Dr. Luke on the Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach in Basal Cell Carcinoma

Jason Luke, MD, FACP, associate professor of Medicine, the Division of Hematology/Oncology, director, the Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, discusses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in basal cell carcinoma.

The treatment of basal cell carcinoma is predicated on the multidisciplinary care of patients since patients are commonly diagnosed early in the course of disease with multiple skin cancers, Luke says. Initial treatment falls with a dermatologist, though if a patient’s lesion becomes something that requires more management, the treatment team expands to include surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, as there are a number of therapeutic approaches available, Luke explains.

Consulting all of these experts is important because what constitutes as a resectable lesion will vary depending on regional practice patterns and the comfort levels of doctors, Luke continues. Cases of basal cell carcinoma can be complicated, making it necessary to utilize multiple experts and perspectives when guiding treatment, Luke concludes.