Mbang Kooffreh-Ada
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Obinna Ebere Iheanacho
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Victor Ikechukwu Nwagbara
Department of Surgery, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Komommo Okoi Okpebri
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Chukwuemeka Okechukwu Anisi
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Asa Itam-Eyo
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Okezie Uba-Mgbemena
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Oliver Emmanuel Ali
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Ofonime Benjamin Essien
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Akintunde Olusijibomi Akintomide
Department of Radiology, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Michael Eteng Eyong
Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Emmanuel Edet Effa
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
Ngim Ewezu Ngim
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
There is a paradigm shift towards adopting a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model in the care of cancer patients, with increasing evidence to support its effectiveness. Cancers are biologically distinct, patients present in diverse ways and require, different therapeutic approaches in their management. Patient symptoms and treatment side-effects as well as physical and psychological impact vary according to cancer location and treatment plan. The varied clinical scenarios cancer patients present further buttress the need for MDT practice in hospitals to improve the quality of patient care, in contrast to the outdated concept of holistic treatment offered by a single physician. Unlike Europe, United States of America and Australia which have implemented successful MDT cancer care programs, Nigeria is just coming on board. We present two cases of gastric cancer (seen two months apart) with atypical presentation and the role of MDT in their evaluation and management. These case studies highlight the role of MDT in the management of cancer patients in Nigeria lending credence to the urgent need to implement this model of care in our cancer patients in a bid to improve the quality of care and outcome.
