The role of specialist nurses in delivering effective care in a tertiary sarcoma referral service.

Musculoskeletal sarcomas are rare cancers with an incidence of less than 1% of all cancers. Management of these tumors requires multidisciplinary care comprising of numerous specialists. Critical decisions following collaborative discussion among treating specialists followed by timely communication and starting prompt treatment are vital in delivering care in such rare sarcomas. While musculoskeletal surgeons, radiologists, and clinical oncologists are well known, the role of specialist nurses has been less described. They form a vital pillar in any tertiary sarcoma service by assisting in collaborative care, having consultations in nurse-led clinics, offering psychological support, imparting details of treatment to patient and helping in palliative care. This narrative review focuses on the role of trained specialist nurses in a tertiary sarcoma service and gives insight into their vital role in delivering timely, coordinated, effective care.