Oncology specialists discuss specialized cancer treatments in Romania

Medical experts in Romania are highlighting the importance of specialized approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration in cancer treatment. Brachytherapy is identified as a potential alternative to surgery for selected cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. This form of radiotherapy involves placing the radiation source very close to or inside the treated tissue, allowing for high doses in a limited area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

The decision to use brachytherapy is determined by a multidisciplinary oncology commission, which evaluates tumor type, size, depth, location, and patient comorbidities. It may be used when surgery is contraindicated, refused, or poses significant functional or aesthetic risks, particularly in sensitive areas like the eyelids, nose, or scalp. It can also serve as a supplementary treatment following surgical excision if there is a high risk of recurrence.

Dr. Bogdan Tănase, a surgeon at the Bucharest Oncology Institute, emphasizes that in the era of personalized therapies, surgeons must specialize in specific pathologies. He notes that oncological surgery requires strict quality standards and precise objectives tailored to each patient. Furthermore, he stresses that the surgeon is part of a larger system, requiring seamless collaboration between surgeons, neo-oncologists, radiotherapists, and other specialists within a multidisciplinary team.