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Medical Oncology Service and Cancer Care

OVERVIEW

Medical oncology uses non-invasive treatment options, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy, to treat various cancers. For each type of cancer, depending on the stage of diagnosis, different anti-cancer drugs are administered as a part of medical oncology in combination with different cancer therapies, such as radiation therapy and surgery.

What is Medical Oncology?

Medical oncology is one of the key cancer treatment modalities, and it focuses on treating cancer with non-surgical methods. The treatments administered as a part of medical oncology are systemic, i.e., they identify cancer cells present throughout the body and destroy them. The different types of treatments recommended as a part of medical oncology include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. Medical oncologists collaborate with other cancer care specialists and healthcare professionals, such as surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hemato-oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care providers, to provide comprehensive cancer care.

Treatments Used in Medical Oncology

Some of the treatments used in medical oncology are:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the delivery of drugs to kill or prevent the growth of fast-dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, chemotherapy also affects normal, healthy cells that divide rapidly, leading to various side effects.

Immunotherapy

The immune system has the natural ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells use specialized mechanisms to mask themselves against the immune system’s attack. Immunotherapy re-activates the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Different types of immunotherapy treatment include:

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy disrupts the processes that allow cancer cells to survive and spread. Targeted therapy is used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. The use of targeted therapy depends on the type of cancer. Targeted therapy may be delivered alone or with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy targets the hormones that fuel the growth of certain cancers. Hormone therapy is frequently used in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancers and prostate cancers. It may be used as part of the primary treatment or after surgery or radiation therapy. Hormone therapy may be administered for a specific period or continuously, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

How to Choose a Medical Oncologist?

Choosing the best medical oncologist in India for your treatment is an important yet challenging decision. The following measures may assist the patients and their relatives in finding the best medical oncology doctor in India. These measures include:

Choose a doctor with experience in medical oncology

Selecting a doctor with experience in medical oncology is important for effective cancer care. The patients should find a doctor with significant experience treating specific types of cancer. Experience gained through clinical practice results in a deep understanding of the disease and assists oncologists in developing personalized treatment plans.

Speak to the doctor about the number of patients treated with similar types of cancer.

When considering the best medical oncologist in Bangalore, it is important to receive information about the number of patients they have treated. This information can provide detailed insights into the doctor's experience, workload, and ability to manage various cancer cases. The patients should visit the hospital and get information about the current workload and schedule of the medical oncologist. The patients should ensure the oncologist has the time and availability to provide appropriate, personalized care.

Know about the team in detail

The medical oncology team follows a multidisciplinary approach, with several healthcare professionals collaborating to provide comprehensive and individualized cancer care. Some of the medical oncology team members include medical oncology doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, oncology nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists.

Ask about the available facilities and special services at the clinic

The patients and their caregivers should ask about the various facilities and special services available at the hospital. They may inquire about the treatment facilities, availability of the dedicated chemotherapy ward, availability of various treatment options, presence of psychological services and counseling, assistance for financial concerns, genetic counseling, rehabilitation services, and nutrition support (availability of a dietitian or nutritionist).

Schedule an appointment

Once the patient is convinced by the experience of the cancer specialists and the facilities available at the medical oncology hospital, they may book an appointment for consultation. The patients or their caregivers should contact the clinic to get information about the availability of the oncologist and the potential dates and times of consultation. Choose from the given time and date, which is convenient. Verifying if the hospital accepts the particular health insurance is also important. Once the appointment is booked, the care officers at the hospital will share the confirmation details. They may also send a reminder one or two days before the appointment. On the day of the appointment, we recommend patients prepare a list of all questions and concerns that they wish to ask their specialists during their consultation.

Medical Oncology Department at HCG Cancer Centres

In all hubs and spokes of the HCG network, we house full-fledged medical oncology departments equipped with modern treatment and disease management facilities.

HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore

As a leading comprehensive cancer hospital in Bangalore, HCG boasts a well-established medical oncology department. It employs a robust team of medical oncologists who specialize in administering different types of systemic therapies for various cancer types.

Services

  • Infusion wards for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy
  • Outpatient chemotherapy services
  • Chemo drug mixing cabinets
  • Consultation rooms
  • Procedure rooms
  • Laboratory services
  • Home health services
  • Pharmacy

HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad

As a leading cancer hospital in Ahmedabad, HCG provides access to comprehensive medical oncology services. This department has well-trained experts who specialize in cancer management using different systemic therapies.

Services

  • Infusion wards for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy
  • Outpatient chemotherapy services
  • Chemo drug mixing cabinets
  • Consultation rooms
  • Procedure rooms
  • Laboratory services
  • Home health services
  • Pharmacy

HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai

As a top cancer hospital in Mumbai, HCG houses a medical oncology department that is equipped with all modern facilities. Our medical oncologists employ a personalized approach while devising treatment plans.

Services

  • Infusion wards for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy
  • Outpatient chemotherapy services
  • Chemo drug mixing cabinets
  • Consultation rooms
  • Procedure rooms
  • Laboratory services
  • Pharmacy

HCG EKO Cancer Centre, Kolkata

As a leading cancer hospital in Kolkata, HCG EKO provides comprehensive medical oncology services to patients in and around West Bengal. With highly experienced medical oncologists at its disposal, this department offers the highest quality care.

Services

  • Infusion wards for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy
  • Outpatient chemotherapy services
  • Chemo drug mixing cabinets
  • Consultation rooms
  • Procedure rooms
  • Laboratory services
  • Pharmacy

Other Comprehensive Treatments

Some of the comprehensive cancer treatments, other than medical oncology treatment, are:

Surgical Oncology

It focuses on the surgical management of cancer. Surgical oncologists are surgeons who have received additional training in the diagnosis, staging, and surgical removal of cancerous tumors. The surgical oncology team works closely with other members of the expert team, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology uses ionizing radiation to treat cancer. The radiation therapy can be delivered from the outside (external beam radiation therapy) or inside (brachytherapy). Radiation oncologists specialize in administering radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment. Radiation therapy aims to damage or destroy cancer cells with the assistance of high-energy radiation while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Preventive Oncology

Preventive oncology aims to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals through healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and risk reduction strategies, regular check-ups, screenings, and adherence to recommended vaccination schedules, especially in individuals with high cancer risk.

Why Choose HCG for Medical Oncology Services?

HCG is a leading cancer care provider and is the best hospital for medical oncology in India. HCG offers various advanced diagnostic, treatment, and management services for cancer care under a single roof. The expert team here employs a multidisciplinary approach to cancer management and offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. The hospital provides advanced treatment facilities, including cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments. The medical oncology department provides detailed knowledge about the disease and possible treatment options, allowing patients to make informed decisions. Services also include psychological support and nutritional counseling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knowing whether chemotherapy is working involves a combination of clinical assessments, imaging studies, and monitoring of specific markers. The efficacy of chemotherapy varies among individuals and depends on factors such as the type of cancer, the disease stage, and the cancer cells' characteristics.

Whether you can work during chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy depends on various factors, including the nature of your job, treatment regimen, and treatment response.

Driving during chemotherapy depends on the treatment-related side effects you experience. Consult your oncologist, receive detailed information about the side effects of drugs, and prioritize safety. The patients are advised to consider alternative transportation if required.

Inform your oncologist immediately in the event of severe treatment-related side effects. If the side effects are severe, intolerable, and affecting routine life, the treating oncologist can adjust the treatment plan, provide supportive care, and address specific symptoms.

An oncologist is a general term for a specialist engaged in cancer care. In contrast, a medical oncologist specifically focuses on administering cancer treatment through medications (non-invasive therapies) such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Medical oncology significantly affects cancer care. It involves diagnosis, treatment, and management using therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, which improve patient outcomes, survival, and overall quality of life.

A medical oncologist specializes in treating and managing cancer through non-invasive strategies. They use therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments for cancer.

During your first appointment with a medical oncologist, expect a thorough review of your medical history, detailed knowledge about the disease and possible prognosis, a discussion of treatment options with their advantages and disadvantages, and the development of a personalized cancer care plan through shared decision-making.