Medical oncology plays a key role in the treatment of many cancer cases. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it will likely play a major role in your treatment. Therefore, understanding medical oncology and how it works to fight cancer will help you make informed decisions about your care.
There are multiple branches of oncology, and medical oncology is the branch that uses medicine to treat cancer. Unlike surgical oncology, which involves the surgical removal of tumors, or radiation oncology, which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, medical oncology focuses on systemic treatments that kill cancer cells throughout the body. Key examples of treatments that fall under medical oncology include chemotherapy, hormonal, targeted, and immunotherapy.
A medical oncologist is an important member of a patient's care team. This specialist determines the stage of the cancer and how far it has spread and helps develop an overall treatment plan. They may also work with other members of the team, such as surgeons,
Medical oncologists monitor patients' progress during treatment, adjust therapies when needed, and help manage any side effects. Cancer treatment can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Therefore, medical oncologists also provide support and guidance to help patients and their families cope with the disease and the challenges of the treatment process.
Most cancer treatments involve a combination of different therapies. The type and stage of cancer, a patient's overall health, and preferences help determine a treatment plan. The following are four key medical oncology treatments.
Chemotherapy employs drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. The provider may administer it intravenously or orally, and it is often combined with other treatments such as surgery or radiation. While effective, chemotherapy can also cause troubling side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
Certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, use hormones to grow. Therefore, hormonal therapy works to stop the body's natural hormones from feeding these cancer cells, slowing their growth. Also known as endocrine therapy or hormone treatment, it can also have side effects and be used in conjunction with other cancer therapies,
The exciting thing about targeted therapy is that it uses drugs designed to specifically target cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Therefore, it can be associated with fewer side effects than chemotherapy or other forms of therapy. These treatments work by interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and are often used for cancers with known genetic mutations.
This therapy leverages the body's immune system to help fight cancer. It works by enhancing the body's natural defenses or marking the cancer cells so they can be more easily recognized and targeted by the immune system. Immunotherapy side effects are usually less severe than those associated with chemotherapy.
One key aspect of medical oncology is the development of personalized treatment plans. Medical oncologists consider several factors when designing a treatment plan. Key factors include the following:
Advances in cancer treatment have allowed medical oncologists to tailor treatments more closely to each patient's cancer. For example, genetic testing can identify mutations that make certain tumors more likely to respond to targeted therapies. Customizing a care plan not only helps improve the treatment's effectiveness but also may minimize undesirable side effects.
Medical oncologists work closely with patients to manage side effects, helping to ensure that treatment remains as comfortable as possible while still being effective. For example, the provider may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms, adjust treatment doses, or recommend supportive therapies such as nutrition counseling and physical therapy. Support can even involve follow-up care to help the patient maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay cancer-free after treatment.
In addition to managing physical side effects, medical oncologists also address the emotional and psychological impact of cancer treatment. Many cancer centers offer support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of cancer and cancer treatment.
Whether navigating chemotherapy, exploring the potential of targeted therapies, or managing the side effects of treatment, medical oncology provides the support necessary to guide patients through their cancer journey. We know facing cancer is not easy, but we are here to help. If you have further questions about medical oncology, call our team today.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.
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