The science of medicine is currently straying further from singular approaches and steer toward personalized and multi-dimensional methods. In the meantime, numerous scientific advancements regarding health and treatment of various diseases are introduced. As the advancements in medicine take place at such a rapid pace, it prompts physicians and other scientists to share their theses and anti-theses, think collaboratively and make joint decisions. Cancer, the second most prominent cause of death in our country, is a multi-faceted health problem. “Tumor Councils”, which consist of physicians from various medical branches and healthcare personnel from other disciplines, ensure that patients are matched with treatment plans that are most suitable for their medical and social circumstances.
Tumor Councils at our Hospital
The tumor councils at our hospital include physicians from the departments of medical oncology, radiation oncology, general surgery, pathology, radiology and other fields of specialization as well as specialists such as psychologists, dietitians, nurses and physiotherapists. Cancer patients are evaluated through the lens of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, and diagnoses and treatment processes are determine in accordance with the requirements of medicine and the patient’s own intrinsic circumstances. Decisions made at council meetings are reviewed over time from diagnosis to recovery or deterioration, and may be revised as necessary.
How to tumor councils operate?
Cases to be evaluated at each meeting are notified to council participants one week in advance at the latest. The physician, who will be presenting a case, compiles a file containing the relevant patient’s anamnesis, examination findings, radiological imaging findings, laboratory test results, cellular investigations of the tumor in question and all other data related to the patient. These are then reviewed and discussed by all participating physicians and specialists in order to evaluate even the finest detail of the case, reach a precise diagnosis and jointly decide on treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or any other treatment approach a patient’s medical condition may require. Decisions made at these meetings are reported in writing, kept in the relevant patient’s file and also share with the patients themselves.
Which tumor councils are present at your hospital?
- Multidisciplinary tumor council
- Gastrointestinal tumor council
- Breast cancer council
- Urological cancer council
- Thyroid and endocrine gland cancers council
- Multidisciplinary pediatric tumor council
Why do tumor councils convene?
All available data of a case is reviewed in detail within the framework of a multidisciplinary approach at tumor councils. Consequently, patients do not have to consult physicians from different branches separately and enjoy the privilege of resuming their treatment in a safe environment. Tumor councils also allow our physicians to access up-to-date literature data, share their knowledge and experience, and thus boost the success rate of their treatments.