Impact of multidisciplinary tumor boards on clinical management of cancer patients [Poster walk]

Background: Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MTBs) are teams in which different specialists work together closely sharing clinical decisions. MTBs are generally composed of a core of medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons. Other health professionals can join the team, depending on the type of tumor discussed. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of MTBs on cancer patient management. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was performed through Pubmed and Scopus. The study was limited to the time interval 01/01/ 2004-30/04/2017 and inclusion criteria were the description of MTBs applicative experiences and their clinical/organizational impact. Data about first author, publication year, objective, study design, population, country, setting, MTB structure, key findings and effect (positive or negative) on reported outcome were extracted and summarized. A meta-analysis was performed through Revman and heterogeneity was quantified through Cochran Q and I2 tests. Results: Fifty-three out of 2041 potentially relevant articles were included in the review. Studies were focused on 11 tumors: esophagus (5 studies), stomach (4), pancreas (3), liver (2), colorectum (16), breast (2), brain (2), lung (8), head-neck (10), prostate (2), urinary tract (3). Concerning MTBs impact, 33 studies reported changes of survival time, 7 of diagnosis, 17 of therapy. A positive impact was reported in 58 (85%) cases. Impact was positive in 27 (82%), 7 (100%) and 15 (88%) cases as for survival time, diagnosis and therapy respectively. The meta-analysis of studies on colorectal cancer 3-year mortality resulted in an OR = 0.61 (95%CI=0.50-0.74; p = 0.54; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: The study showed a positive impact of MTBs on cancer patient management. In particular, an improvement of diagnostic/ therapeutic appropriateness and survival time was highlighted. Considering promising results, the research field deserves further in-depth studies. Key messages: MTBs are teams of different specialists and health professionals sharing evidence-based clinical decisions and coordinating the delivery of cancer care. MTBs positively impact on clinical management and outcomes of cancer patients.