Issues with treatment collaboration among oncologists in head and neck cancer from oncologist

Abstract

Abstract The treatment and management of head and neck cancer involves head and neck surgery, oral surgery, radiology and cancer oncology. Accordingly, treatment should be discussed and determined by the various specialists and clinicians of the cancer review board for each patient individually. Patients with recurrent and metastatic unresectable head and neck cancer should be evaluated with regard to general condition as early after diagnosis as possible. However, few specialized head and neck cancer oncologists are available, and treatment with chemotherapy frequently appears to be decided by doctors and dentists who are not fully trained in this specialty. How do oncologists who are specialized in head and neck cancer negotiate with other oncologists, and how should consultation with head and neck surgeons and dentists be facilitated? We seek to establish a means to optimally resolve these and related issues.