Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Patient Information
Acute Oncology Services
The Patient Information Leaflets page on the Trust website is available on the link: Patient Information Leaflets or scan the QR code.
- Author ID: UM
- Leaflet Ref: CC 044
- Version: 5
- Leaflet title: Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
- Date Produced: April 2025
- Expiry Date: April 2027
The Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
The CUP MDT is made up of a group of healthcare professionals with a specialist interest, knowledge and expertise in the management of people with CUP.
The team is made up of a:
- Consultant Oncologist – Doctor who specialises in the management of cancer.
- Consultant Pathologist – Examines samples such as biopsies to look for particular cancer cell types.
- Consultant Radiologist – Performs and interprets X-rays, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scans.
- Consultant in Palliative Medicine – Doctor who specialises in the management of symptoms and improving quality of life.
- Acute Oncology Nurse – Specialist cancer nurse who will offer patients a point of contact, information and support.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Co-ordinator – Co-ordinates the MDT meetings.
The MDT meeting
The CUP MDT meets weekly. The aim of the meeting is to help decide on the most appropriate investigations, treatment and care by having the right health professionals together to discuss each patient’s situation.
The MDT will discuss your case history, X-ray images and pathology results (from studying biopsies), together with any other relevant information. As a team, they will work out an appropriate plan for your treatment or care. This plan will then be discussed with you either over the phone, or at an appointment in clinic or on the ward.
Acute Oncology Nurse support
Acute Oncology Nurses work as part of the CUP MDT. They have knowledge and experience of patients with cancer of unknown primary, as well as the treatments that you may be offered.
The Acute Oncology Nurses attend the weekly MDT meeting and work closely with the Oncologist involved in your care. They can act as a link between you and the MDT.
At the MDT meeting, the acute oncology nurse will make sure that you are allocated a keyworker.
What is a keyworker?
A keyworker helps co-ordinate your care and will be your main point of contact with the hospital. The role is often carried out by one of the Acute Oncology Nurses at first, but if your needs change you may be supported by another appropriate health professional.
Contact information
Your keyworker is:
.............................................................................
Please do not hesitate to contact the Acute Oncology Nurses on the numbers below if you need advice about your condition or treatment
MacMillan Acute Oncology Nurses
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Monday to Friday 8 am to 5pm
Answerphone is available
Alternative Numbers
0300 707 2720 / 2532 / 3541
Supportive and Palliative Care Team
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan
WN1 2NN
0300 707 2008
Where can I find out more?
Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre
Cancer Care Centre
Wigan Lane
Wigan
0300 707 2760
The information centre is based in the Cancer Care Centre at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. It is staffed by Macmillan information and support specialists who offer information, counselling, and practical support. They can also signpost patients; carers and loved ones to other services in the area such as support groups.
Further Macmillan information points can be found at:
- Thomas Linacre Centre (ground floor)
- Leigh Infirmary
Useful websites