Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for kidney cancer

A team of specialists meet to talk about the best treatment options for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The MDT for kidney cancer will include the following professionals:

• a urologist – a surgeon who treats problems of the urinary system and specialises in treating kidney cancer and upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC)
• an oncologist – a doctor who treats people who have cancer
• a urology clinical nurse specialist (CNS) – a nurse who gives information about kidney cancer, and support during cancer treatment
• a radiologist – a doctor who looks at scans and x-rays to diagnose problems and performs tests and procedures
• a pathologist – a doctor who looks at cells or body tissue under a microscope to diagnose cancer.

The MDT may also include other healthcare professionals, such as:

• a dietitian
• a physiotherapist
• an occupational therapist (OT)
• a psychologist
• a palliative care specialist.

Your multidisciplinary team (MDT) uses national treatment guidelines to decide the most suitable treatment for you. Even so, you may want another medical opinion.

If you feel it will be helpful, you can ask either your specialist or GP to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion.