Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for stomach cancer

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) reviews national treatment guidelines or the latest evidence for the type of cancer you have. If you have any treatment preferences, your doctor will tell them about this.

The MDT for stomach cancer will usually include the following professionals:

• a surgeon who specialises in stomach and gastrointestinal cancers
• a medical oncologist – a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drugs to treat people with cancer
• a clinical oncologist – a doctor who uses radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drugs to treat people with cancer
• a gastroenterologist – a doctor who treats problems with the digestive system
• clinical nurse specialist (CNS) – a nurse who gives information about cancer, and support during treatment
• a dietitian – someone who gives information and advice about food and food supplements
• 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. 

It may also include other healthcare professionals, including:

• a palliative care doctor or nurse – someone who helps with symptom control
• a physiotherapist – someone who gives advice about exercise and mobility
• an occupational therapist – someone who gives information, support and aids to help people with tasks such as washing and dressing
• a psychologist or counsellor – someone who can talk with you, and help you understand your feelings and find ways of coping with them.

After the MDT meeting, your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will talk to you about your treatment options. You can decide together on the best treatment plan for you.