Tumour Board Evaluation

The hallmark of the treatment process in Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre (DHRC) is that no patient treatment except emergency treatment is started without a discussion of the case and treatment plan in the Tumour Board. Every cancer patient registered in this hospital goes through case presentation and discussion in tumour board, consisting of senior consultants from various disciplines of oncology (diagnostic and therapeutic). The experts share and exchange views based on the clinical findings of the primary consultant, stage at presentation and various other criteria before the most suitable and acceptable management plan, based on National and International standard protocols (NCCN guidelines) is evolved.

In controversial or complicated cases, the patients are called in the tumour board for re-assessment by other experts, before a consensus for joint management is arrived at.

In situations where patients walk in along with lab reports (cytopathology / histopathology) or radio-diagnosis and imaging reports, the slides / blocks or films are reviewed by the hospital specialists of concerned diagnostic departments for their expert opinion before finalization of treatment plan.

In situations where more than one treatment protocol may be offered to the patients, the pros and cons, advantages / disadvantages and benefits / risks involved in each protocol / treatment modality are explained in details to the patient by the team of consultants. The management ensures that this practice is closely followed for all cancer patients and they avail the benefit of such a practice.

Patient Advantage

Medical Benefit

Patient avails the most suitable tailor-made standard anti-cancer treatment, as planned and advised by multidisciplinary faculty in oncology. Such jointly arrived at treatment plans ensure better treatment outocme and thereby best possible cure results. Patient can also participate in decision-making if situation of multiple treatment option exists. The patient′s family is involved in final decision making before therapy is initiated.

Financial Benefit

Initially the consultation fee only for the primary consultant is payable whereas the patient enjoys the benefit of opinion of various oncologists participating in the tumour board practice, free of cost.