Get a second opinion—without going anywhere.
When facing a complex cancer diagnosis, you want to be confident that your treatment plan is the best possible option. That’s where a tumor board comes in.
What Is a Tumor Board?
A tumor board is a meeting of multiple cancer specialists who come together to review your case in detail. It’s like getting several expert opinions in one room—without needing separate appointments.
This team works together to ensure every angle is considered before a treatment plan is finalized.
Who’s On the Tumor Board?
A typical tumor board includes:
- Medical oncologists – cancer drug treatment experts
- Surgical oncologists – to discuss surgery options
- Radiation oncologists – experts in targeted radiation
- Pathologists – who analyze tumor tissue and biomarkers
- Radiologists – who interpret imaging and scans
- Genetic counselors or molecular pathologists – to assess inherited or tumor-specific mutations
- Nurse navigators or social workers – to support your quality of life and care coordination
What Do They Do?
During the tumor board meeting:
- Your full case is presented: scans, pathology, genetic reports, history, and symptoms.
- Each expert weighs in, sharing their insight and experience.
- Together, they create a personalized, unified treatment recommendation that’s right for you.
Why It Benefits You
- ✅ More accurate diagnosis and staging
- ✅ Better coordination between treatments (chemo, surgery, radiation)
- ✅ Access to innovative therapies or clinical trials
- ✅ Less chance of being over- or undertreated
- ✅ Peace of mind—your care has been reviewed by a whole team
You Can Ask for a Tumor Board Review
If your cancer is rare, advanced, or difficult to treat—or if you feel uncertain about your plan—you can ask your care team if your case can be reviewed by a tumor board.
As a molecular oncology and biomarker specialist, I help patients understand their reports, prepare the right questions, and advocate for tumor board review when appropriate.
Need Help Navigating Your Diagnosis?
Let’s work together to make sure no detail is missed in your cancer care.
Kim Lockheimer, DFM, PhD
kim@mitotics.com | 760 500 1700
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