Dr. Asbun on the Importance of Multidisciplinary Approaches in Pancreatic Cancer

Horacio J. Asbun, MD, chief, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Miami Cancer Institute, discusses the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in pancreatic cancer.

A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, compared with surgery alone, Asbun says. In the past, surgeons dictated surgery decisions for individual patients. While surgeons still play a key role in evaluating a patient’s candidacy for surgery, a team orchestrating individualized treatment for each patient allows for a more personalized approach, Asbun explains.

This team consists of oncologists planning neoadjuvant therapy, plus radiation oncologists, interventional oncologists, interventional gastroenterologists, surgeons, and others, Asbun continues. Every component of treatment is vital to ensure each patient receives optimal therapy, Asbun concludes.