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Breast Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings in a Resource-Constrained System: Are Patients Receiving the Treatment
Nerushka Naidoo1, Lindi Martin2, Wilhelmina Conradie1
1Division of Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
World Journal of Surgery
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Most breast cancer patients (88%) received treatment aligned with multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) recommendations. Concordance was highest for early-stage breast cancer surgery, highlighting MDT
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Breast cancer is a global health crisis, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with later stage presentation and higher mortality.
- The role and effectiveness of multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) in resource-constrained settings for breast cancer care are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of MDT decisions in breast cancer care.
- To determine the concordance between MDT treatment recommendations and actual patient treatment.
- To assess concordance across different stages of breast cancer disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of adult breast cancer patients discussed at MDT meetings from July 2021 to June 2022.
- Exclusion of patients with recurrent disease, palliative care focus, or incomplete treatment data.
- Calculation of concordance rates using contingency tables and descriptive statistics.
Main Results:
- 88% of 556 analyzed patients received primary treatment consistent with MDT recommendations.
- Highest concordance (94%) observed in early breast cancer patients recommended for primary surgery.
- Lowest concordance rates were found in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates high adherence to MDT recommendations in breast cancer patient care.
- Future research should explore reasons for treatment discordance.
- Integration of MDTs into breast patient care in South Africa is recommended.
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