion underway to cover diagnostic work-up, pathology, radiology, biopsy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The initiative is positioned to demonstrate measurable value gains through reduced rework, safer therapy, and improved patient-reported outcomes, while creating a scalable blueprint for other complex conditions.