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MDT—How it is important in rectal cancer

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Abstract

The concept of multidisciplinary team discussion of patient’s care has been a part of routine medical practice for several decades [Monson et al. in Bull Am Coll Surg 101:45–46, 2016; NHS. Improving outcomes in colorectal cancer—the manual. (Guidance on commissioning cancer services—improving outcomes). 1997.]. The idea of bringing multiple specialties and ancillary services together to help optimize patient outcomes has been implemented in several clinical arenas from burns to physical medicine and rehabilitation to oncology. In the oncology realm, multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTs) originated as a broad-based meeting that would permit the review and discussion of cancer patients to optimize treatment strategies [Cancer Co. Optimal Resources for Cancer Care: 2020 Standards. Chicago, IL: 2019.]. Over time, as further specialization occurred and clinical treatment algorithms have become more complex, multidisciplinary tumor boards have become more disease site specific. In this article we will discuss the importance of MDTs, specifically focusing on rectal cancer MDTs including their impact on treatment planning as well as the unique interplay of clinical specialties that provide internal quality control and improvement. Additionally, we will discuss some of the potential benefits of MDTs beyond the direct impact on patient care and review some of the challenges of implementation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Brian K. Bednarski & George J. Chang

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Melissa Taggart

  3. Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler, Unit 1484, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Brian K. Bednarski

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  1. Brian K. Bednarski
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Contributions

Drs. Chang, Taggart, and Bednarski developed the idea for the article. Drs. Chang, Taggart, and Bednarski engaged in the literature search and data analysis. The manuscript was drafted by Dr. Taggart and Dr. Bednarski. Drs. Chang, Taggart, and Bednarski critically revised the work for submission.

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Correspondence to Brian K. Bednarski.

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Bednarski, B.K., Taggart, M. & Chang, G.J. MDT—How it is important in rectal cancer. Abdom Radiol 48, 2807–2813 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-03977-z

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