Treatment - Medical Oncology |
Medical Oncology Treatments | Request an Appointment |
What is Medical Oncology? Medical oncology involves treating cancer and cancer related conditions with the use of medication and other specialized treatments. A medical oncologist is a specialist who can diagnose and treat cancer using drugs such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted agents. They specialize in the treatment of many cancers, including solid tumors such as colon, breast cancer, as well as hematologi malignancies such as lymphoma and leukemia. There is active research in this field and new drugs and treatment combinations become available on a regular basis.
Medical oncologists evaluate the patient in conjunction with other doctors such as a surgeon and radiation oncologist to affirm the most appropriate drug combinations to treat the cancer. Medical oncologists will monitor patient progress after treatment and can also assist in managing pain and disability or recommend comfort or Hospice care.
Our medical oncology clinic has access to in-house diagnostics and lab services, which enables the physician to rapidly assess blood abnormalities and make more immediate decisions on therapy.
Medical oncologists also specialize in hematology, which is blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood related diseases. Blood diseases affect the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, hemoglobin, blood proteins, blood clotting, etc.
Our physicians who specialize in hematology are called hematologists. With the ability to treat hematologic cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia, medical oncologists can utilize a variety of treatment methods to develop the optimal treatment plan. See Medical Oncology Treatments.
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The Mission of Illinois CancerCare is to provide
comprehensive, compassionate care that enhances the
lives of patients and their families. Illinois CancerCare is a comprehensive practice treating patients with cancer and
blood diseases. Our focus is providing state-of-the-art treatments for our patients in the fight against these
diseases while staying on the leading edge of
breakthrough research and medicines.
We are one of the largest private oncology practices in the nation, and we're proud to say
we have helped countless individuals overcome this
disease to live healthy, inspiring lives.
Learn more at
www.illinoiscancercare.com. |
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Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, the patient will be interviewed and examined by a medical oncologist/hematologist. To help us understand the patient's medical status, we will need to obtain copies of medical records, health history, prescribed medications, and recent medical visits with other specialists, and if applicable, any biopsy reports.
We will review the information with the patient and family members and answer any questions they may have. Patients may continue their routine prescription medications unless advised otherwise by their physician.
Diagnosis
Not all patients that routinely see a medical oncologist have cancer. Patients are often referred to a medical oncologist/hematologist for hematologic malignancies or non-cancerous blood disorders. If this is the case, once the physician diagnoses the condition, he/she will determine the appropriate treatment, if any, and the planned follow-up protocol. The diagnostic evaluation may include laboratory testing, imaging such CT or PET scans, or procedures such as biopsies of masses or bone marrow biopsies.
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Depending on the type and stage of cancer, we will often schedule the patient to see both a radiation oncologist and a surgeon. At that point, the medical oncologist will consult with each of the other specialists that will be involved in the patient's cancer care and they will collaboratively develop a patient-specific treatment plan.
Pre-Treatment Planning
After the initial consultation and diagnosis and in the event you may need chemotherapy, our care team will explain how the treatment will progress and what to expect from us along the way. Patients may also need special intravenous catheters inserted to help better deliver your treatment. Our patients also will have access to a financial counselor who can explain the costs associated with cancer care. In the event of having out-of-pocket expenses, the financial counselor will help the patient and their family secure funding that may be available, regardless of your income level. Additionally, there are various support groups and cancer related programs available for patients and their families.
Treatment
Our certified nursing staff and physicians will explain the chemotherapy protocol that the patient will undergo with them and their family, as well as review any potential side-effects and important things to remember. Treatment will typically take place at this center where the staff will support the patient throughout the course of their treatment. They will also review important dietary tips and answer any questions. Patients are encouraged to ask any and all questions regarding their treatment plan, side effects, and any other issues that may develop during the course of their care. Our staff and physicians will always be available to address these issues.
Post-Treatment Care and On-going Support
During and after cancer treatment, several follow up appointments may be needed so that the doctor and care team can continue to assess the patient's progress and recovery. The medical oncologist typically coordinates all cancer-related issues including addressing treatment questions, side-effects and long-term follow-up care. They also help patients coordinate appointments with other doctors such as the radiation oncologist and surgeon and any other appointments that are needed. See Cancer Resources for more information.
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