Medical oncologists are involved in diagnosing cancer by reviewing patients' medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and interpreting diagnostic tests such as imaging scans, biopsies, and blood tests. Staging involves determining the extent and spread of cancer in the body, which helps guide treatment decisions.
Medical oncologists develop personalized treatment plans based on the type of cancer, its stage, the patients' overall health, and their preferences. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and palliative care.
Medical oncologists are most commonly associated with chemotherapy, which involves using drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously and can be given before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to prevent recurrence, or as a primary treatment for advanced cancers.
This type of treatment targets specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapies are often used in cases where cancer cells have specific genetic mutations that drive their growth.
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It includes drugs that enhance the immune response against cancer cells, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy.
Hormonal therapy is used to treat cancers that are influenced by hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It involves blocking or manipulating hormone receptors to slow down or inhibit cancer growth.
Medical oncology is a field that is continuously evolving due to ongoing research and advancements in understanding cancer biology, genetics, and treatment modalities. Medical oncologists stay updated on the latest developments to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Medical oncologists work in collaboration with other specialists, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to provide comprehensive care. They also coordinate supportive care services such as pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.
Medical oncologists focus not only on treating the disease but also on improving the quality of life for patients. They often work with palliative care specialists to manage symptoms, alleviate pain, and provide emotional support for patients and their families.
Medical oncologists continue to monitor patients even after successful treatment to manage any potential recurrence or late-term side effects of treatment.
Medical oncologists play a crucial role in conducting and overseeing clinical trials, which are research studies that test new treatments, drugs, or interventions to improve cancer care and outcomes.
Hematologists prescribe medications such as chemotherapy, immunomodulators and targeted therapies to manage and treat blood disorders.
Used to treat anemia or bleeding disorders by replacing deficient blood components.
For certain conditions, patients may receive healthy bone marrow or stem cells from a donor to replace diseased cells.
For certain conditions, patients may receive healthy bone marrow or stem cells from a donor to replace diseased cells.
Some hematologic conditions may require surgical interventions, such as splenectomy for certain cases of immune thrombocytopenia.
Hematologists provide supportive treatments like growth factors to stimulate blood cell production and prevent complications.
Delivers varying intensities of radiation to different parts of a tumor, minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
Uses real-time imaging during treatment to ensure accurate targeting, accounting for any changes in tumor position
Delivers a highly focused and precise radiation dose to a small tumor or lesion in a single or a few sessions.
Similar to SRS but used for tumors outside the brain and typically involves a few treatment sessions.
Involves placing a radioactive source directly within or near the tumor for a localized radiation dose.
Removes the tumor and surrounding tissues with the goal of curing the cancer. Lymph nodes may also be removed to assess spread.
Removes a portion of a tumor when complete removal is not possible. This can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.
Focuses on improving quality of life by relieving symptoms or discomfort caused by advanced cancer.
Restores form and function after tumor removal, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy.