Knowledge
Why Cancer Care Teams Need Specialised Coordination Approaches
A molecular oncologist discusses BRCA mutations and homologous recombination deficiency. The surgical oncologist listens, translating mentally into resectability considerations. The radiation oncologist calculates dose implications. The pathologist confirms tissue characteristics. The radiologist describes imaging findings.
Same patient. Five different expertise domains. Each essential. Each thinking differently.
This is the daily reality of European cancer care coordination.
The Subspecialisation Reality
In the past three decades, oncology and haematology have developed from one specialty into many subspecialties. One example is breast oncology, which now includes molecular...ar subtypes, genetic variants, and targeted pathway inhibitors—each requiring distinct expertise.
This evolution has dramatically improved our understanding of cancer biology. It's also created coordination complexity that didn't exist before.
Research across 822 cancer case discussions shows that systematic specialist coordination explains 52% of variance in treatment decision quality¹. The coordination pattern matters more than we recognised.
Why Time Pressure Changes Everything
Cancer care operates under unique time constraints. Treatment delays of even four weeks show increased mortality across major cancers².
Teams can't afford to slowly develop coordination excellence. They need approaches that deliver rapid, measurable improvements – in weeks, not months.
The Cognitive Load Challenge
European tumour boards regularly review 50+ cases per meeting. Research shows decision quality drops predictably after 20 cases³.
This isn't about individual capability. It's about systematic cognitive patterns under pressure.
Teams need specific protocols for these dynamics. These approaches protect decision quality during long sessions and ensure thoroughness in complex cases.
European Context Matters
In Europe we value evidence-based practice, collaborative decision-making, and professional autonomy. These cultural values shape how coordination develops.
European cancer care professionals expect systematic approaches grounded in research. They need frameworks that respect expertise whilst enabling connection across subspecialties.
Coordination methodology must align with these values to achieve lasting adoption.
What Specialised Approaches Provide
Effective cancer care coordination requires:
-
Evidence-Based Foundation Built on research across European oncology teams, not generic corporate studies. Our methodology draws from 69+ studies examining 4.7+ million participants across 800+ healthcare institutions.
-
Subspecialisation Bridges Systematic approaches that connect distinct expertise domains without requiring everyone to become generalists.
-
Rapid Implementation Protocols showing coordination improvements within 4-6 weeks, matching the urgency of cancer care delivery.
-
Cultural Alignment Designed for European healthcare values – collaborative, evidence-based, respecting professional autonomy.
-
Clinical Reality Integration Built for actual tumour board dynamics, MDT complexity, and time-sensitive decision requirements.
Recognition First
The challenge isn't that teams lack dedication or expertise. The challenge is recognising that cancer care coordination demands specialised methodology.
When we recognise these unique dynamics, we can build systematic approaches that support them.
This is why the Six Dimensions Framework exists – designed specifically for European cancer care coordination reality.
Discover your coordination potential → [Start UnityCheck Assessment]
References
-
Soukup, T., Lamb, B. W., Arora, S., Darzi, A., Sevdalis, N., & Green, J. S. (2020). Successful strategies in implementing a multidisciplinary team working in the care of patients with cancer. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 11, 49-61.
-
Hanna, T. P., King, W. D., Thibodeau, S., Jalink, M., Paulin, G. A., Harvey-Jones, E., ... & Aggarwal, A. (2020). Mortality due to cancer treatment delay: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 371, m4087.
-
Soukup, T., Gandamihardja, T. A., McInerney, S., Green, J. S., & Sevdalis, N. (2019). Do multidisciplinary cancer care teams suffer decision-making fatigue. BMJ Open, 9(2), e027303.
6 October, 2025
Istvan Borbiro, PhD
Co-Founder, Nexus Recognita