Virtual Thoracic Tumor Board

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the third leading cause of death in South Carolina. Obtaining access to specialty consultation can be a challenge. Since 1993, the multidisciplinary Lung and Thoracic Cancer Program team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center included pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and radiotherapists.

The Virtual Thoracic Tumor Board evaluates about 10 new cases of lung cancer per week. In addition to the clinical specialists, a dedicated chest radiologist, pathologist, social worker, and clinical trials representative also participate. Each new case is reviewed in detail and a consensus opinion is formed, further evaluation is recommended and follow-up is scheduled as needed.

The Virtual Thoracic Tumor Board aims to provide specialty consultation remotely to best care for patients with lung cancer. The patient will receive the benefit of a multi-specialty consultation provided by experts at Hollings Cancer Center. Information transmitted to and from MUSC occurs using a secure internet connection, where referring physicians have the ability to interact via video feed with the entire MUSC tumor board. The goal of the virtual tumor board is to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art lung cancer care for all South Carolinians.

Submitting a Case

Please contact Mike Balassone at 843-792-6696 for clarification or if you experience any difficulties during this process. All CT and/or PET scans should be included when submitting a case. If you have not been activated by Dr. Silvestri's team, you will not be able to submit a case.

You will be emailed a date and time for your patient to be presented at MUSC Health's Thoracic Tumor Board. On that date, please join the live meeting by logging into WebEx (link will be provided with your invitation).

Securely send your case via Redcap.