Predictors of multidisciplinary tumor board implementation in head and neck cancer: Global insights

Objective: To identify institutional and organizational determinants associated with the adoption of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) in head and neck cancer management across diverse healthcare settings. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from 566 responses, corresponding to 457 unique centers across 101 countries participating in the IFOS–YO-IFOS global survey. Centers were categorized by income level, region, and case volume. Logistic regression identified predictors of systematic MDTB use. Results: Among responding centers, MDTBs were systematic in 89.1% of North America, 88.9% of European and 87.5% of Oceanian centers, compared with 37.5% in Africa and 32.6% in MENA. High annual case volume (> 200 cases/year) (OR = 3.4, p < 0.001), university affiliation (OR = 2.7, p = 0.002), and access to intensity-modulated radiotherapy (OR = 2.1, p = 0.01) independently predicted full MDTB integration. Centers citing economic barriers showed a 65% reduction in odds of MDTB implementation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that multidisciplinary management in head and neck oncology is strongly influenced by institutional resources and organizational models rather than geography alone. Strengthening MDTB frameworks in low- and middle-income regions could substantially narrow global care inequities.