Sub-specialised MDTs

Dealing with the majority of primary tumours, and some secondary brain tumours (brain metastases).

This meeting takes place every Tuesday morning at SRFT.

It is a meeting of the specialist team which includes 5 consultant neurosurgeons, 2 consultant neuro-radiologists, 5 consultant neuro-oncologists, a neurologist, 3 Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2 Allied Health Professionals, neuro-psychologists, an SRS specialist radiographer and physicists.

This MDT oversees the management of patients with all grades of primary tumours (benign, low grade and malignant) of the brain and spine. All patients are discussed at time of first presentation and diagnosis and again as necessary during later treatment e.g. at time of disease relapse or progression.

It also advises on the management of patients with brain metastases who have been referred by their primary treating oncologist for consideration of neuro-surgery or SRS.

Referrals are made via a web-based system which is accessible from hospitals across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Minutes are distributed to referrers and GPs within 24 hours of the meeting.  

More information about neuroscience can be found here.

Dealing with tumours arising at the Base of the Skull

This meeting is held fortnightly, on Friday mornings, at SRFT.

Looking after patients with tumours at the base of the skull requires the input of other types of surgeons, as well as brain surgeons.  The Base of Skull MDT includes 3 consultant neurosurgeons and 2 Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons, along with 3 neuro-oncologists, 2 neuro-radiologists and a clinical nurse specialist. The MDT has close links with allied specialities including ophthalmic (eye) surgeons and plastic surgeons. The Base of Skull service at SRFT is one of the largest in the country with a catchment area beyond Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Referrals of patients who have had scans which show a tumour at the base of the skull are made either directly to the team or via local ENT services.

More information about the skull base service can be found here.

Dealing with tumours of the pituitary gland.

The sub-specialised Pituitary MDT meets monthly (on the second Thursday morning of each month) at SRFT. It focuses on the management of patients with tumours of the pituitary gland. These tumours are almost all benign and patients are mainly looked after by endocrinologists (hormone speciliast doctors), with the input of neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists when necessary.

The pituitary MDT includes consultant endocrinologists who attend from various hospitals across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, along with 2 specialist neurosurgeons, 2 neuro-oncologists, a neuro-radiologist and several specialist nurses.

Referrals are made either directly or via local endocrinology teams.

You can read more about the pituitary team, their service and MDT here. 

Focusing on rehabilitation, supportive care and symptom control for patients from all groups.

This MDT, which is held fortnightly (on alternate Friday mornings) at The Christie focuses on holistic (whole-person) care. This means that the team of Neuro-oncology Specialist Nurses, AHPs, specialist radiographers, Neuropsychologists, Palliative Care nurses and oncologists discuss the supportive care, symptom control, rehabilitation or other needs of patients under the care of any of the three ‘diagnosis and treatment’ MDTs.

All patients referred to The Christie are discussed, along with any other patients with particular needs. Referrals can also be accepted from community teams.

Patients receive a letter explaining the content of that discussion e.g. plans for referral for community physiotherapy and details of their keyworker.

Much more information about how the neuro-oncology team supports patients, their families and friends can be found in the Patient Support section of our website, here.