Optimizing Outcomes through a Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach on outcomes with endometrial cancer (EC) patients, utilizing 2013-2020 data from the Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry. Recurrence rate, treatments, and outcome indicators were compared between the MDT (319 cases) and non-MDT (324 cases) groups. Among 643 cases, 52.4% were over 65 years old, 98% had microscopic confirmation, and 73% were in stage I. Surgery was performed in 89%, with 41% receiving adjuvant therapies. Recurrence rates (10%) were similar between the two groups, but MDT patients who were older and predominantly in stage I exhibited 79% recurrence within one year (21% in the non-MDT group). Disease-free survival (DFS) showed no significant difference [HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.7-1.6], while differences in overall survival (OS) were notable [HR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.4]. The 5-year OS rates were 87% and 79% in the MDT and non-MDT groups. Comparing the 2013-2015 to 2016-2020 study periods, a shift towards caring for older women, more advanced-stage patients, and those residing outside the metropolitan area, along with a greater number of relapsed cases (from 16% to 76%), were accounted for. These findings underscore the impact of an MDT on EC outcomes, highlighting the evolving patient demographics over time.

Keywords: adjuvant treatment; death; disease-free survival; endometrial cancer; multidisciplinary team; recurrence; stage.

Figure 1

Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry, years 2013–2020. Kaplan–Meier curve of disease-free survival by stage, age, MDT, and period.

Figure 2

Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry, years 2013–2020. Kaplan–Meier curve of overall survival by stage, age, MDT, and period.