How Multidisciplinary Teams Are Streamlining Skin Cancer Care

As we observe Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, the conversation often centers on prevention and early detection. However, for those already facing a diagnosis, the speed and coordination of care are just as critical to outcomes. To learn more about the latest advancements in treatment delivery, CURE spoke with Dr. Michael E. Kasper, a board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director of radiation oncology at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health.

Kasper highlighted that the most significant growth at the Lynn Cancer Institute has been the implementation of a multimodality approach. This state-of-the-art model replaces the traditional, often fragmented process of cancer care with a highly coordinated team of specialists.

Under this integrated model, a patient’s case is reviewed in a group meeting that brings together oncologic surgeons, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who specialize specifically in skin cancers. Unlike traditional settings where a patient might wait weeks between specialist referrals, these experts meet to discuss cases collectively.

This collaboration extends to diagnostic specialists as well. "We also are able to review their pathology slides," Kasper explained, noting that pathologists are present to describe the cancer’s characteristics and answer immediate questions. Simultaneously, radiologists are on hand to review imaging studies, such as CT scans or PET scans, with the entire clinical team.

One of the most profound benefits of this approach is the reduction in time from diagnosis to treatment. Kasper pointed out that in traditional systems, going from one doctor to the next can lead to delays where "before you know it, it's three months down the road." At the Lynn Cancer Institute, the goal is to avoid that lag by seeing the patient and reviewing all data at the same time.

The result of this multidisciplinary synergy is a clear path forward. According to Kasper, the patient leaves the visit with a disposition and a concrete plan, whether that involves surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy tailored to their specific type of skin cancer.

This May, as we highlight the importance of skin health, the work being done by Kasper and his team serves as a reminder that integrated, timely care is a vital component of the patient journey.

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