The review found the current model for MDT working is broken with resource-intensive formal meetings often inefficient and not delivering timely care for patients. 

Dr Nicky Thorp, vice-president for clinical oncology at the RCR, said: ‘Good multidisciplinary working is the cornerstone of high-quality cancer care. This review is a vital step towards faster, more effective and patient-centred cancer care. We must re-orient MDT working around a simple principle: every patient should receive the right expertise, at the right time, through the most appropriate mechanism, without unnecessary delays

It recommends MDT meetings should focus on patients whose cases would most benefit from multidisciplinary input, such as those with rare and less common cancers, adding patients with more routine cases should not have to wait until a weekly meeting to receive treatment recommendations.

The report also recommends ensuring the patient's preferences and wider psychosocial factors are considered when developing treatment recommendations

The RCR and Macmillan Cancer Support will now focus on developing a practical toolkit of resources to implement more efficient and patient-centred cancer MDT working for the long term.  

 The MDT Improvement Toolkit will be published in spring 2027.