The Impact of a Multidisciplinary Team Conference on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Care: Time Barriers and Long-Term Outcomes

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The prolonged time to reach investigation and management decisions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients can negatively impact long-term outcomes. This retrospective cohort study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary team conference (MDT) on NSCLC care quality and outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included resectable NSCLC patients who underwent pulmonary resection at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: non-MDT and MDT groups, based on the initiation of MDT on 1 March 2018. The study compared overall survival, disease-free survival, and waiting times for investigation and surgery between the two groups. The effect of MDT on these outcomes was analyzed using multivariable analysis with inverse-probability weighting propensity scores. Results: The study included 859 patients, with 583 in the non-MDT group and 276 in the MDT group. MDT groups had a higher proportion of stage I and II NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary resection (78.6% vs. 59.69%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, patients in the MDT group had a significantly higher likelihood of longer survival compared to the non-MDT group (adjusted HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09–0.55). Median waiting times for bronchoscopy (3 days vs. 12 days, p = 0.012), pathologic report (7 days vs. 13 days, p < 0.001), and surgery scheduling (18 days vs. 25 days, p = 0.001) were significantly shorter in the MDT group. Conclusions: An MDT has a survival benefit in NSCLC care and improves waiting times for investigation and treatment steps. Further studies are needed to validate these results.