ABSTRACT
Most cancers are managed as part of a multidisciplinary team approach and it is essential that surgical oncologists are aware of the role played by non-surgical therapies in holistic cancer care. Knowledge of systemic therapies and radiotherapy techniques and how they may complement or even replace surgery is vital. In many cases, early stage tumors may be treated with a single modality of treatment, mainly surgery or radiotherapy, with curative results. However, sequential or concomitant multimodality treatments may enhance locoregional and systemic disease control. Multimodality strategies are constantly evolving as new drugs, new radiotherapy regimens and new surgical techniques are developed. Close collaboration with experts in each discipline is essential to keep abreast of the latest advances and every newly diagnosed cancer case must be reviewed by a properly constituted multidisciplinary team before any therapeutic decision is taken.
