Association between multidisciplinary team care approach and survival rates in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The association of MDTC with improved outcomes may be potentially explained by a better therapeutic alliance between the patient and the tumor board, and/or a greater thoroughness in clinical management. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1544-E1553, 2016.

Is multidisciplinary team care for head and neck cancer worth it?

“…The study cohort demonstrated significantly improved 5‐year rates of cervical regional control ( P < 0.05), OS ( P < 0.01), and disease‐specific survival ( P = 0.01) in those presented at MDT compared to the non‐MDT group. Significant association of MDT with improved survival rates across all stages (1–4) was identified . These findings were associated with the extended role of MDT on patient coordination and follow‐up in that the MDT group demonstrated 90% rates of completion of adjuvant RT or CRT, as originally planned, compared to only 71% and 57% of those not presented ( P < 0.001).…”

The impact of the multidisciplinary tumor board on head and neck cancer outcomes

“…Patients were more likely to complete adjuvant treatment in the MTB group. They concluded that the improved survival from the MTB was multifactorial, allowing better identification of high‐risk patients, better selection of the optimal supportive‐care approaches, and the reduction of treatment‐related morbidity …”

“…In head and neck cancer, review in an MTB affects and refines treatment plans in up to 30% to 60% of cases . Despite data showing the effects of MTB, there is a paucity of data showing survival benefit of MTB, with limited studies showing a survival impact in head and neck cancer …”

The Need for an Original Think Tank to Discuss and Advance the Collaboration between Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons: Announcing the “International Journal of Orthoplastic Surgery”

“…Positive experience and good practise outcomes were reported by head and neck oncology teams composed of ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, and oncologists. Their multi-disciplinary approach allows for early, continual communication and meticulous operative planning [2,3].Another positive example of multidisciplinary collaboration is represented by breast reconstruction teams, where breast surgeons, plastic surgeons and oncologists often work closely to treat breast cancer, restore form and contour with excellent results [4].It has also been proposed that orthopaedic and plastic surgeons work collaboratively [1,5]. Several departments are now organizing multidisciplinary meetings for both trauma and oncology, and developing joint operating lists and teams [5].…”

“…Positive experience and good practise outcomes were reported by head and neck oncology teams composed of ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, and oncologists. Their multi-disciplinary approach allows for early, continual communication and meticulous operative planning [2,3].…”