Collaborative Care
Texarkana’s Tumor Board
Having a tumor board here with great attendance is a nod to the commitment to cancer care in Texarkana.” —Brent Bennett, Family Physician and Vice President of Physician Operations for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic
According to the American Cancer Society, over two million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2024. This news will likely be followed by emotions of fear and anxiety, along with more questions than answers. Support from loved ones, neighbors, and the community may soon follow. Meal trains are planned, childcare and transportation needs are arranged, and financial, emotional, or religious support offers are extended. All of these gestures are intended to alleviate extra responsibilities and ease the treatment process ahead.
What if family and friends weren’t the only ones rallying together to create the ideal plan for the patient during cancer treatments? What if a team of various medical professionals could also collaborate, each bringing their personal expertise, creating the best treatment plan for patients? Although the terminology is more familiar in the medical field than to the general public, these meetings do exist, and they are happening right here in Texarkana.
A tumor board is a collaborative meeting where a group of healthcare professionals from different specialties discuss and review individual cancer cases. Typically, a tumor board is comprised of medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgical specialists, pathologists, nurses, social workers, and other professionals who can contribute to this well-rounded view of patient care. “Cancer care is a complicated process, and the treatment strategies are constantly evolving. Tumor Board discussions are not only about treating the particular patient, but the individuals attending these meetings are continuing their education and gaining knowledge that can expand to other patients they see in their own practices,” said Brent Bennett, Family Physician and Vice President of Physician Operations for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
Cases discussed are typically chosen by the physicians based on the complexity of the diagnosis or the benefit of having viewpoints across different specialties. Patient history, images, pathology reports, and potential challenges are discussed during these meetings, allowing each specialist to provide their unique perspective and wisdom. For instance, a radiologist may provide feedback that influences the decision of surgical versus radiation therapy. Collectively, these specialists develop an individualized plan they believe will not only be effective, but also enhance the patient’s quality of life.
“Excellent cancer care requires a team approach, and we have the best and only team in town,” said Dr. Charles Matthews, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director of Hospital Cancer Services at CHRISTUS St. Michael. “We have board-certified physicians who trained at some of the most renowned institutions in the country. I elected to move here three years ago to lead the program, largely because the CHRISTUS administration was committed to investing in this community with the latest technology and equipment to deliver top-notch care.”
Texarkana physicians and providers currently attend Tumor Board discussions twice a month at St. Michael’s hospital, with invitations extended to outside specialists to attend either virtually or in-person if patient care will benefit. “Our Tumor Board is able to reach out and coordinate care with MD Anderson, UAMS, LSU and other surrounding institutions without patients needing to travel hours away for daily care. And if a patient will benefit by receiving care from another institution, we not only know the when to access, we also often have the direct contacts of the who,” said Dr. Matthews.
As individuals continue to receive cancer diagnoses across the United States, many in Texarkana and surrounding areas find both comfort and fortitude in knowing local physicians and medical professionals are locking arms with loved ones to show support, ease worries, and cheer through every step of treatment. While a neighbor bakes a famous pound cake to accompany the dinner prepared for a patient’s family, an oncologist is presenting the same patient’s medical history to their peers, evaluating the best plan of action for success. Dr. Matthews is joined by Dr. Gary Engstrom, Dr. Sunil Patel, and Dr. Daphne Taylor, along with Yolanda Bone, Brandy Smith, Jamie Landreth, and many others at CHRISTUS St. Michael Cancer Center.
