Objective To investigate the current status of multidisciplinary team (MDT) approaches in lung cancer management in China to provide a basis for the further promotion and enhancement of the MDT model.

Methods From April 2023 to November 2023, physicians engaged in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer were selected as the research objects. Questionnaires were distributed online and offline to investigate the cognition of MDT mode, MDT operating mode of their hospital, challenges faced, and direction of improvement. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the survey results.

Results A total of 1137 questionnaires were collected, covering 816 general and cancer hospitals in 31 provinces and cities across the country. A total of 88.1% of doctors believe that the current MDT model is feasible, effective, and is of great value in benefiting patients’ survival, improving diagnosis and treatment efficiency, promoting diagnosis and treatment level and standardization, and increasing clinical research enrollment. Meanwhile, 83.5% of doctors state that their hospital has established an MDT team, including a chair and a coordinator, to ensure the smooth operation of the MDT and follow-up. The frequency of MDT is low and the time is long, usually 1–2 times a month and more than 30 minutes discussion time for each case. In addition, 50.1% of doctors indicate MDT cases account for less than 25% of annual diagnosis and treatment cases. Time coordination challenges and lack of administrative support and incentives are the difficulties affecting the operation of MDT. Having well-defined patient criteria is frequently cited as a key area for optimization that could remarkably enhance MDT efficiency.

Conclusion After more than a decade of exploration and practice, the MDT model for lung cancer in China has been widely promoted and applied. Optimizing the selection, diagnosis, and treatment of MDT cases and providing administrative support and incentives are the key to enhancing the efficiency of MDT and expanding their benefits to a great number of patients with cancer.