CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 27, 201-204, Copyright
© 1977 by American Cancer Society
The Tumor Board—How It Works in a Community Hospital
J. G. Katterhagen M.D.1 and
D. L. Wishart M.D.2
1 Medical oncologist and Director of the Cancer Program, Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma, Washington, and President, the Association of Community Cancer Centers, 6000 Executive Blvd., Rockville, Maryland.
2 Radiologist, Olympia, Washington, and Director, the St. Peter Hospital Cancer Program, and Chairman, the Association of Community Cancer Centers Communications Committee, Rockville, Maryland.
In the small or medium-sized community hospital, the tumor board differs in philosophy, organization and function from its traditional counterpart in a large institution. It provides a means for discussing all cancer cases, so that a physician can make educated judgments about management. It facilitates the review of basic principles of cancer care, the introduction of new techniques and knowledge, the intelligent referral of patients to appropriate specialists or centers, and the assessment of overall performance so that areas of weakness may be remedied by appropriate educational programs. With good leadership, it may be a vehicle for increased cooperation and trust between physicians, as well as allied health professionals. Properly run, the tumor board may be the most valuable educational tool available to the hospital staff, and the cornerstone of a successful community cancer program.
