The multi-disciplinary meeting as a tool to identify patients for clinical trials and translational research.

Abstract

e14001 Background: Cancer multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs) were established with one of the core aims to increase participation in clinical research. However, a recent Cancer Research UK study observing 624 patient MDT discussions revealed only 8 (1.3%) patients included a discussion on clinical trials. Current work in the UK looking at MDT effectiveness has explored the quality of discussions and team dynamics. However, recruitment to clinical trials has not been promoted as an indicator of an effective MDT. This study explored the role of MDTs in identifying patients for research across all solid tumour MDTs in a tertiary cancer centre. Methods: This study explored the outcome data from solid tumour MDTS; reports on the observation of solid tumour MDTs and completion of a trials and translational proforma about patient discussions on research; exploration of MDT members views on the role of MDTS in identifying opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials and translational research. Results: MDT outcomes from all solid tumour MDTs were reviewed. Out of 7000 local MDT outcomes from Avon Cancer Registry April 2019- Set 2019. Only 409 discussions included an outcome registered with “Clinical Trial y/n” (5%). In the majority there was no mention of any consideration of clinical trial or an explicit trial documented. Conclusions: We report on the exploration of the MDT as integral to identifying patients for clinical trials and translational research. This requires input and buy in from MDT members and the identification of research champions attending MDTs. The integration of genomics data into MDTs will require a proactive approach to access clinical trials for patients with identified potential actionable targets.