What is Medical Oncology ?
A Medical Oncologist is a physician who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biologics, and targeted therapies Usually a primary care
health care provider and a medical oncologist work together on a cancer case. Most medical oncologists also
specialise in blood disorders.
What is the role of the Oncologist?
An Oncologist is responsible for a patient’s care throughout the course of the disease. This
begins with diagnosis. Their activities include:
- Recommend screening for cancer
- Description of cancer diagnosis, including type and stage of cancer
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All treatment options and discussion of treatment choices
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Providing appropriate and compassionate care
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Helping you manage the signs and symptoms of cancer and its treatment
An individual’s cancer treatment plan may include more than one type of treatment, such as
surgery, cancer chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.
Different types of Oncologist
That means that different oncologists work together with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. This is called a multidisciplinary team.
Types of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy encompasses various treatment approaches beyond traditional chemotherapy drugs. These include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, each with distinct mechanisms and applications in cancer treatment.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts the body's immune system to fight
cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This approach is different
from traditional chemotherapy, which directly targets cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be used alone or in
combination with other treatments to enhance the body's ability to combat cancer.
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Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy involves using drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells while minimising damage to normal cells. These therapies target specific molecules or pathways that are crucial for cancer cell growth and survival. By focusing on these specific targets, targeted therapy can be more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
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Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapy is a treatment that alters hormone levels in the body to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumours, such as breast and prostate cancers. This therapy works by either blocking the body's natural hormones or changing how hormones work in the body. Hormonal therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments to improve outcomes and manage hormone-related cancers.
These advanced types of chemotherapy offer personalised and targeted approaches to cancer treatment, providing patients with more effective and tailored options to combat the disease.
