Your medical team

What is the multidisciplinary team (MDT)?

If you are having treatment for pancreatic cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, your case should be reviewed by a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT). You may hear this called a hepato-pancreato-biliary or HPB MDT. HPB includes the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. HPB doctors and nurses specialise in treating pancreatic diseases.

The MDT is the team of health professionals who are responsible for your treatment and care. They will agree on the best treatment and care for you. Your doctor or nurse should tell you what the MDT recommend.

Your team should include a specialist nurse, sometimes called a clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

Some teams include cancer care coordinators, sometimes known as navigators, who will support you. They can provide information and guidance on any questions you have and act as a link with the MDT.

You may meet other members of the team, including:

• a surgeon – a doctor who carries out surgery
• an oncologist – a doctor who is an expert in treating cancer
• a gastroenterologist – a specialist in diseases of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver
• a dietitian – a professional who provides advice about diet and nutrition.

You may also see other health professionals at different stages.

What does a clinical nurse specialist do?

The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will usually be your main contact and is sometimes called your keyworker. They will provide expert support, care and advice and will coordinate your care.

Not everyone will have a CNS. If you don’t, ask for details of who to contact with questions or concerns.

Who do I contact if I have a question or problem?

Ask your medical team who to contact with any questions or if you have a problem.

• This will usually be your CNS if you have one.
• You may also be able to contact the cancer care coordinator with questions.
• If you are being cared for at home, your GP or district nurse may be your contact for any questions.
• If you are having chemotherapy, you should be given a 24-hour emergency phone number. Call this if you are unwell or need information about side effects.
• If you are having palliative care or supportive care, the specialist palliative care team may be your contact.
• Ask who to contact out of hospital hours or in an emergency.

Who else might be involved in my pancreatic cancer care?

General practitioner (GP). The GP will help manage your cancer. For example, they may help manage some symptoms, and can refer you for other medical services. They may be your main contact if you are being cared for at home.

Community nursing service. There are different nurses who can provide support and care locally in the community, including:

• community or district nurse – provide nursing care in people’s homes, including giving medication and pain control.
• palliative care nurse – nurses who specialise in managing pain and other symptoms.
• hospice nurse – provide palliative care and support at a hospice. They may also visit you at home.
• You may see a Macmillan nurse at the hospital (a Macmillan clinical nurse specialist or CNS). In some areas, there are Macmillan nurses working in the community who provide palliative care. But not all palliative care nurses are Macmillan nurses. And not everyone will see a Macmillan nurse.
• Marie Curie nurses provide palliative care in people’s homes. Again, not all palliative care nurses are Marie Curie nurses. Marie Curie also runs hospices.
  Occupational therapist. A professional who can help find ways to carry out everyday tasks that might be difficult, for example by recommending specific equipment or adaptations at home.

Occupational therapist. A professional who can help find ways to carry out everyday tasks that might be difficult, for example by recommending specific equipment or adaptations at home.

Physiotherapist. A professional who helps people cope with illness and manage symptoms through movement and exercise.

Specialist palliative care team

If you have advanced pancreatic cancer, you may see a specialist palliative care team or supportive care team. These teams help people to live as well as possible for as long as possible, and help to manage complex symptoms such as pain.

You may be able to have palliative care:

• in your own home – by a Hospice at Home service, palliative care doctors and nurses, district nurses, and Macmillan or Marie Curie nurses
• at a hospice
• in hospital – by hospital-based palliative care or supportive care teams
• at a care home.

Other professionals who can support you

Counsellor. A professional who helps people deal with emotional problems by helping them talk through issues and find solutions. Also called a therapist.

Clinical psychologist. A professional who treats people with emotional (psychological) problems to reduce their distress and improve their emotional wellbeing.

Psychiatrist. A doctor who treats people with mental health problems through medicines and recommending other treatments such as counselling.

Social worker. A professional who helps people deal with problems such as living independently, improving their wellbeing or accessing welfare support.

Updated March 2026

Review date March 2029