[Responsibilities of the surgeon for therapy planning in solid tumors]

Surgery is still the primary domain for patients suffering from solid cancers, although in many cases multimodal treatment will be required. If the surgeons want to retain this status, the interdisciplinary dialogue must be intensified, as treatment strategies are developed today in an interdisciplinary context. There is a unique chance for future surgeons to establish and lead "tumor boards" within their infrastructure. Tumor boards should be built up in almost every hospital to deal with surgical oncology throughout the entire country. If necessary, specialists from other hospitals or cancer centers must be involved, and modern information technology such as telecommunications should be used to obtain second opinions. Using this technique, smaller hospitals in the area can adapt to the progress and standards of dedicated cancer centers. Modern techniques of telecommunication allow for case presentations and discussions on treatment strategies over long distances, as well as virtual teleconferences in tumor boards meetings. The future role of surgeons in the treatment of solid cancers will depend largely on their ability to resolve the problems outlined here. The surgeon himself must become the modulatory core factor within this evolutionary process.