The Role of the Multidisciplinary Team in Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Abstract

During the past three decades multidisciplinary teams have played an increasingly prominent role in the care of patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). A multidisciplinary approach provides a rational and coordinated mechanism for evaluation and treatment of patients with IBC by bringing providers in the surgical, medical, radiation oncology, pathology, and radiology disciplines together. The approach is enhanced with the involvement of a dedicated care coordinator who manages the care process. This figure plays an important role in communication of the care plan to the patient as well as seeing that the care needed is arranged and delivered. The psychosocial and palliative care services are also closely involved in the care of the patient. This care process enables the patient to make informed treatment decisions and be reassured that all her physicians are working in close conjunction for better management of her case. This in turn leads to more patient satisfaction and ultimately to more favorable outcomes for the patient. In this article we discuss the benefits of multidisciplinary team and its role in the management of a patient diagnosed with IBC.