The critical nature of the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer: Not just an academic institutional exercise

Abstract

The complexity of the management of the cancer patient has reached such a level with a doubling rate of the knowledge base seemingly overnight, that even the most seasoned expert, well versed in the current literature, can be confounded. A prospective multidisciplinary approach can avoid missteps and instill confidence in the patient. Once a province of academic institutions alone, the multidisciplinary tumor board has taken a command role in the management of the cancer patient, whose care becomes increasingly complicated in the community setting. Common points of management are discussed here.