1. Introduction to Tumor Board
Xinni Song MD, FRCPC
Joanne Meng MD, FRCPC
Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center
University of Ottawa
Feb 10, 2016

2. Introduction What is tumor board?
Why is it important to have tumor board meetings?
What can be discussed at tumor board meetings

3. What is Tumor Board?
Multidisciplinary meeting of cancer specialists including, but not exclusive to
Medical oncologists
Radiation oncologists
Surgeons
Pathologists
Radiologists
Pharmacists
Nursing staff
Psychosocial support team
Regular meetings to discuss issues related to patient care

4. Why is tumor board important?
Review complex or rare cases
Identify clinical issues and formulate solutions
Saves time
Share clinical expertise
Discuss evidence-based medicine
Continue medical education - scholar

5. What’s discussed at tumor board?
Diagnosis
Clinical presentation
Imaging findings
Pathology findings
Specific clinical question
Second opinions
Lessons learned/clinical challenges

6. Tumor Board Feb 11, 2016 8:00-9:30 and 11:00-12:30
Dr. Andrea Gutauskas - Surgery
Dr. Joanne Meng – Radiation oncology
Dr. Xinni Song – Medical oncology

7. Clinical Case
42 year old woman presented to her family physician’s office with a new lump on her right breast

8. Questions What is the differential diagnosis of a breast lump?
How to differentiate benign vs. malignant lesions?
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
What types of imaging study can help this patient make a diagnosis?

9. Questions What are the surgical options for breast cancer?
What are some of the important pathological factors used in treatment decision making?
What is the role of local-regional radiation for breast cancer?
What are possible systemic treatment options for breast cancer?

10. 6 years later......
This patient presented with redness and swelling involving right breast – cancer recurrence with inflammatory features
What are possible therapeutic options for her?
Determination of operability
Radiation
Systemic therapy
On clinical history, she is also having back pain and bone scan showed multiple lesions on spine consistent with metastatic breast cancer.
What are possible therapeutic options for her now?

11. Questions?

12. Special Guest Tamara Levine
a long-time adult educator and literacy activist. She pioneered workplace literacy and clear language initiatives across Canada with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress. Following breast cancer treatment and recovery, she retired from her job in labour education in She lives in Ottawa with her family where she writes, sings, walks, and swims with the loons.
“But Hope Is Longer - Navigating the Country of Breast Cancer”

13. Questions for our guest
1) How was your cancer diagnosed?
Initial presentation – symptoms
Tests done
2) Tell us about the types of physicians involved in your care
3) what types of treatment did you receive?
Your personal experience
4) Resources for the survivorship journey that you found helpful
5) Do you have any advice for medical students as a cancer survivor?