Medical oncology

A medical oncologist diagnoses cancer through biopsy and imaging results, designs treatment plans using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormonal therapy, manages treatment side effects, monitors response to therapy, and coordinates with surgical and radiation oncology teams.

You should see a medical oncologist if you have been diagnosed with cancer, have a suspicious biopsy result, need evaluation for systemic cancer treatment, or want a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis or treatment plan.

Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, affecting both cancer and some normal cells. Immunotherapy works by helping the body's own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy often has different side effects and may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Targeted therapies are drugs designed to attack specific molecular changes in cancer cells, such as gene mutations or abnormal proteins, while sparing most normal cells. Examples include drugs targeting HER2 in breast cancer, EGFR in lung cancer, and BRAF in melanoma.

Side effects are managed with anti-nausea medications, growth factor injections for low blood counts, pain management, nutritional support, hydration therapy, and medications for specific symptoms. Your oncologist and support team monitor and adjust treatment to maintain quality of life.