A tumor board is a meeting where a panel of cancer specialists discuss de-identified patient cases to collaboratively develop the most effective treatment plan. It facilitates a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, ensuring all aspects of the patient’s case are considered.
We established the tumor board formally on May 14th, 2014, the first of its
kind in a private setup in UAE. It was decided to have a weekly meeting and streamlined the management of oncology cases. The pathways and guidelines were laid and it was decided that all biopsy proven or radiologically suspected cases were taken up for discussion mandatorily before deciding on a definitive treatment. The core group included the Surgical and the Medical
oncologists, Radiotherapist the radiologist and pathologist. Other specialists from allied departments were called as per the n eed of the situation. Occasionally, the discussion included doctors from other hospitals and rarely, patients and family members were included in the tumor board discussion. The team p hilosophy included multidisciplinary approach, empathy and appropriate documentation, together with team dynamics to achieve optimal services for the patients. The tumor board
(multidisciplinary board) meeting was conducted every week,