Implementation, practise and experiences of an international online multidisciplinary tumour board (iMDTB) with a cancer centre in northwest region of Cameroon

Introduction In order to gain insight in its efficiency and in its impact on quality of cancer care this study has been performed on the international multidisciplinary (video-) online tumour board (iMDTB) established by Camfomedics e.V. and its partners Mephida e.V. and Global Health Catalyst Summit @ Harvard with a cancer centre in northwest region of Cameroon, the Mbingo Baptist Hospital.

Methodology Patient’s data of all cases of 2019 of the Camfomedics-iMDTB have been evaluated in regard of disease, age, sex, stage, recommendation and level of available care.

An online survey among participants of the Camfomedics-iMDTB on practises, experiences and satisfaction with the iMDTB has been undertaken.

Results 95 tumour cases had been discussed. The majority of patients (75 %) were female. 24 % of all tumour cases were breast cancer followed by cervical cancer with 10 %. Anorectal carcinomas and sarcomas occurred with a percentage of 7-8 % each. Three women out of 72 suffered from high risk trophoblastic tumours.

66 % could be presented with proper TNM-classification. >50 % were in a late stage of their disease. Treatment plans had been changed in up to 50 %.

Conclusion The iMDTB of Camfomedics is an effective way to improve cancer care in low income countries and rural areas such as the northwest region of Cameroon. Main challenges remain patients’ ability to afford expensive diagnostics, therapies, local availability of treatment and a stable video connection. The iMDTB has a significant impact on multidisciplinarity in the cooperating institutions and on social values and education of the participants.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2020