Medical oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. Oncologists, who specialize in medical oncology, are physicians trained to care for people with cancer. Here are some key aspects of medical oncology:

 

A highly qualified, experienced and dedicated medical oncologist is available at Synergy Institute of Cancer Care and Research. Evidence based, internationally approved Chemotherapy guidelines are followed for treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies.

Medical oncology department  at SICCR also extends its support and services to the patients who are beyond the scope of active chemotherapy treatment by offering optimum palliation. Our medical oncology department includes specially trained nursing and peripheral staff that assists in the administration of Chemotherapy in Day Care as well as  indoor. Chemotherapy Drug mixing is done

at a separately designated Cytotoxic Admixture lab, under laminar airflow with prescribed quality controls.

In order to make administration of chemotherapy safe and more patient friendly, use of central

catheters or ports is instituted routinely in the department.

Approach to Cancer Patients:-

The aim of cancer treatment is to relieve symptoms, cure the patient, and prolong or save life.

When cancer is detected early, treatment is very effective and patients are usually cured.

In patients with advanced stage cancer, complete cure may not be possible, and its treatment aims to control the disease, improve quality of life, and keeping the patient comfortable as long as

possible. The treatment of each patient is designed to suit the individual and depends on many factors like age of the patient, general condition, type of cancer and stage of disease.

The treatment of cancer requires multi-disciplinary approach. This involves diagnostic services, pathology and molecular studies, radiology and nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, surgical

oncology and radiation oncology.

Medical Oncology has evolved over time with comprehensive cancer care . Today’s cancer treatment encompasses multi-disciplinary treatment approach to all types of cancer- be it solid tumours or blood cancer. With the advancement in molecular techniques, we are ushering in the era of precision medicine.

 

Medical Oncology Deals with:-

Cancer Screening: Breast cancer, Colon cancer, Cervical cancer, Prostate cancer, Blood

Cancer

The diagnosis of any cancer

Therapy (e.g. Chemotherapy, Hormonal therapy, Immunotherapy and Monoclonal antibodies)

Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment

Palliative care of patients.

Pain management

Types of Medical Treatment for cancer:-

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with one or more cytotoxic anti-neoplastic drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) as part of a standardized regimen. Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent or it may aim to prolong life or palliate symptoms. It is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, surgery, and/or hyperthermia therapy.

By medical oncology, we mean treatment of cancer with the help of Chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemotherapy reaffirms the efficacy of the surgery if the cancer is detected in its early stage. Chemotherapy improves the quality of life and prolongs survival in advanced stage or end-stage cancers. In conditions like Lymphoma, Leukemia and Germ Cell tumors, chemotherapy plays a curative role.

Chemotherapy may use one drug at a time (single-agent chemotherapy) or several drugs at once (combination chemotherapy or polychemotherapy). The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is chemo-radiotherapy. Few drugs that exerts cytotoxic activity only upon light exposure is called photo-chemotherapy or photodynamic therapy.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy has limited use in cancer treatment since only minority of tumours are hormone sensitive e.g. breast and prostate cancer. This therapy provides systemic means of treatment to the whole body, but without the side effects of chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a form of treatment which stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells. But it is expensive.

Target Therapy

It is the use of monoclonal antibodies (or mAb) to specifically target cells. The main objective is stimulating the patient’s immune system to attack the malignant tumour cells and the prevention of tumour growth by blocking specific cell receptors.

 

Facilities:-

  • SICCR  offers a state-of-the-art day care facility for chemotherapy.
  • Cytotoxic Admixture Rooms and laminar flow bio-safety cabinets conforming to world class standards
  • Well-equipped in-house pharmacy for all oncology medicines.
  • A multi-disciplinary team provides services ranging from cancer screening to diagnosis and cancer management in a holistic manner.
  • The team comprises of experienced doctors, dedicated nurses and trained technicians