Setting Up an Oncology Multidisciplinary Team in Northeast India: Challenges and Initial Experience

Patients managed by an oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) have better overall survival, but there are challenges in setting up such a team. This study reviews the process of setting up and the initial results after a year of functioning of an MDT in Northeast India. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at a newly set up oncology MDT was performed. All the patients presenting with a diagnosis of malignancy or patients with suspected malignancy were discussed by the MDT prior to initiation of therapy or if there was a diagnostic dilemma. Descriptive statistics were used. Between 14th June 2016 and 22nd October 2020, 4701 cases were discussed, of which 51.2% were male. The median age was 50 years, with a range between 0.5 and 92 years. The intent of treatment was curative in 55.9% and palliative in 28.8%, with the remaining being those patients who were discussed due to diagnostic dilemma. An Oncology MDT helps in the proper diagnosis and staging of patients. Since the majority of the patients could be offered treatment with curative intent, if proper treatment is delivered, this may result in improved survival.