Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer face unique developmental, psychosocial, and care transition challenges between pediatric and adult oncology systems. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches are promoted to address these complex needs; however, collaboration, implementation, and impact on AYA care remain inconsistently described in the literature. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on how MDTs are organized, enacted, and experienced in AYA oncology care and examines implications for patient-centered, developmentally appropriate care.
Methods:
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a search of CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and March 2025. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles in English involving participants aged 15–39 years with cancer who addressed survivorship and multidisciplinary teamwork. Of 1048 screened records, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis.
Results:
Four overarching themes were identified: (1) core elements of effective MDT collaboration, including flexible professional roles, MDT communication, and shared decision-making with AYAs; (2) addressing the unique psychosocial and developmental needs of AYAs, supporting care coordination, and psychosocial support; (3) implementation and functions of MDTs across the AYA cancer care continuum, facilitating smoother transitions between pediatric and adult services; and (4) the impact of MDT care on patient outcomes, including improved adherence to follow-up care and enhanced psychosocial well-being.
Conclusion:
Evidence shows MDTs function as relational processes shaping AYA cancer care quality, not just organizational structures. Effective MDTs emphasize patient-centered collaboration and multidisciplinary trust across the cancer trajectory. Future research should evaluate how MDT processes influence clinical, psychosocial, and survivorship outcomes for AYA.
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