What is a Tumor Board?
- A tumor board is a team of medical professionals with different specialties who come together to discuss and collaborate on the treatment plans for patients diagnosed with cancer.
- For glioma, the tumor board may include neuro-oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and more.
- The goal of these meetings is to ensure that each patient receives the most comprehensive, personalized, and up-to-date treatment plan possible.
- Dr. Herbert Newton, a neuro-oncologist at UH Seidman Cancer Cancer in Cleveland, Ohio, explains that for patients with glioma, much of the tumor board discussion will revolve around how post-surgery scans look.
Dr. Herbert Newton, a neuro-oncologist at UH Seidman Cancer Cancer in Cleveland, Ohio, tells SurvivorNet that the medical professionals on these boards will try to answer several questions.
Read More “We dig in … we’ve got options here. Do we just watch them? Do we place them on [observation] and monitor them on therapy? Do we just go to chemo-radiation off the top?” he says. “A lot of it really depends on how the post-op scan looks.” Tumor boards may be general, meaning they discuss cases of all types of cancers, or they may be specific to certain types of cancers, such as brain tumors, breast cancer, or gastrointestinal cancers. The goal of these meetings is to ensure that each patient receives the most comprehensive, personalized, and up-to-date treatment plan possible.
For Glioma, How Can Tumor Boards Help?
Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that require a highly specialized and coordinated approach to treatment. Unlike some other cancers, gliomas can be particularly challenging to treat due to their location in the brain and their ability to infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue. Because of this, an individualized treatment plan is crucial.Having a tumor board review your case ensures that multiple experts weigh in on the best approach. Instead of relying solely on one doctor’s perspective, you benefit from a team of specialists who bring their expertise together. This collaborative approach reduces the chances of missing potential treatment options and helps ensure that you receive the most effective therapy for your specific condition.
What Happens During a Tumor Board Meeting?
During a tumor board meeting, your medical team reviews your case in detail.
This discussion typically includes:
- Medical History and Symptoms: Your oncologists will present a summary of your medical history, including any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, previous treatments, and current condition.
- Diagnostic Imaging and Lab Results: Specialists, including radiologists and pathologists, will review imaging scans (such as MRI or CT scans) and biopsy results to assess the tumor’s characteristics, size, and progression.
- Treatment Options Discussion: Based on the findings, the team discusses potential treatment options. This might include:
– Surgery: Whether removing part or all of the tumor is feasible
– Radiation Therapy: If and when radiation should be used to target remaining cancer cells
– Chemotherapy: What medications may be most effective.
– Clinical Trials: Whether you may be a candidate for new and innovative treatments being tested in research studies - Patient-Centric Considerations: The team also considers factors such as your overall health, lifestyle, personal preferences, and treatment goals. The goal is not just to treat the tumor but also to maintain the best possible quality of life.
- Consensus on the Best Treatment Plan: The final step is reaching a consensus on the recommended course of action. This is communicated to your primary oncologist, who then discusses the recommendations with you and answers any questions you may have.
How Does a Tumor Board Benefit You as a Patient?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a glioma, understanding the role of a tumor board can help you feel more confident in your care.
Here’s how it benefits you:
- Comprehensive and Personalized Care: Each case is unique, and a tumor board ensures that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs.
- Access to Multiple Experts: Instead of relying on just one doctor’s opinion, you benefit from the insights of a whole team of specialists.
- Fewer Treatment Delays: Because decisions are made collectively, you get a well-rounded treatment plan more quickly.
- Consideration of the Latest Research and Clinical Trials: Many tumor boards include doctors involved in cutting-edge research, which means they can help connect you with the latest treatments and clinical trials.
- Improved Communication and Coordination: Your doctors stay aligned, ensuring that each step of your treatment is well-coordinated.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If your case is being discussed at a tumor board, it’s important to understand how that process affects your care. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor.
- Will my case be discussed at a tumor board? If so, when?
- What specialists will be involved in reviewing my case?
- How will the recommendations from the tumor board be communicated to me?
- Are there any additional treatment options being considered that I should know about?
- Will I have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial?
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