Fundamental Elements of a High-Functioning Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) also known as tumour boards or multidisciplinary care (MDCs) are recognised within cancer care as the gold standard of patient management due to improved timely diagnosis and treatment, constituting a presumed improvement to patient outcomes. However, there is limited documented evidence to show a correlation with improved outcomes or survival, thereby an inability to benchmark the functionality of MDTs due to ad hoc non-standardised methods of data collection and dysfunctional team dynamics. Quality data is an important element in the measurement of an MDT, yet it is not the only piece of the puzzle. A collaborative comprehensive membership led by the strong leadership of a resilient Lead Clinician that initiates a vision for succession planning to establish biobanking, clinical trials and research opportunities are essential elements of a highly functioning MDT.