Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for lung cancer

After a diagnosis of lung cancer, a team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment for you. This is called a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). After the MDT meeting, you will usually meet your cancer team to talk about your treatment options.

This multi-disciplinary team (MDT) will include:

• a surgeon who specialises in lung cancer surgery
• an oncologist (cancer doctor) – a doctor who uses radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs to treat people with cancer
• respiratory specialist – a doctor who is an expert in chest and breathing conditions
• a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) – a nurse who gives information about cancer, and support during treatment
• a radiologist – a doctor who looks at scans and x-rays to diagnose problems
• a pathologist – a doctor who looks at cells or body tissue under a microscope to diagnose cancer.

Depending on the type of cancer you have, the MDT may also include:

• a palliative care doctor or nurse, who specialises in symptom control
• a dietitian – someone who gives information and advice about food and food supplements
• a physiotherapist – someone who gives advice about exercise and mobility.