Cancer Staging Is More Accessible with AJCC Staging Online

For more than 60 years, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)—of which the ACS is a founding organization—has set the standard for validating, revising, refining, and publishing TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) staging information in cancer patients around the world. Now, the AJCC is taking a significant step into the future by offering a new, convenient subscription service with the launch of AJCC Staging Online.

AJCC Staging Online is poised to become a valuable resource for oncologists and cancer registrars, offering access to the most current Cancer Staging Protocols Version 9 and 8th Edition Cancer Staging Manual content.

“The ability to provide optimal cancer care has been greatly enhanced with the introduction of AJCC Staging Online,” said Robert K. Brookland, MD, FACR, FACRO, Chair of the AJCC. “Clinicians and registrars can now have instant and easy access to the most current versions of every disease site directly from the source of this authoritative and powerful staging system.”

For $49.99 per year, individual subscribers gain unrestricted access to AJCC Staging Online, empowering them with the latest protocols and cancer staging content. This resource—which has evolved from past manuals and now incorporates annual updates to select cancers based on scientific evidence—is useful to many healthcare professionals, including surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, cancer registrars, and anyone working with cancer patient care and documentation.

With critical cancer staging information no longer confined to large volumes or individual protocols, cancer professionals will be able to access it anytime, anywhere.

“Based on a robust infrastructure investment supported by the American College of Surgeons, AJCC Staging Online represents a new ‘single source of truth’ that provides point-of-service access to all AJCC Version 9 protocols, currently employed AJCC 8th edition chapters, and other relevant information to clinicians and registrars,” said AJCC Vice-Chair Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, MD, FACS, FAAAS.

Compelling Set of Features

AJCC Staging Online provides a strong set of features that will make the information more relevant and timelier than ever.

Real-Time Updates

Instant access to the Cancer Staging Protocols Version 9 will keep users at the forefront of cancer staging. Importantly, this digital resource will be updated going forward to include new Version 9 protocols as they go into effect, including the seven new protocols for 2024:

• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Appendix
• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Colon and Rectum
• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Duodenum and Ampulla of Vater
• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Jejunum and Ileum
• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
• Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Stomach
• Vulva

Future protocols will be published January 1 of each year and immediately available within this new resource. An additional benefit of the subscription platform is that any changes or corrections to the staging information will be available on AJCC Staging Online first.

User-Friendly Interface

The AJCC Staging Online website is designed for seamless navigation, ensuring that users can quickly find information. By accessing AJCC Staging Online via computer, tablet, or phone, users will be able to navigate from home either through a broad search function, or by following clearly labeled tiles, organized by cancer type, which will display all applicable protocols. 

The platform features 78 total protocols, organized under 18 main categories:

• General Information on Cancer Staging and End-Results Reporting
• Head and Neck
• Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
• Lower Gastrointestinal Tract
• Hepatobiliary System
• Neuroendocrine Tumors
• Thorax
• Bone
• Soft Tissue Sarcoma
• Skin
• Breast
• Female Reproductive Organs
• Male Genital Organs
• Urinary Tract
• Ophthalmic Sites
• Central Nervous System
• Endocrine System
• Hematologic Malignancies

Within each protocol, users will find all the integral information, tables, and data that AJCC publications are known for, including definitions of primary and regional tumors to assign TNM staging, prognoses and survival curves, and more.

Real-Time Connection to Cancer Staging Resources

This subscription platform is a direct line to the expertise of the global force of volunteer oncologists who develop, update, and maintain the resource. The AJCC team is committed to ensuring a positive experience for all users to receive the latest, most updated information.

“The American College of Surgeons AJCC Staging Online will revolutionize patient care by providing clinicians with staging information, up-to-date protocols, and survival information at their fingertips,” said Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director of ACS Cancer Programs. “This is the most trusted source for cancer staging and will provide the power of evidence-based cancer information anywhere, anytime.”