J Korean Med Assoc.  2016 Feb;59(2):108-113. 10.5124/jkma.2016.59.2.108.

The role of pathologists in multidisciplinary cancer care

• Lee KS
• Choe G

• KMID: 2153715
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2016.59.2.108

Abstract

In recent years there has been significant growth in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. In cancer patient management, multidisciplinary cancer treatment is essential for evaluation of treatment response and proper decision making. Multidisciplinary cancer treatment has some systematic problems in Korea; however, it is expected to be increasingly activated in tertiary medical institutions. Pathologists are core members of multidisciplinary cancer treatment teams. We reviewed the pathologist's role in multidisciplinary cancer treatment. The days of precision medicine have arrived with remarkable development in molecular pathology. Pathologists not only histologically confirm the cancer diagnosis and pathologic stage but also evaluate both prognostic factors and predictive factors determining targeted therapy. Pathologists' participation in multidisciplinary cancer treatment and explanation of pathologic results can draw good curative effect and improve patient satisfaction. The only caveat is that pathologists need to be brought down to the patient's level while describing pathologic findings. We suspect that pathologists' role will expand as pathologists participate in multidisciplinary cancer treatment in the era of precision medicine.

Keyword

Multidisciplinary cancer care; Pathologist; Precision medicine

MeSH Terms

Decision Making
Diagnosis
Humans
Korea
Pathology, Molecular
Patient Satisfaction