Analysis of decision making at a multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board incorporating evidence-based National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) guidelines

Purpose: To evaluate incorporation of National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) guidelines in decision making at a head and neck cancer (HNC) multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) at an urban academic medical center. Methods and materials: A retrospective study of 176 HNC patients was performed. The extent to which MDT decisions and subsequent patient care incorporate NCCN guidelines was evaluated. Results: A total of 173 (98.3%) HNC patients received MDT recommendations according to NCCN guidelines. Of the 159 patients treated, 153 (96.2%) received treatment according to NCCN guidelines. The MDT recommended the highest available evidence-based NCCN category guideline in 78.0%. Subsequent treatment using the same or higher category MDT recommendation occurred in 87.0% of patients. Conclusions: Evaluation of patients at anMDT using NCCN guidelines incorporates the highest level of evidence in approximately 80% of patients and translates well into subsequent care. Incorporation of the highest available NCCN guideline may be improved, although management should be individualized. (C) 2016 American Society for Radiation Oncology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.