

Treatment options vary

There are several basic “pillars of cancer care” including radiation therapy, surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. A combination of these treatment approaches is commonly prescribed for many patients, based on their type of cancer and how advanced it is. In these situations, a team of cancer specialists—including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and surgical oncologists—often hold what we call a “tumor board” or “multidisciplinary consult,” where we discuss the best treatment approach for that particular patient.

At the tumor board, the specialists consider which therapies best meet the patient’s needs, and we coordinate care as a team.

Questions to ask

The following list of questions can help you navigate your individual fight against cancer. As physicians, we care about what’s important to you, what your concerns are and how we can help. Also, we know this can be an overwhelming time and encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you to take notes.



  3. Can I have a multidisciplinary consult? A meeting with oncologists who treat cancer with different methods such as radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy.



  6. How will the treatment be delivered? Ask for specifics, for example, chemotherapy can be delivered by a pill or intravenously; radiation therapy can be delivered with various techniques as well as externally or internally; and surgery can remove just the tumor or include lymph nodes.


  8. Will I need more treatment later?

  9. What do these treatments feel like?




There are many emotional demands on you and your caregivers during the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to seek out support. To find a support group in the area, ask your doctor. There are many groups that meet by phone or in person.