Effective Cancer management: framework

7. Treatment

A discussion will take place following the MDT between the patient and their clinical team to explore the most effective treatment options available and agree a treatment plan. This could involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, palliative care or a combination of options. The benefit and need for prehabilitation/rehabilitation should also be considered at this time.

During the pandemic, patients have been treated based on clinical risk and available clinical evidence and guidance such as the Framework for the Recovery of Cancer Surgery. Any changes to treatment plans that have occurred during this time should be agreed collectively between the patient and clinical team and recorded appropriately.

7.1 National clinical prioritisation guidance should be embedded to ensure local, regional and national resources are managed appropriately for cancer treatments.

7.2 There should be an agreed process for pre-treatment isolation and COVID-19 testing to minimise any Covid-19 related risks that may delay treatment commencing.

7.3 Any WTA in the pathway should be applied appropriately and documented.

7.4 Patients should be informed at the point of decision-making of the expected timescales to wait for treatment.