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Best Medical Oncology Service in India

OVERVIEWMedical oncology is one of the major cancer treatment modalities, and it uses systemic treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy to manage cancer effectively. These systemic therapies help destroy cancer cells present throughout the body.

Our full-fledged medical oncology department at HCG works towards the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of cancers through cutting-edge technology and personalised multimodal treatment protocols. Apart from inpatient chemotherapy facilities, we also have outpatient and ambulatory chemotherapy facilities available for patients via specialised chemo ports.

We have some of the top medical oncologists in India who are skilled at managing both solid tumours and haematological disorders among both adult and paediatric patients.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment approach in medical oncology that uses powerful drugs to find and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of body cells that divide and grow rapidly, which include cancer cells as well.

Chemotherapy is categorised into two types based on the time it is administered: neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is administered before surgery or radiation therapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may help in downstaging the disease, enhancing the patient’s tolerance and response to the surgery or radiation therapy, reducing the recurrence rates, and improving the overall survival rates.

Adjuvant chemotherapy on the other hand, is administered after surgery or radiation therapy, and it helps reduce the risk of recurrence and improves the chances of a positive clinical outcome.

Apart from preventing recurrence, chemotherapy is also helpful in preventing cancer from spreading to other organs (metastasis).

In recent times, oncologists have also adopted innovative chemotherapy approaches, such as metronomic chemotherapy, wherein chemotherapy drugs are administered in low doses over a long period of time. This approach is being used for patients who cannot tolerate high-dose chemotherapy sessions.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or biological therapy, is a personalised treatment approach, wherein the body’s immune cells are stimulated to launch an attack against cancer cells. Immunotherapy either employs the body’s immune cells or modified immune cells synthesised in the laboratory to boost the immune response against cancer. Immunotherapy may work against cancer by:

  • Stimulating the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
  • Triggering immune cells to kill cancer cells through complex immunological mechanisms.
  • Administering specialised components that enhance the immune response against cancer cells.

Various personalised approaches are used to reprogram the immune system among cancer patients:

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy focuses on targeting specific proteins responsible for cancer cell growth, development, and spreading. Before administering the therapy, the tumour microenvironment is assessed to plan the treatment accordingly. Targeted therapy attacks cancer cells by:

  • Blocking the chemical signals responsible for the growth of cancer cells.
  • Blocking the production of new blood vessels and stopping the cancer cells from growing.
  • Stimulating the immune system to launch an attack against cancer cells.
  • Delivering toxins to cancer cells to destroy them while sparing healthy cells.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy blocks hormones or reduces their levels to stop the growth or delay the progression of hormone-dependent or hormone-sensitive cancers. It is combined with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy to enhance its overall effectiveness. Breast, prostate, ovarian, and uterine (endometrial) cancers can be treated with hormone therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

During cancer treatment, doctors monitor how your body responds to the treatment with tests, such as blood tests, physical exams, and imaging methods like X-rays, MRI, PET-CT, etc. This helps them determine if the treatment is working or if any modifications are necessary for better results.

Recovering from the after-effects of chemotherapy takes 9–12 months. Oncologists recommend rehabilitation programs that include yoga, physiotherapy, diet counselling, and psychological counselling to help patients recover faster and heal holistically.

Medical oncology treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy cause minimal disruption to routine activities, but patients may experience side effects. In such cases, you may opt for alternate options like working from home, hiring assistance, taking it slow, etc. These are temporary phases, and you will be able to perform your routine activities without much help over time.

Unless your doctor asks you not to, you can drive yourself back and forth to the hospital. However, we recommend you have your caregiver accompany you for all your treatment procedures.

Cancer treatment can cause mild to moderate side effects, which can be managed with rest, nutritious food, and gentle exercise. However, in some cases, medical attention may be required to manage these side effects. Patients should contact their treating doctors or the expert team if they experience severe symptoms, and they will be prescribed medication to manage these symptoms.