The Importance of the Multidisciplinary Team in the Management of Patients with Endometrial Cancer: Interviews with Two Key Opinion Leaders

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers in high-income countries, and the incidence is rising significantly. There has recently been a crucial increase in understanding of tumour biology in endometrial cancer, as well as a significant improvement in tailoring surgery and radiotherapy, and the introduction of targeted therapies. In the context of these developments, novel initiatives are needed to increase awareness of new treatment modalities, and infrastructure is required to enable optimal management of patients with endometrial cancer. A co-ordinated, collaborative, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in endometrial cancer management promotes shared decision-making and enables comprehensive care of patients, from diagnosis through treatment, via a range of medical specialities and support initiatives. For this article, EMJ conducted an in-depth interview in August 2023 with two key opinion leaders, Domenica (Ketta) Lorusso from the Catholic University of Rome, Italy, and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCC, Italy; and Jalid Sehouli from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, both of whom have a wealth of experience and expertise in the clinical management of endometrial cancer, and have conducted numerous scientific projects in this field. The experts gave valuable insights into topics such as diagnosis and disease staging in patients with endometrial cancer, measuring the value of an endometrial cancer MDT, and quality control and monitoring of MDT meetings. Lorusso and Sehouli also explored ideas on how to optimise multidisciplinary care in patients with endometrial cancer, including covering aspects of patient management beyond treatment, and how to maintain effective communication between the MDT and the patient. Further topics discussed included empowering nurses in the MDT, managing clinical trial opportunities for patients with endometrial cancer, and aligning MDT recommendations with the expectations of the patient. Finally, Lorusso and Sehouli described what the future of the multidisciplinary management of patients with endometrial cancer might look like.