Description: 

Multidisciplinary team-based evaluation has been shown to significantly improve cancer outcomes. This collaborative approach enhances clinical decision-making, elevates the patient experience, and leads to better overall results. Tumor boards are central to this process, providing a structured forum for interdisciplinary teams to cross-validate diagnostic findings, resolve discrepancies between tests, and ensure accurate cancer staging based on the latest evidence. The Mountainview Sunnyvale Camino Tumor Board exemplifies this model by bringing together experts from medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, as well as radiology, pathology, nursing, and social work. These specialists meet weekly to review complex cancer cases and develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. The tumor board is a key reason patients choose care at these institutions, especially as cancer care becomes increasingly complex with the rapid emergence of new therapies. Its impact on patient outcomes continues to be profound and measurable.

Target Audience: 

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse, Registered (RN)

Physicians (MD or DO)

Learning Objectives: 

After Attending This Activity, Learners Should Be Able To:

1. Engage in interprofessional collaboration during review of difficult and unique patient cases in order gain consensus and achieve an informed decision on the ideal treatment plan for each patient presented at the Tumor Board utilizing evidence-based guidelines (i.e., NCCN).

2. Apply best practice recommendations in the practice of clinical staging documentation.

3. Demonstrate cultural humility in the ability to deliver culturally appropriate care, free of implicit biases, for families of diverse cultural backgrounds and belief systems. This includes learning from the patients and families directly about how they perceive health and illness as well as respond to various diseases, symptoms, and treatments.

Providing Culturally Appropriate Care which is Free of Implicit Biases (AB 1195 & 241):

Social Determinants of Health Reference

   - Lee, M., et al. (2023). Addressing cultural and linguistic barriers in oncology care: A systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(2), 210-223.

Implicit Bias Reference

   - Johnson, C., et al. (2022). Understanding implicit bias in oncology practice: Implications for patient care. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(5), 234-247.