Multidisciplinary Cancer Care & Support Team
A comprehensive guide to the specialized physicians, oncology nurses, clinical pharmacists, navigators, and allied health professionals guiding your care.
Overview
Comprehensive cancer care is delivered through an integrated Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) structure. By bringing together surgical, medical, radiation, pathology, radiology, nursing, and supportive care specialists in regular Tumor Board conferences, the care team collaborates to formulate personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient's individual diagnosis, genomic profile, and personal goals.
Multidisciplinary Team Structure
| Clinical Role |
Primary Specialty Focus |
Key Patient Responsibilities |
| Medical Oncologist |
Systemic Antineoplastic Pharmacotherapy |
Coordinates overall systemic treatment strategy, prescribes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted oral inhibitors, and manages systemic toxicities. |
| Surgical Oncologist |
Operative Cancer Resection & Biopsy |
Performs definitive tumor resections with negative margins, regional lymphadenectomies, and staging biopsies. |
| Radiation Oncologist |
Ionizing Radiation & Radiosurgery |
Designs computerized 3D-conformal radiation plans (IMRT/SBRT/SRS) to destroy localized cancer cells and preserve adjacent normal tissues. |
| Diagnostic Pathologist & Radiologist |
Histopathology, Genomic & Imaging Analysis |
Analyzes tissue biopsies under microscopy, interprets NGS panels, and reads CT, MRI, and PET scans for staging. |
| Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) / Nurse Navigator |
Clinical Care Coordination & Administration |
Administers IV chemotherapies/biologics, conducts proactive symptom triage, and guides patients through appointments. |
| Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) |
Pharmacokinetics & Drug-Drug Interactions |
Reviews chemotherapy dosing calculations, screens for herb-drug interactions, and educates patients on oral oncolytic regimens. |
Allied Health & Supportive Care Specialists
- Registered Dietitians (CSO): Specializing in oncology nutrition to manage taste changes, cachexia, nausea, and optimize caloric intake during therapy.
- Oncology Social Workers (MSW / LCSW): Addressing financial toxicity, co-pay grants, transportation assistance, and emotional counseling.
- Palliative Care Specialists: Physician and nurse practitioners focused on expert pain control, symptom relief, and goal-of-care discussions at any stage of disease.
- Physical & Occupational Therapists: Restoring strength, mobility, balance, and preventing lymphedema and functional decline.
- Spiritual Care & Chaplains: Offering non-denominational spiritual comfort, pastoral counseling, and existential support.
You are the central member of your multidisciplinary care team. Always feel empowered to ask questions, seek second opinions, and express your personal care preferences.
