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Clinical Pathways

Evidence for cancer treatment is constantly evolving. This can result in lag times for system-wide implementation and variability in treatments for Veterans. Clinical Pathways are a decision support tool that bridge this gap by translating published evidence into standardized treatment process maps to help guide treatment decisions.
Clinical Pathways standardize evidence-based practices to ensure high quality, cost-effective care for Veterans at each point in their care plan. Clinical Pathways are different from treatment guidelines, as Clinical Pathways recommend a standard treatment based on efficacy, toxicity, and cost. Guidelines, on the other hand, offer treatment options without always prioritizing specific recommendations. Clinical Pathways are developed by an interdisciplinary subject matter expert group and approved by national program offices including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and pharmacy.

Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancer Clinical Pathways

Breast Cancer Clinical Pathways

Esophageal Cancer Clinical Pathways

Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Clinical Pathways

Genitourinary (Genital and Urinary) Cancer Clinical Pathways

Gynecologic Cancer Clinical Pathways

Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Pathways

Clinical Pathways are reviewed at least quarterly by subject matter experts and updated if changes are made. Previous versions are archived and available to internal users within the VA network on the Clinical Pathways SharePoint.
We appreciate hearing how you use these pathways or suggestions for future refinement. Click on the Pathways Feedback button below if you wish to provide us with feedback on our Clinical Pathways.