Published online Jun 6, 2026. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v14.i16.119831
Revised: March 3, 2026
Accepted: April 8, 2026
Published online: June 6, 2026
Processing time: 104 Days and 12.8 Hours
Rare and complex clinical cases often lack standardized management protocols, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration provides holistic perspectives by integrating surgical, medical, radiological, pathological, and psychosocial expertise. Concurrently, innovative research - including precision medicine, artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, and novel therapeutics - is bridging the gap between theory and practice. Synthesizing current evidence on MDT-driven approaches and inno
To systematically review MDT roles and innovative research in managing rare and complex clinical cases.
A systematic search of PubMed and Cochrane Library (2013-2025) was conducted. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, systematic reviews, and clinical trials involving rare or complex cases with MDT involvement. Non-peer-reviewed sources and anecdotal reports were excluded. Data extraction focused on MDT composition, decision-making processes, innovative interventions, and patient outcomes. Study quality was assessed using PRISMA guidelines.
Evidence demonstrates that MDTs enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment planning, and improve survival in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Rare congenital anomalies and complex autoimmune disorders particularly benefit from cross-specialty collaboration. Innovative research achievements include genetic profiling for precision therapies, machine learning models predicting rare disease progression, and novel therapeutics such as immunotherapy and regenerative medicine. Case-based evidence highlights rare sarcomas, congenital heart defects, and atypical autoimmune syndromes, where early MDT involvement and integration of research findings yielded improved patient quality of life and clinical outcomes.
MDT-driven strategies, combined with innovative research, are transforming rare case management, advancing clinical medicine, and contributing to improved global health outcomes.
Core Tip: Rare and complex clinical cases require multidisciplinary team collaboration and integration of innovative research to achieve optimal outcomes. This systematic review highlights how multidisciplinary team-driven strategies, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and novel therapeutics are transforming case management, improving patient survival and quality of life, and advancing global clinical practice. Though long-term outcome evidence remains limited, process-level benefits and integration of innovative technologies establish multidisciplinary teams as central to modern complex care. Strengthening the evidence base through standardized, high-quality research is essential to optimize implementation and improve patient outcomes.