In the past, cancer treatment was managed by a single primary physician who performed examination, analysis, diagnosis, planning, and comprehensive treatment. However, nowadays, with advancements in technology and the expanding knowledge of cancer medicine, there are specialists in various organ-specific cancer treatments. There are also many treatment methods depending on the disease and the patient’s environmental factors. Therefore, having only one doctor to care for the patient is no longer the best option. A new concept in cancer patient care for better outcomes, called the Multidisciplinary Team or MDT, has emerged.
Integration of MDT and the Benefits for Patients?
The MDT or Multidisciplinary Team is like a treatment committee composed of specialists from various fields related to oncology, such as surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical geneticists, chemotherapy specialists, oncology nurses, psychiatrists, and many other related professionals including dietitians, pharmacists, and physical therapists.
In every treatment, the MDT committee exchanges knowledge, holds meetings to summarize and analyze, and presents diagnostic results from each specialty to brainstorm. The medical team and related personnel discuss the pros and cons, anticipate side effects, and set expectations for treatment to select the most appropriate method for each individual patient. They also plan post-treatment care and provide counseling and guidance for patient self-care.
Integrative cancer treatment or MDT is widely accepted in large cancer treatment centers, including all hospitals in the Phyathai network. At Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, we have a team of doctors and specialists with expertise in each field who collaborate to pool knowledge and specialized expertise to care for each patient accurately and promptly. Treatment steps are systematically coordinated, ensuring a step-by-step process that enhances the quality of life for patients during and after treatment.
MDT and the Roles of Specialists
Many may wonder why the Multidisciplinary Team or MDT requires many doctors or medical personnel to care for one patient and how each person’s role differs. The simplest answer is that each member performs duties according to their expertise as follows:
- The MDT committee chair manages the medical team to ensure patient care follows the treatment plan.
- The medical oncologist provides drug treatment and monitors treatment outcomes.
- The surgical oncologist and gynecologic oncologist (in cases of female cancer patients) perform surgeries, either open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
- The pathologist examines and analyzes tissue samples.
- The diagnostic radiologist determines the size, location, and stage of the cancer through imaging.
- The radiation oncologist plans and administers radiation therapy to maximize benefits and minimize side effects.
- The anesthesiologist helps reduce pain from treatment or the disease itself by administering medication.
- The nutritionist and dietitian manage the types of food and nutrients the patient should receive.
- The oncology nurse specialist provides comprehensive care and advice.
- The psychologist supports the patient’s mental health and offers close counseling to relieve anxiety and boost morale in fighting the disease.
- The physical therapist designs activities and assists patients in physical rehabilitation.
- The oncology pharmacist prepares and designs appropriate medications.
- The geneticist interprets cancer gene mutation tests and cares for patients’ families at risk of cancer.
Integrative Technology Cancer Treatment for Targeted Therapy
Generally, conventional cancer treatment focuses on destroying cancer cells, such as surgical removal of cancer tissue, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments often cause complications to the patient’s body and immune system and affect normal tissues and cells that are not cancerous.
However, with advances in medicine, integrative technology cancer treatment has been developed because each patient has different conditions, symptoms, factors, and disease stages. The MDT team designs the best treatment approach to address the patient’s issues, minimizing side effects and achieving treatment goals, which improves the patient’s quality of life more than treatment by a single oncologist.
Choosing appropriate methods and technologies integrated for treatment helps improve treatment quality beyond traditional methods, increases chances of cure and survival, speeds up recovery, reduces costs, and improves the patient’s mental health.
Additionally, patients who have recovered will have regular follow-up appointments for 5-10 years to monitor and prevent recurrence. Besides periodic treatment evaluations, patients will receive lifestyle advice, including diet, exercise, rest, and other necessary guidance tailored to each individual over time.
Cancer… Early detection greatly benefits treatment and increases the chance of cure. The knowledge, skills, and readiness of the medical team are crucial, but equally important is the patient’s correct understanding, which should come from reliable sources. When patients understand their condition and the disease well, they can make informed treatment decisions and trust the medical team, leading to higher treatment success.
