THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT) IN THE TREATMENT OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER - A SINGLE-INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Medical Humanities

Background:

• Head and neck cancers present significant morbidity and mortality challenges.
• Advancements in treatment have been made, yet optimal outcomes remain a focus.
• Preservation of vital functions (voice, speech, swallowing, breathing) is crucial for patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the essential role of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in head and neck cancer treatment.
• To highlight the importance of integrating diverse medical and allied health professionals.
• To report on the organization and function of an MDT at a specialized center.

Main Methods:

• Review of treatment protocols and patient outcomes within a multidisciplinary framework.
• Inclusion of various specialists: head and neck surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, anesthesiologists, psychologists, nutritionists, stomatologists, and speech therapists.
• Analysis of the impact of MDT participation on patient quality of life.

Main Results:

• The involvement of a comprehensive MDT leads to a significant improvement in patient quality of life.
• Integration of diverse professional expertise optimizes patient care and functional outcomes.
• The study details the practical organization and operational experience of the MDT.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach is the gold standard for managing head and neck cancers.
• Collaboration among a wide range of specialists is vital for enhancing patient quality of life.
• The presented MDT model offers a valuable framework for comprehensive head and neck tumor care.