Your child's clinical team

This information is about the multidisciplinary team (MDT), a team of healthcare professionals who work together to plan and deliver care for your child.

This information is about children and young people aged 0 to 16. If you or your child is aged 16 to 24, we have separate information about teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer services.

If your child or teenager is being treated for sarcoma, a team of specialists called a multidisciplinary team (MDT) will look after them. This means a group of healthcare professionals with different skills and experience working together to plan the best care.

The MDT at your child’s Principal Treatment Centre (PTC) meets every week to talk about the best treatment options for young people with sarcoma. They’ll discuss your child’s diagnosis, possible clinical trials, and any extra support that may help your family.

You might meet lots of different staff members during treatment, and it can be hard to remember who everyone is. Here are some of the people you and your child might meet and what they do:

• Paediatric oncologist: a children’s cancer specialist who leads your child’s treatment.
• Clinical oncologist: a doctor who gives radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Paediatric surgeon: a doctor who carries out operations on children and young people.
• Radiologist: a doctor who looks at scans and X-rays.
• Nurse specialist: your main point of contact, helping coordinate care and answer questions.
• Pharmacist: makes sure your child’s medicines are safe and work properly.
• Dietitian: helps your child eat well and get the nutrients they need during treatment.

Depending on where your child is treated, you might also meet other staff:

• Play specialist: uses play and activities to help children understand treatment and manage worries or pain.
• Psychologist: supports emotional wellbeing and helps your child cope with difficult feelings.
• Social worker: helps with practical, emotional, or financial support.
• Teacher: helps your child with schoolwork while in hospital.
• Occupational therapist or physiotherapist: helps your child stay active, build strength, and recover after treatment.