Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma

What Is Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma?

Multidisciplinary care means a team works together to treat mesothelioma. Specialists collaborate to design a personalized treatment plan for you. Doctors from various fields can provide this type of care when they meet regularly to discuss your individualized care.

These meetings help improve decision-making about the best plan for you. Experts talk about the pros and cons of different treatment choices. A multidisciplinary approach lets doctors share their skills and work together. This teamwork leads to better patient care.

Key Facts about Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma

1. A multidisciplinary team is different from a general oncology team. It includes experts from many fields.
2. A tailored treatment plan ensures your care aligns with your diagnosis, health needs and goals.
3. BMJ research shows multidisciplinary team meetings helped find a clear diagnosis for 81% of patients. Among these, mesothelioma was identified in 73% of cases.
4. With diverse specialists on a team, they can identify more clinical trial options that could be right for you.

Mesothelioma is a complex cancer. Input from many specialists can best meet your needs. These experts work together to manage all stages of your care. This addresses diagnosis, treatment and your life after mesothelioma.

“Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and its treatment is quite tricky and complex and sometimes requires surgery, chemotherapy and radiation,” Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Jacques Fontaine tells us. “It’s best we have mesothelioma specialists from various disciplines, so thoracic surgeons who specialize in mesothelioma treatments, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists who all work together under one roof as a team in order to see the patient as a team.” 

Who Is on a Mesothelioma Multidisciplinary Team?

A typical mesothelioma multidisciplinary team includes a medical oncologist, a thoracic surgeon, a pulmonologist and a dietitian. Other mesothelioma doctors may also make up a multidisciplinary care team.

Experts You’ll Find on a Multidisciplinary Care Team

• Diagnostic Radiologist: Reads imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans and PET scans.
• Dietitian: Makes recommendations on a mesothelioma diet and nutrition.
• Gastroenterologist: Keeps an eye on gut health for people with peritoneal mesothelioma.
• Hematologist: Blood specialists check patients’ blood cell counts to ensure the immune system functions well.
• Medical Oncologist: Oversees chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 
• Nursing Specialist: Nurse practitioners assist pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists and other doctors with more advanced care.
• Palliative Care Specialist: They assist in managing cancer symptoms and the effects of treatments.
• Pathologist: Examines biopsy samples with a microscope to confirm mesothelioma. 
• Pulmonologist: Manages breathing and lung function.
• Radiation Oncologist: Administers radiation therapy.
• Thoracic Surgeon: Performs lung or chest surgeries

Dr. Andrea Wolf, Director of the New York Mesothelioma Program at Mount Sinai, tells us multidisciplinary care is key for mesothelioma patients. She explains, “Multidisciplinary care is very important for unique and challenging diseases. Mesothelioma is a rare and challenging disease, but we’re not treating the disease. We’re treating the patient. 

She emphasizes, “Patients come with very personal stories. They’re very individual, but they’re also very common. And having a multidisciplinary team who’s experienced and has expertise in a rare disease makes all the difference in the world for taking care of that patient and their family.” 

Where Can I Find Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma?

To find a center for multidisciplinary care, look for comprehensive cancer centers or hospitals with strong programs. While many of the top mesothelioma treatment centers offer this approach, not every hospital or cancer center offers this approach. 

Our Patient Advocates can help connect you with the nearest cancer center to you that provides multidisciplinary care. If there isn’t one near you, they’ll help you navigate your options.

How Does Multidisciplinary Mesothelioma Care Work?

Each member of a multidisciplinary mesothelioma care team works together, sharing their skills to ensure no aspect of your care is missed. They can find the latest treatments and quickly update care plans if your condition changes. This strategy leads to shorter stays in the hospital, fewer complications, and improved results. 

It can also help improve your quality of life. You’ll have support from social workers, nutritionists and advocates. Multidisciplinary care looks at both your physical and emotional needs. It may also involve clinical trials and access to specialized centers.

Specialists will meet regularly to talk about your case. They’ll review test results and choose the best treatment plan tailored for you. Multidisciplinary meetings are usually held once a week for 30 minutes to an hour. Your mesothelioma treatment plan will be modified as needed to optimize your care.

What Are the Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care?

Benefits of multidisciplinary care for mesothelioma include enhanced quality of life, improved patient satisfaction and fewer adverse events. A 2022 study from Kaiser Permanente showed multidisciplinary teams’ pleural mesothelioma patients lived longer and handled their illness better. A 2021 clinical review in Oncology Practice also showed multimodal symptom management improves outcomes and well-being.

Patients who received multidisciplinary therapy lived about 12 months longer than those who chose hospice care. A dedicated team of specialists met weekly in a tumor board to review cases. This made sure treatment was coordinated and personalized.

Challenges of Multidisciplinary Care

Multidisciplinary care helps mesothelioma patients in many ways, communication among big teams can be challenging. With so many specialists on a team, there are many moving parts. This can make it hard to schedule regular meetings or agree on a good treatment plan. 

Talking to a Patient Advocate can help answer any of your questions or concerns. They can also help you with the challenges of accessing a facility with a full multidisciplinary program. Many people live far from specialized treatment centers. Traveling long distances takes time, costs money and can be tiring. Insurance coverage might raise concerns. Certain specialists or treatments could be out of network. Patient Advocates can help you navigate these challenges.

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Common Questions About Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma

Can I request a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist at a different cancer center?

Yes, you can request a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment options from a mesothelioma specialist at a different cancer facility. Mesothelioma is very rare, so many doctors and oncologists may not have experience treating it.

Does insurance or Medicare cover multidisciplinary care?

Yes, private insurance and Medicare often cover multidisciplinary care for mesothelioma. Most employer health insurance plans cover most standard mesothelioma treatment costs. 

Medicare is a federal health program for people over 65 or with specific disabilities. It includes key services such as inpatient hospital care, outpatient visits and specialist consultations. This care usually involves a team of various healthcare professionals.

Can a multidisciplinary team help me access clinical trials for mesothelioma?

Yes, a multidisciplinary team can help you access clinical trials for mesothelioma. Since the team collaborates closely across specialties, they can identify appropriate trials based on your specific diagnosis, stage of disease and overall health. Clinical trial opportunities are also typically discussed during multidisciplinary meetings.

Who is eligible to receive multidisciplinary care?

Most people with mesothelioma can get multidisciplinary care. Many leading cancer centers assign mesothelioma patients a team of specialists.

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