Tumor boards, also known as multidisciplinary cancer conferences, provide prospective patient case review and assure quality of care evaluation related to diagnosis, treatment, symptom management, follow-up, prehabilitation and/or rehabilitation, and supportive care. Discussion includes, but is not limited to, sharing of expert clinical opinions and treatment recommendations; treatment decision made by attending physician and patient; and opportunities for clinical trial participation.
Disease-site-specific tumor boards focus on certain cancers, for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer.
Molecular tumor board discussion centers around molecular biomarkers and appropriate treatments and clinical trials for patients with tumors that have these markers.
Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa., successfully developed a cardio-oncology program designed to implement best practices and guideline-based care, which resulted in an average growth in patient volume of 50 percent per year.
