Hanan M Qasem, Ali O Aldamen, Muhammad Idrees, Ragad Ala'a Tawalbeh, Mohammed Fawaz Alqudah, Ja'Far Mohamad Matalgah, Sakhr Alshwayyat, Ayham Mohammad Hussein, Haya B Abukharmh, Mohammed Al-Mahdi Al-Kurdi
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Abstract
Introduction: Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in cancer care aim to improve patient outcomes by bringing together healthcare professionals from various specialties. This collaborative approach has been associated with improved decision-making and survival rates, particularly in the management of complex cases, such as head and neck cancer (HNC). Our study aimed to assess the impact of MDTs on overall survival (OS) in patients at different stages of HNC compared with those who received non-MDT care.
Methods: A systematic search was performed following PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to June 2024 for studies comparing MDT management of patients with HNC with conventional treatment. The review was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD420251165637. Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager version 5.4.
Results: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including nine studies with a total of 42 937 patients. The pooled analysis showed that MDT management was associated with a significant 13% improvement in survival rates for HNC patients (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78-0.97, P = 0.02). For patients with stage IV HNC, MDT care was not associated with a statistically significant survival improvement; however, this subgroup analysis included only three studies and should be interpreted cautiously (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.62-1.03, P = 0.09). Quality assessment of the included studies indicated that most were of good quality, though one study was rated as fair due to methodological limitations.
Conclusion: MDTs can improve survival rates among patients with HNC. Their effect in stage IV disease remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to explore the economic impact of MDTs and their effectiveness in broader populations and advanced stages.
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