Cancer is a complex disease that goes far beyond a localised lesion. It affects the whole person: physically, emotionally and socially. That is why its treatment cannot be limited to a single speciality. It requires a comprehensive approach, where different professionals contribute their expertise to design the best possible therapeutic strategy.
In this context, the work of a multidisciplinary team has become one of the keys to success in oncology. This approach not only improves clinical outcomes but also offers more personalised, coordinated and humane care.
What is a multidisciplinary team in oncology?
A multidisciplinary team is a group of specialists who work together to diagnose, plan, treat and monitor a cancer patient. Unlike traditional care, where each professional acts independently, the multidisciplinary approach focuses on active and continuous collaboration between all areas involved.
Usual team composition
The number and type of professionals varies depending on the type of tumour and the patient’s needs, but usually includes:
- Medical oncologists
- Surgical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Radiologists
- Interventional radiologists
- Pathologists
- Pharmacologists
- Internists
- Intensive care physicians
- Haematologists
- Specialists from different disciplines such as gastroenterologists, urologists, ENT specialists, gynaecologists, vascular surgeons, etc.
- Researchers and heads of clinical trial units
- Psychologists or psycho-oncologists
- Palliative care specialists
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Nurses specialising in oncology
- Nutritionists
- Physiotherapists
- Patient managers
Each of them brings a specific perspective that enriches the approach to the case and allows decisions to be made that are more in line with the clinical and personal reality of each patient.
Advantages of the multidisciplinary approach for the patient
Comprehensive view of treatment
From the moment of diagnosis, the different specialists work together to assess the case from all angles. This allows us to:
- Make a more accurate and complete diagnosis.
- Design a personalised treatment plan.
- Adapt the treatment to the patient’s progress at each stage of the process.
- Improve decision-making
Improved decision-making
Decisions are not made unilaterally, but are discussed in multidisciplinary tumour committees, regular meetings where all possible options are evaluated and each case is discussed on an individual basis. This:
- Reduces errors and duplication.
- Promotes the choice of the most effective and least invasive treatment.
- Strengthens patient safety and trust in their medical team.
Greater emotional and social support
Cancer not only affects the body, it also has a profound emotional impact. The involvement of professionals such as psycho-oncologists, specialised nursing staff and social workers ensures that patients and their families are supported at every stage of the process, answering questions, reducing anxiety and facilitating adaptation to each phase of treatment.
How is a multidisciplinary team organised at IVOQA?
Each cancer case is analysed by the Tumour Committee, which includes all the specialists involved, following defined protocols and supported by technologies that enable information to be shared securely and quickly.
For example, when a patient is diagnosed with a digestive tumour, their case is evaluated by the medical oncologist, the surgical oncologist, the pathologist, the radiotherapist and other professionals depending on the clinical characteristics. Based on this discussion, a treatment plan is agreed upon, which may include surgery, systemic treatment, radiotherapy or a combination of these.
This model ensures that all decisions are made as a team, maximising the chances of success and minimising adverse effects.
Impact on oncological outcomes
The multidisciplinary approach is supported by extensive scientific evidence. Various studies have shown that:
- It improves overall survival in many types of cancer.
- It increases adherence to treatment, as patients better understand the process and feel more supported.
- It improves quality of life by also addressing nutritional, psychological, physical and social aspects.
At IVOQA, our specialists agree that working in a multidisciplinary way not only optimises clinical outcomes, but also builds a stronger doctor-patient relationship based on trust, empathy and constant communication.
What patients should know about their medical team
Patient rights
All patients have the right to know who is part of their healthcare team. In a multidisciplinary setting, this means being able to identify the different specialists involved in your case and understanding the role each one plays.
Active participation
Active patient participation in their treatment is essential. This includes:
- Asking questions and resolving doubts.
- Expressing preferences and expectations.
- Collaborating in decision-making.
At IVOQA, we encourage open and respectful communication, where every patient feels listened to and supported.
Cancer is a disease that requires more than just specific treatment. A multidisciplinary team allows different perspectives to be integrated, efforts to be coordinated, and treatment to be focused not only on the disease, but also on the person suffering from it.
At IVOQA, we firmly believe in this working model because we know that the best results are achieved when technical knowledge is combined with human commitment.
