Navigating diagnostic and treatment decisions in non-small-cell lung cancer: expert commentary on the multidisciplinary team approach.

Navigating diagnostic and treatment decisions in non-small-cell lung cancer: expert commentary on the multidisciplinary team approach. Oncologist. 2020 Nov 03;: Authors: Popat S, Navani N, Kerr KM, Smit EF, Batchelor TJP, Van Schil P, Senan S, McDonald F Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately one in five cancer-related deaths and management requires increasingly complex decision-making by healthcare professionals. Many centers have therefore adopted a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, using the expertise of various specialists to provide the best evidence-based, personalized treatment. However, increasingly complex disease staging, as well as expanded biomarker testing and multi-modality management algorithms with novel therapeutics, have driven the need for multifaceted, collaborative decision-making to optimally guide the overall treatment process. To keep up with the rapidly evolving treatment landscape, national-level guidelines have been introduced in order to standardize patient pathways and ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Such strategies depend on efficient and effective communication between relevant multidisciplinary team (MDT) members and have both improved adherence to treatment guidelines and extended patient survival. This commentary highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and staging, treatment decision-making, and adverse event management in NSC...
Source: The Oncologist - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Oncologist Source Type: research