localised treatment or even surveillance, are usually managed by the urologists or the radiation oncologists. However, there are some cases that may require neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic treatment. Thus, coordination between surgeons and medical oncologists is key. “When the management of GU tumours becomes increasingly complex due to multiple treatment options, a well- coordinated MDT is paramount in pinpointing the most appropriate disease management.” Patients with (recurrent) metastatic disease are usually referred to the medical oncologist. Concerning prostate cancer, some patients with metastatic disease are managed by urologists or radiation oncologists. These patients are then referred to the medical oncologists after progression to the initial therapy or if the most appropriate treatment requires chemotherapy or other systemic treatments. Spain’s take on MDT “If not in all, in most tertiary hospitals in Spain, MDTs are the common way to manage cancer patients for GU tumours and most tumours. The composition of the MDTs may vary depending on the specialists that are relevant for a particular tumour type, but MDTs typically include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists. For instance, for prostate cancer, it is important that the nuclear medicine specialists are also involved,” stated Dr. Castro. MDT becoming compulsory? According to EAU Secretary General and EMUC Steering Committee member, Prof. Arnulf Stenzl (AT), an MDT’s involvement in treating onco-urology patients may become imperative in health insurance matters. He stated, “We see insurance companies
and authorities in several countries require that onco-urology patients must be seen by a multidisciplinary tumour board to receive reimbursements for a systemic (or new interventional) treatment or diagnosis such as PSMA-related diagnosis or treatment. It would be beneficial if medical specialists become more informed in many aspects of GU cancer treatment beyond the scope of their core specialism.”
successfully translate anatomic and metabolic knowledge into the clinical pathways.”
EMUC23 is an all-encompassing congress designed to enrich your clinical practice and patient care. Explore the congress’ scientific programme to know what’s in store for you. Secure your place at EMUC23 and register now to benefit from the early fee rates.
EMUC23 and medical oncology “We, medical oncologists, generally focus on advanced disease. Most scientific meetings have sessions that only cover this topic and topics related to it. In contrast, EMUC provides updates and knowledge exchange on various stages of GU cancers. It is during the early stages that plenty of evidence is generated. This can change or will change clinical practice. With this in mind, it is in the best interest of our patients to keep ourselves updated and EMUC can help with that,” said Dr. Elena Castro (ES). Advantages of MDT According to Dr. Castro, when the management of GU tumours becomes increasingly complex due to multiple treatment options, a well-coordinated MDT is paramount in pinpointing the most appropriate disease management. She explained, “This is especially true in patient cases with particularities that have more than one potential option and/or when the Guidelines do not currently offer clear recommendations. I personally find MDT discussions very helpful in coming up with the best care possible as the decision is not based on one person’s point of view. Additionally, MDTs are essential in identifying candidates suited for clinical trials as they could benefit from treatments not yet widely available.”
Interested in imaging? The meeting of the EAU Section on Urological Imaging (ESUI) takes place on the first day of EMUC23! Join the ESUI meeting on Thursday 2 November. Only interested in ESUI? Register for a single day registration!
Working together to improve patient care 2-5 November 2023, Marseille, France In conjunction with • Meeting of the EAU Section on Urological Imaging (ESUI) • European School of Urology (ESU) • EMUC Symposium on Genitourinary Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics (ESUP) • Young Academic Urologists Meeting (YAU)
Dr. Castro shared that in her practice, most GU patients with localised disease who benefit from
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Exciting change: The ESUI meeting is to merge with this year’s EMUC programme
Table of Contents
European Urology Today June/July 2023
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