MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE TEAM APPROACH AND OUTCOMES IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The role of the multidisciplinary care team (MDCT) has been emphasized in providing optimal treatment for breast cancer. Although previous studies have shown limited benefits in terms of certain metrics, whole system effectiveness is currently unknown and must be evaluated through interdepartmental trials.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a structured multidisciplinary team-based care pathway on clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare utilization among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients compared with routine standard care without formal MDT coordination.

Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar between May 2021 to April 2022 and prospectively followed until April 2024, consisted of 73 female patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Personalized oncologic treatment plans were developed in collaboration of multidisciplinary cancer teams (MDCTs) which include medical oncologist, surgeons and radiation oncologists. Clinical outcomes, patient reported outcomes (estimated by EORTC QLQ-C30 and SF-36) and healthcare utilization metrics were collected at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up.

Results: Patients managed by multidisciplinary cancer teams had a significantly higher 2-year disease-free survival 62(85% )vs. 53( 72%) and overall survival rates 67 (92%) vs.58 (80%). MDCTs significantly dropped recurrence rates 9 (12%) vs. 18(25%) and complications 6 (8%) vs. 9(13%), significant reduction in length of hospital stay (5.6 vs 10.2 days), and number of outpatient visits(12 vs 18 visits).

Conclusion: MDCT improves clinical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes and healthcare efficiency in breast cancer management. These results highlight the need to further incorporate MDCTs into clinical practice in order to optimize patient care and outcomes across diverse healthcare environments.