Multidisciplinary reference centers: the care of neuroendocrine tumors

The purpose of this study was to review the need for and benefits of multidisciplinary care in patients with cancer, to describe our experience setting up a multidisciplinary reference center (MRC) dedicated to the treatment of the uncommon cancer neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and to present the perspective of a patient seeking treatment at our center.The literature was searched to review the outcomes of patients with cancer treated by a multidisciplinary team.Multidisciplinary care for patients with more common cancers has been associated with improvements in diagnosis, treatment planning, survival, patient satisfaction, and clinician satisfaction. Similar benefits have been seen in patients with NETs receiving treatment at a specialty center. The establishment of our NETs MRC allows us to offer integrated care, providing surgical oncology and medical oncology disciplines; nurses well experienced in the treatment of NETs; and the expertise of endocrinology, diagnostic radiology, and interventional radiology specialists. Since our clinic was established, we have increased our availability to see patients and have received positive feedback from those attending.MRCs have been associated with improved patient outcomes. As providers at a dedicated NETs MRC, we feel that these centers have a positive effect on both patient and provider experience. The creation of specialty centers with a focus on improving outcomes and quality of care should be a goal of health care systems and are especially important for patients with NETs and other rare cancers.