From Cellular Aberration to Existential Integration: A Narrative Review of the Multidisciplinary Continuum in Oncology Care
Abstract
Background: Contemporary oncology has evolved from a disease-centered model to a patient-centered continuum, demanding intricate collaboration across diverse specialties. This paradigm shift recognizes cancer not merely as a pathological entity but as a complex biopsychosocial experience, impacting individuals from molecular diagnosis through to survivorship or palliative integration.
Aim: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence (2010-2024) on the roles and collaborative imperatives of key specialties—including pathology, radiology, pharmacy, nursing, blood bank, clinical psychology, and epidemiology—across the oncology journey.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases for English-language articles published between 2010 and 2024. Search terms combined "multidisciplinary team," "oncology," "cancer care continuum," with each specialty (e.g., "oncology pharmacy," "psycho-oncology," "cancer epidemiology").
Results: The review delineates the critical, interwoven functions of each discipline across the care trajectory: from diagnostic precision (pathology/radiology) and therapeutic orchestration (pharmacy/nursing/blood bank) to psychosocial-spiritual support (clinical psychology) and population health insights (epidemiology).
Conclusion: Optimal cancer outcomes are fundamentally dependent on seamless, intentional multidisciplinary integration. The future of oncology lies in formalizing collaborative frameworks, leveraging shared decision-making tools, and embedding supportive care as a standard from diagnosis forward. A proactive, team-based approach is essential for navigating the complex journey from cellular aberration to existential integration.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Ahmed Abdullah Yahya Maashi, Nasser Fheed Nasser Aldowsari, Sara Alhawsawi, Saif Allah Atiah Bkr, Seetah Modhe Salman, Mohmmed Mahdi Abdullah Al Jaran, Aisha Abdulrahman Almaiman, Areej Mohammed Saeed Melibari, Ali Hassan Ali Bastta, Hind Mohammed Jafari, Dalal Hathloul Alshammari, Hassan Mohammed Ali Ghazwani, Eman Katam Ibrahim Alhalal
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