Conclusion

The tumor board is a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that brings together specialists from various medical fields to discuss and plan the best treatment strategies for patients with cancer. The team typically includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, genetic counselors, pharmacists, nurses, and mental health professionals, among others. By bringing together experts from different areas, the tumor board ensures that each patient receives a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan that maximizes their chances of recovery and quality of life.

This team-based approach is critical for providing high-quality, well-coordinated care and helps ensure that patients have access to the most up-to-date treatments and support throughout their cancer journey. The different kinds of professionals who are involved in tumor board are -

1. Medical Oncologist

The medical oncologist is the doctor who specialises in treating cancer with medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. This specialist plays a central role in the tumor board, as they oversee the medical treatment of cancer patients. The medical oncologist reviews the patient's medical history, diagnostic tests, and helps guide the decision on the appropriate medication or treatment plan based on the cancer type and stage.

2. Onco Surgeon

An onco surgeon specializing in oncology is responsible for performing surgical procedures to remove tumors or take biopsies for further analysis. Surgeons assess whether surgery is an option for treating the cancer and discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgical intervention. Their input is crucial when the tumor's location or stage suggests that surgical removal may be necessary as part of the treatment plan.

3. Radiation Oncologist

A radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy. This specialist is responsible for determining if radiation is an appropriate treatment option for a particular patient and, if so, how and when it should be administered. Radiation oncologists review imaging results to understand the tumor's location and guide the planning of radiation therapy, aiming to target the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

4. Pathologist

A pathologist is a medical professional who analyzes tissue samples (biopsies) taken from the patient to identify the type of cancer and its characteristics. The pathologist's expertise is critical for confirming the diagnosis and understanding the biology of the tumor. Their work includes determining the cancer's grade, which indicates how aggressive it is, and examining molecular and genetic markers that can influence treatment decisions, such as identifying genetic mutations that could be targeted by specific therapies.

5. Radiologist

A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. In the tumor board, the radiologist reviews the patient’s imaging results to assess the extent of the cancer and its spread (metastasis). They play a key role in providing visual evidence that helps determine the stage of the cancer, which is crucial for planning the treatment approach.

6. Genetic Counselor

A genetic counselor specializes in assessing the genetic risk of cancer and its hereditary nature. In some cases, understanding the genetic makeup of the cancer can significantly influence treatment decisions. For example, a cancer with specific genetic mutations may respond better to targeted therapies. The genetic counselor may also provide information to patients about their family’s risk of cancer, offering genetic testing and counseling services that guide future care and prevention.

7. Psychosocial Support Providers

Psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals may also sit on the tumor board, especially for cases where the patient’s emotional or psychological needs are a significant part of the treatment plan. Cancer treatment can be emotionally challenging, and having a team member who can provide psychological support, manage stress, and address any concerns the patient may have is crucial. These providers also offer guidance on coping mechanisms and connect patients with community resources.

8. Nurse Navigator

The nurse navigator is a trained oncology nurse who helps guide patients through their cancer treatment journey. This role involves providing support and education to patients, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that patients understand their treatment plan. Nurse navigators also help address patient concerns, track progress, and offer emotional support, making them an important member of the tumor board, particularly in complex cases requiring detailed follow-up.

9. Other Specialists

In some cases, other specialists may also be included in tumor board discussions, depending on the nature of the cancer and the patient’s specific needs. For example:
Palliative care specialists participate who focus is on managing pain & hence improving quality of life of patients.
Nutritionists or dietitians may be involved to discuss the patient's nutritional needs during treatment.

Endocrinologists may be called upon if the cancer affects hormone-producing organs (like thyroid or adrenal glands).

Are you looking for a multi-disciplinary tumor board consultation? Reach out to BigOHealth - where we have India's leading oncologists part of our tumor board.