Multidisciplinary approach in breast cancer care pathway

Keywords

breast cancer - multidisciplinary care - nurse navigator - clinical pharmacy

Introduction: Breast cancer is a complex disease requiring a comprehensive approach for treatment and management. The care pathway for breast cancer patients integrates a multidisciplinary team, focusing on nurse navigators, clinical pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, nutrition, and psychology to provide personalized support and enhance treatment quality.

Objective: This study analyzes indicators of toxicity, hospitalization rates, recurrence, survival, and contributions from nursing, pharmaceutical, dental, and physical therapy interventions, alongside the distribution of breast cancer subtypes among patients treated in the care pathway.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 17 patients treated between 2022 and 2024. Key information regarding adverse events, hospitalizations, toxicity, recurrences, and age distribution was collected. The nurse navigator's role was evaluated concerning patient monitoring and education. The clinical pharmacy was assessed for medication management and support. Dentistry managed mucositis using laser therapy during chemotherapy, while physical therapy addressed neuropathy through laser treatments and physical activity. Among the analyzed cases, 25% had triple-negative breast cancer, 50% had HER2-positive tumors, and 25% had luminal disease.

Results: In 2022, 2023, and 2024, there were 27, 28, and 19 reported events of grades 1 and 2 toxicity, respectively, with no patients experiencing grades 3 or 4. Hospitalization rates remained below 20%, indicating effective management of toxicity. This achievement is due to the collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary team, including ongoing monitoring by the nurse navigator, medication management by clinical pharmacy, laser therapy from dentistry, physiotherapeutic support for neuropathy, and interventions from nutrition and psychology. The predominant age group was 36 to 45 years, with an overall survival rate of 100%.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary approach within the breast cancer care pathway has proven crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. Contributions from nurse navigators, clinical pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, nutrition, and psychology have improved toxicity management and minimized hospitalization rates, ensuring thorough patient monitoring and education. Strengthening these specialties should remain a priority to enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Corresponding author: Grazielle Morais Tavares (e-mail: [e-mail]).

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
06. Mai 2025