What is a multidisciplinary team?
A multidisciplinary team/meeting is when specialists in different fields meet or come together to discuss the most appropriate (current or future) management of a patient with a specific disease. The team of specialists involved in these meetings will differ depending on the type of disease the patient(s) / (group of patients) have. In patients with a neuroendocrine tumour, the teams may consist of various specialities, including oncologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians, pathologists and radiologists.
Why are these multidisciplinary teams/meetings needed?
There are many factors to consider in managing patients affected by neuroendocrine tumours. Because it is such a complex disease with many varying presentations, symptoms and clinical course, the management is also multifactorial. Different specialist all have different areas of expertise, and referral/discussion with other specialists are often needed to be able to give the patient the best possible treatment.
If you would like to be put in contact with a multidisciplinary team or a specialist with a special interest in neuroendocrine tumours close to you, please send us an email to info@NETSAS.org.za.