Stemming from a roundtable with clinicians, policy makers, researchers and patient advocates, the report identifies urgent reform of MDT meetings as a key part of freeing up the time needed for the workforce to engage properly with innovation.

Niamh Buckingham, co-author of the long read and policy adviser at The King's Fund, said: ‘MDT working that brings together different clinical professionals can be incredibly valuable, but it must be targeted where it can do most good for patients. The present set up of discussing every case in their current format has become unsustainable.

‘Instead, system leaders should look to adopt a streamlined model, with MDT oversight of all patients and dedicated time in MDT meetings of cases where discussion is required. This approach needs to be considered by the Government's ongoing review of MDT working.'

The report recommends a standardised triage model, where only clinically complex or uncertain cases are discussed in streamlined MDT meetings, supported by full MDT oversight for routine cases.

It says this approach should be considered in the Government's review of MDT working being carried out by the Royal College of Radiologists which has committed to issue new guidance in spring 2027 for trusts.

Dr Nicky Thorp, vice-president for clinical oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), said: ‘We are pleased to see The King's Fund support much-needed overhaul of cancer MDT working. 

‘At their worst, inefficient MDT meetings delay patient care and miss opportunities to connect patients with potentially life-saving clinical trials. But at their best, MDT meetings can have the opposite effect, by supporting high-quality, timely and equitable patient care, informed by the right experts at the right time.  

 

‘The RCR has been asked to lead a review of ways to improve cancer MDT working. We look forward to working with colleagues across the health system to ensure any changes have the greatest possible benefit for patients.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘When multi-disciplinary teams work well, it can often result in better care and improved survival - especially for rarer cancers - but we know that there is room for improvement.

‘That's why we have asked the Royal College of Radiologists to review the practice and recommend actions that can be taken by trusts to streamline decision-making so that more patients get treated faster.

‘As we deliver our National Cancer Plan, we will grow the cancer workforce and equip staff with time-saving technologies including AI to boost NHS capacity - meaning faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and better care across the country.'