Medical Oncology
State-of-the-art research leads to treatment breakthroughs and new medical options.
About medical oncology
A medical oncologist often is the primary healthcare provider for someone who has cancer. Medical oncologists treat cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. A medical oncologist can also help manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects and may coordinate treatment provided by other cancer specialists.
Hormone therapy
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands in the body. They travel through the bloodstream and can influence the growth of certain types of cancer, namely breast and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is used to stop or slow cancer growth and reduce the chance it will return. It can also be used to ease symptoms.
Immunotherapy
As part of its normal function, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells, and most likely prevents or curbs the growth of many cancers. Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, helps your immune system fight cancer. Cancer often evades detection because the immune system fails to recognize it as a threat. Immunotherapy works by helping your immune system identify and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
These therapies are specifically designed to target the underlying causes of a disease and can be prescribed for individuals with certain genetic or molecular characteristics.
Also known as precision medicine or personalized medicine, this is a groundbreaking approach to cancer care that takes into account the unique genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors of each individual. By tailoring medical care and treatment plans to these specific characteristics, precision medicine marks a shift away from the traditional one-size-fits-all model, leading to a new era of more effective and individualized cancer treatment.