What is a tumor board?

A tumor board is an interdisciplinary team of experts who meet regularly to discuss each cancer patient’s case individually. Participants include specialists in oncology, surgery, radiology, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, pathology, and, at GITZ, gastroenterology and human genetics, as well as specialized nursing staff. The aim is to plan the optimal treatment for each patient, tailored to their diagnosis, tumor type, stage, and individual risk factors.

The discussion in the tumor board is based on the latest scientific findings and guidelines. All available therapies—such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or innovative studies—are weighed up. Patient-specific aspects such as comorbidities or quality of life are also taken into account in the decision.

Benefits for patients:

• Maximum treatment safety thanks to multiple expert opinions
• Access to innovative treatment options or clinical trials
• Early interdisciplinary coordination, e.g., for complex tumors or metastatic disease

A tumor board ensures that treatment is based on the latest scientific findings and tailored to individual needs. Patients can therefore be confident that their therapy will be planned in a transparent, well-founded, and comprehensive manner.

In complex cases, GITZ also calls on additional international experts to benefit from their specialist knowledge and experience.