Practices and Impressions of Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards Findings From an American Head and Neck Society Survey
Recommended Citation
Yao C, Beatty S, Yan F, Esemezie AO, Huang SH, Tam S, Misfud M, Hosni A, Hahn E, Spreafico A, Al-Sajee D, Yu E, Monteiro E, Goldstein DP, de Almeida JR, Gilbert RW, Sturgis EM, Ridge JA, Galloway TJ. Practices and Impressions of Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards Findings From an American Head and Neck Society Survey. Head Neck. 2026.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-11-2026
Publication Title
Head & neck
Keywords
head and neck cancer; multidisciplinary tumor boards; practice; quality; survey
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) are widely accepted as vehicles for improving care, yet limited data describe their structure and practice for head and neck cancers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was distributed internationally with approval from the American Head and Neck Society. Survey items assessed MDTB structure, participation, workflow, and perceived impact.
RESULTS: A total of 279 responses were analyzed, predominantly from head and neck surgeons (78%). Compared with international MDTBs, US-based MDTBs were more likely to meet weekly (94% vs. 86%; p = 0.039) and to be surgeon-led (84% vs. 56%; p < 0.001). International MDTBs more frequently documented recommendations (83% vs. 66%; p < 0.001). By specialty, management of discrepancies differed (p = 0.009); surgeons and radiation oncologists more often reported a lack of consensus, while medical oncologists favored offline discussion.
CONCLUSIONS: The structure and impressions of head and neck cancer MDTBs vary considerably, offering opportunities for their improvement.
PubMed ID
41813226
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
