Tumor Board

Boo307

I have read about a Tumor Board on these discussion groups.  Someone told me that they determine and direct your diagnosis and treatment.  I am going to ask my surgeon and oncologist at my next visit if my case was presented before a tumor board, how it works, who was on it, and if it still oversees my care.

Do any of you know if your case was reviewed by a tumor board?  How did you find out?  Did you ever get notes of their comments and recommendation?  Thanks.

Boo

mmm5

Mine did go to a tumor board as well. They can't tell you what to do, but they can say what they would do if THEY were in your situation.

Places that are Breast Centers often have these boards 

CoolBreeze

Mine went to a tumor board.  My doctor told me they do this for more difficult cases or cases on the line between what is or isn't the right decision.  I had wanted a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy and did some extra MRIs and biopies to see if that was possible.  They just weren't sure how much cancer was in there.  So, it went to the tumor board and they all agreed 100% that I needed a mastectomy.  (There was never any doubt about chemo)

Turns out they were right, as I had cancer spread throughout the breast and even ADH in the nipple.  I had the tumor we knew about, the 3.5 cm invasive one, but there were also two other  tumors in different areas of the breast - small, mm size.  Also, a 4 cm area of DCIS.  All grade 3 so removing the breast was the right thing to do.

It's funny how much doesn't  show up on imaging studies though.

I don't think they do this regularly.

cbm

I didn't have this benefit because I went ala carte.  In big NIH Centers and hospitals they have lots of protocols--like the tumor board--that produce balanced advice to the patient.  I think the point is to avoid excessive focus on one specialty (rads, surgery, or chemo) or to have the availability of services drive the decision.  What I found on the opposite side of the coin was more personalized consideration that took into account who I am and what I want.  

I know that my oncologist presented my case to a group of his oncology colleagues (very large practice)  and discussed it with my surgeon, but I wonder if I'd have been pushed toward some inclusion of radiology at Moffitt (my local NIH).  In my case the question was AC/TH v. another protocol, I don't remember which.  The oncology panel picked the ACTH because it was still showing a tiny advantage,which I think has since evaporated. I had only one node, but it was a big 'un, and my first surgeon (at Moffitt) was talking about rads.

In the big centers they share decisions about recommendations, and I think it also tends to discourage us from pushing back or considering other alternatives.  "Tumor Board" sounds pretty "last word".  I didn't like that, actually, I felt like it gave me no room for asking important questions, so I went elsewhere. 

Warmly,

Cathy 

Faith316

My case was referred to MD Anderson after I had a recurrence while still in active treatment for my first BC diagnosis of IDC. (Still on Herceptin and in the midst of my 30 radiation treatments.)   My recurrence came as IBC.  Since my case was so unusual, it went before the tumor board at MDA.  In fact, I think I had 6-8 doctors crowd into my exam room at MDA to examine me after they had first met in the conference room to discuss my case.  Then, after examining me and talking with me, they reconvened again to discuss my treatment plan.  My oncologist at MDA says they only present unusual or difficult cases to their tumor boards while other more typical cases are usually not presented.

EnglishMajor

I was orginally supposed to have a mx. A bone scan revealed suspicion of mets. If I recall correctly the Tumor Board conferred: Should  I proceed with surgery or have a bone biopsy to confirm mets. They said I should have the biopsy. Mets were confirmed and surgery was off the table for the time being.

This was at a community hospital. I ultimately switched to university hospital. After mx, I had a close margin, tumor board conferred on question of radiation. They said I should consult the radiologist. He suggested rads, was ultimately up to me (I did opt for it).

I don't think in my case they confer on a routine basis, just if at a crossroads, so to speak. Didn't get any notes, just the dr's oral report.