At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer care. A handful of people form the core of your care team, based on the types of treatment you need. You will have a medical oncologist who specializes in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Many people also have a surgeon, radiation oncologist or nuclear medicine specialist. At some visits, you might see an advanced practice provider. Most patients get part of their treatment from infusion nurses. A patient care coordinator schedules your visits.
Others join your team depending on your personal needs. For example, if you have heart or hormonal concerns, we might call in a cardiologist or endocrinologist. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who know the issues that matter for people with cancer.
Supportive care providers are also here to help. You may see Fred Hutch registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and others. All of them specialize in caring for people during and after cancer.
Advanced practiced providers are trained similarly to physicians and may see patients independently. At Fred Hutch, these health care professionals work closely with your medical oncologist in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and coordinate your treatment and also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
You receive any infusions in a dedicated area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who specialize in infusions give these treatments. They also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.
This physician oversees your medicine-based treatments. People with NETs may receive chemotherapy, targeted therapy or medicines to control excess hormones.
Your medical oncologist:
This physician uses small amounts of radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat diseases.
Your nuclear medicine specialist:
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They will schedule your appointments.
This physician treats cancer with radiation. They prescribe and manage this part of your care if you need it. Working with a radiation oncology team, they plan and deliver your treatments.
Your radiation oncologist will:
This person sees you when you come in for radiation treatment. They explain your treatment, check your health, answer your questions and help you with side effects.
This person positions you each time you come in for radiation treatment. This ensures your treatment is precise. They also operate the machines that deliver the radiation.
This physician reads and interprets your imaging tests. They also do some types of biopsies.
Your radiologist:
Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician. They also assist with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They answer questions and help with a wide range of topics, like how to cope with side effects or get other services you need at Fred Hutch.
Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include registered dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.
Learn more about Supportive Care Services
This physician does surgery to remove as much of your cancer as possible, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the cancer. They might also remove lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Your surgeon: