A Team Approach to Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Treatment
Optimal GIST treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach which involves a unique coordination between several medical doctors from various specialties. This chart which you can print will explain the roles of all healthcare team members and what you may expect as a GIST patient.
Team member descriptions/roles:
Primary Care Physician (PCP) – a physician who typically provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis.
Gastroenterologist – a physician specially trained in the field of diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract and organs in the abdomen.
Pathologist – a physician trained in the structural and functional changes that result from disease processes; examines tissues for evidence of disease.
Radiologist – a physician specially trained in the interpretation of imaging studies; interprets conventional X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs.
Oncologist – a cancer specialist who is trained in the use of chemotherapy, biologic, and other nonsurgical treatments of cancer.
Surgeon – a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer.
Nutritionist - a health professional with special training in nutrition who can offer help with the choice of foods a person eats and drinks to maintain an appropriate diet.
Support Resources – organizations, groups, and/or individuals that provide assistance coping with the emotional as well as the practical aspects of a cancer diagnosis.
Tumor Board - a treatment planning team in which a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties review and discuss the medical condition and treatment options of a patient.
GIST Alliance
Patient Support Program
for GIST patients
& caregivers
Find out about
saving
on your prescription
co-pay
