Multidisciplinary approach crucial to strengthen cancer treatment accuracy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A multidisciplinary medical approach, known as a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), is considered crucial for strengthening the accuracy of cancer treatment to determine the most appropriate and safe therapies for patients.
Oncology expert from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Prof. Banu Arun, stated during the ‘6th Siloam Oncology Summit 2026’ scientific forum in Jakarta on Saturday, that cancer management cannot be decided by a single medical speciality alone.
“Cancer management has become extremely complex due to mutation characteristics and the availability of many new drugs. The multidisciplinary process is vital because the patient is at the centre, and we all work together as a team to achieve the best personalised treatment outcomes,” said Banu.
He explained that through MDT panels, experts consisting of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and supporting disciplines—such as molecular pathology, pharmacy, genetics, and medical imaging—can discuss and determine the most suitable sequence of therapy for a patient. The team, he noted, will comprehensively assess whether a patient requires surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy first.
According to Banu, this integrated care system has been implemented by the MD Anderson Cancer Center for approximately 30 years and is deemed effective in improving clinical outcomes and patient safety. He also suggested that developing nations like Indonesia should utilise technology to implement the MDT concept amidst the challenges of healthcare facility inequality.
“If an institution lacks certain medical specialists, they can partner with other hospitals that possess the necessary technology and experts to conduct joint clinical conferences,” he said.
On the same occasion, the Director of RS MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, Dr Adityawati Ganggaiswari, stated that cross-professional collaboration is key to the even distribution of clinical knowledge to regional areas. According to her, the multidisciplinary concept involves not only medical specialists but also oncology nurses, medical physicists, and radiographers who operate diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
“Cancer treatment cannot be handled by only one or two hospitals, especially when discussing patients from other regions with difficult access. Through this forum, we are distributing expertise and treatment techniques so that global-standard oncology services can be accessed equitably across Indonesia,” said Adityawati.