Medical Oncology: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Treatment

Oncology is the study of cancer. Medical oncology is a subspeciality of oncology, i.e., physicians who can specialise in cancer treatment using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other medications. They collaborate with other specialists, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.

The main role of a medical oncologist is to provide systemic therapy, which involves the use of drugs that can reach cancer cells throughout the body, as opposed to localised therapy that only targets cancer cells in a specific area. Medical oncologists also play a key role in managing the side effects of cancer treatment, including nausea, fatigue, and pain. They also support and guide patients and their families throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship with the best oncology hospital in India.

Medical oncology is considered a multidisciplinary approach. Healthcare professionals from different specialities work together to ensure the patient’s well-being. From the moment an individual is diagnosed with cancer to the entire course of their treatment, medical oncologists support their patients at each step. 

The team of medical oncologists consists of the following professionals. 

1. Medical oncologists: Specialists who treat cancer with systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
2. Surgeons: Specialists who remove tumours and surrounding tissue during surgery.
3. Radiation oncologists: Specialists who use radiation therapy to shrink tumours and kill cancer cells.
4. Pathologists: Specialists who examine tissue samples to determine the type and stage of cancer.
5. Nurses: Specialists who administer medications and provide patient education and support.
6. Social workers: Specialists who provide emotional support and help patients navigate the practical aspects of cancer treatment, such as transportation and financial assistance.
7. Dietitians: Specialists who provide nutrition guidance to help patients maintain their strength and overall health during treatment.

This multidisciplinary approach of medical oncology is widely used to ensure patients’ best treatment and speedy recovery. 

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Common Types of Cancer treated by Medical Oncologists

Medical oncology deals with a wide range of cancer types, as systemic therapy can be used to treat many types of cancer. Some examples of cancer types commonly treated by medical oncologists include

1. Breast cancer: Medical oncologists may use chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy to treat breast cancer.
2. Lung cancer: Medical oncologists may use chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat lung cancer.
3. Colorectal cancer: Medical oncologists may use chemotherapy and targeted therapy to treat colorectal cancer.
4. Prostate cancer: Medical oncologists may use hormone therapy and chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer.
5. Blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma: Medical oncologists may use chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to treat these cancers.
6. Ovarian cancer: Medical oncologists may use chemotherapy and targeted therapy to treat ovarian cancer.
7. Other cancers like gastrointestinal cancer, brain and spinal cord tumours, and urologic cancers.

This is not an exhaustive list, and medical oncologists also treat other types of cancer as well. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health and preferences.

Treatments used by Medical Oncologists

Medical oncologists are primarily responsible for administering systemic therapy to treat cancer. This includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.

1. Chemotherapy: Medical oncologists use drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally or intravenously and can be administered in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest.
2. Immunotherapy: Medical oncologists may also use drugs that help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. These drugs, known as immunotherapies, can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
3. Targeted therapy: Medical oncologists may also use drugs that target specific genetic changes in cancer cells. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
4. Hormone therapy: Medical oncologists may use drugs or surgery to block or remove hormones that can fuel the growth of certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer.

They also manage the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain. They may also provide supportive care, such as blood transfusions and antibiotics, to help prevent and treat infections.

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Medical oncologists also work closely with other specialists, such as radiation oncologists and surgeons, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that considers the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health and preferences.

In working like a team with different healthcare professionals, medical oncologists support their patients at each step: from cancer diagnosis to the entire course of its treatment.