Author(s)

Vijayashree Murthy, Silvana Nobre, Lauren Sparber, Sarah Schaefer, Elissa Santoro, Janette McDermott, Ronald Chamberlain, Michele Blackwood

Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, USA.

Introduction: Multidisciplinary breast conference (BC) that discusses different clinicopathological aspects of disease creates a sound, complete and unique treatment plan for each patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of weekly breast tumor boards in patient management and treatment modifications. Methods: From June 2010 to June 2011, 242 patients (Stage 0 to Stage 4 breast cancer) were prospectively presented before a multidisciplinary team. Presentation included clinical data, imaging and pathological review followed by prospective treatment plan formulated by the physician group. If postoperative presentation, final histopathology of the tumor and adjuvant treatment relevant to each patient was discussed. Breast conference was performed via teleconference, including video projection of pathology slides and images. Feedback evaluations were completed and returned to the Tumor Registry for consistent weekly improvement of BC. Results: 102 patients (42%) had modified management after being presented at BC,  38% (n = 39) surgical, 33% (n = 34) medical (chemotherapy/endocrine therapy), 17% (n = 17) radiation, 6% (n = 6) both medical and radiation treatment and 6% (n = 6) imaging changes. Majority of changes were made to patients with Stage IA (27%) followed by Stage 0 (21%) breast cancer. Conclusion: Breast conference presents a significant impact on patient management and serves as a model for best practice in cancer care. Consultative discussion of each case permits every team member to be acutely aware of the patient’s condition, contribute to treatment plan and permit a harmonious and cooperative team approach while assuring best treatment for the patient.

Breast Conference, Multidisciplinary Breast Meeting, Breast Tumor Board

Murthy, V. , Nobre, S. , Sparber, L. , Schaefer, S. , Santoro, E. , McDermott, J. , Chamberlain, R. and Blackwood, M. (2014) Multidisciplinary Breast Conference Improves Patient Management and Treatment. Surgical Science, 5, 314-319. doi: 10.4236/ss.2014.57053.