Bryan Tumor Boards work to find best treatment plans

How do you provide the best possible cancer treatment? Bring all the experts into a room to brainstorm and formulate a plan.

A variety of physicians and specialists comprise each Tumor Board and meet regularly in person or virtually.

Specialists include:

• Medical oncologists

• Radiation oncologists

• Surgeons

• Pathologists

• Radiologists

• Interventional radiologists

• Physical and occupational therapists

• Genetics counselors

• Research/clinical trial specialists

• Oncology nurse navigators

Depending on the case additional providers may join, such as plastic surgeons, palliative care, wound/ostomy nurses or other specialized physicians and surgeons.

“The collaboration of multiple specialties at our tumor boards allows for improved patient care and open communication when developing a plan. This provides the ability to quickly move forward with the patient in a coordinated manner. With more complicated cases, we are able to brainstorm difficult situations together.”

Each person is as unique as their tumor

The Tumor Board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for each person. A provider who knows the patient shares relevant details with the group and any barriers to care. Everyone reviews the case together. They may look at images taken (CT, MRI, PET) and talk about pathology findings or molecular testing. They may discuss other tests needed. They also talk about possible treatments (like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, clinical trials). Each specialist shares their views so they can find the best treatment plan for the patient.

Scheduled tumor board meetings specify cancer areas to ensure the right specialists attend. However, they will discuss any disease site at one of the following meetings:

• Breast and gynecologic, 3 times a month

• Gastrointestinal, twice a month

• Thoracic, twice a month

• Genitourinary/urology, once a month

• Neurologic, once a month