What medical specialty areas overlap most between urologists, medical oncologists and radiotherapists?
“Most overlap can be found in the fields of prostate cancer and bladder cancer”, says Professor Bellmunt. “And especially in patients from the intermediate risk group, sometimes even from the high risk group. Oncology treatment is like a diamond; it has many facets. For example, in prostate cancer the urologist starts working with the patient. He is responsible for the treatment at the early stages. He is essential in the decision making process. Later on, the radiotherapist is involved, followed by the medical oncologist.” Professor Wirth: “In the treatment of cancer, medical oncologists and radio-oncologists are partners; they need to cooperate. The pathologist and other diagnostic specialists are responsible for a correct diagnosis.” Bellmunt: “In advanced disease the medical oncologist plays a major role. Palliative care issues are relevant in that phase. In patients with an intermediate or high risk and comorbidities there is a role for radiotherapists. It is a continuum with diff
