Does the decision-making in multidisciplinary tumor board affect the survival of patients with malignancies of the oral cavity?

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of a pretherapeutic Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MTB) presentation on the prognosis and treatment outcomes in patients with primary oral cavity carcinoma. Materials and Methods This single-center study included 630 patients diagnosed with oral cavity carcinoma treated between 2010 and 2020. The study cohort was divided in a group with and without pretherapeutic MTB presentation. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment and the time to treatment initiation (TTI) were collected retrospectively. Results Primary findings revealed similar 5-Year Survival (5-YS) and 5-years disease free survival in (5-YDFS) both groups, across the UICC stages I-IV, as well as for the entire cohort. The 5-YS was 47.2 months (95% CI: 44.7;49.7) in the non-MTB group and 43 months (CI: 40.7;45.3) in the MTB group (p>0.05). The TTI was significantly longer in the MTB group (33.5 days, CI: 31.3;35.7) compared to the non-MTB group (20.1 days, CI: 17.9;22.4, p<0.001). The MTB group adhered more frequently to the national guidelines (68% vs. 79.6%, p<0.01). Conclusion The results demonstrate both positive and negative side effects of the MTB presentation in patients with oral cavity cancer. Further multicenter studies will be required to assess the impact of TTI and adherence to guidelines on the survival of oral cavity cancer patients. Clinical Relevance The MTB presentation for patients with oral cavity carcinomas represents a standard practice and an integral part of treatment in cancer centers worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of processes in cancer centers can help to enhance patient treatment and outcomes.