Tumour Board
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A Tumour Board is a multidisciplinary panel of cancer specialists who work together to evaluate and discuss complex cancer cases. The team typically includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and other healthcare professionals with expertise in cancer care. By reviewing a patient’s medical history, diagnostic reports, imaging studies, and pathology findings, the tumour board develops a personalized treatment strategy that is tailored to the individual’s condition and overall health.
At Abhaya Cancer Centre, the Tumour Board plays a vital role in ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive, evidence-based, and coordinated cancer care. This collaborative approach helps improve treatment outcomes, reduces the risk of unnecessary procedures, and ensures that all available treatment options are carefully considered before a decision is made.
A Tumour Board is recommended when a patient is diagnosed with cancer or when a cancer case requires specialized evaluation. Certain situations may warrant tumour board review, including newly diagnosed cancers, rare cancer types, advanced-stage disease, recurrent cancers, or cases where multiple treatment approaches are available. The purpose is to bring together experts from different specialties to determine the most appropriate course of action and provide patients with the highest standard of care.
Patients themselves do not experience symptoms related to a tumour board. Instead, the need for tumour board evaluation arises from symptoms or findings associated with cancer. These may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, abnormal lumps or swelling, prolonged pain, unusual bleeding, changes in bowel or bladder habits, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, or other symptoms that lead to a cancer diagnosis. Once cancer is identified, the tumour board reviews the case to determine the best treatment pathway.
The tumour board relies on a thorough review of diagnostic information to make informed treatment recommendations. This includes pathology reports, biopsy results, laboratory investigations, imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and the patient’s overall medical condition. By carefully analyzing all available information, the team ensures an accurate diagnosis and staging of cancer, which are essential for creating an effective treatment plan.
One of the primary functions of a Tumour Board is to evaluate and recommend the most suitable treatment options for each patient. Depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, recommendations may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these treatments. The board also considers clinical guidelines, the latest research, and individual patient factors to ensure that treatment decisions are both safe and effective.
This collaborative approach helps eliminate uncertainty and provides patients with a clear, well-structured treatment strategy supported by multiple cancer specialists.
Cancer care does not end after treatment is completed. The Tumour Board may also provide guidance regarding follow-up care, rehabilitation, symptom management, and long-term surveillance. Regular monitoring is essential to assess treatment response, detect any signs of recurrence, and manage potential side effects. The multidisciplinary team works together to support patients throughout their recovery journey and improve their overall quality of life.
The Tumour Board itself does not pose any risks to patients. Instead, it helps reduce the likelihood of treatment-related complications by ensuring that treatment plans are carefully reviewed by multiple experts. This collaborative evaluation can help avoid unnecessary procedures, minimize treatment delays, and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and evidence-based care. While cancer treatments may carry certain risks and side effects, the tumour board helps identify strategies to manage and reduce these complications whenever possible.
Patients should consult a cancer specialist if they experience persistent symptoms that may indicate cancer or if they have been diagnosed with a tumour and require expert guidance regarding treatment options. Individuals seeking a second opinion, those with complex or recurrent cancers, or patients requiring multidisciplinary care may particularly benefit from tumour board evaluation. Early consultation and timely treatment planning can significantly improve outcomes and provide patients with greater confidence in their cancer care journey.
At Abhaya Cancer Centre, our multidisciplinary Tumour Board ensures that every patient receives personalized, coordinated, and comprehensive cancer care, with treatment decisions guided by the collective expertise of experienced cancer specialists.