Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology is a branch of medicine that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of different cancers. Medical oncologists are the main medical professionals in this department, who are responsible for treating cancer patients by using different treatment modalities like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Medical oncologists work together with other specialists and team members of the cancer team to devise a treatment plan best suited to the patient's medical condition.

Medical oncologist is a medical professional who has degree and experience in diagnosing and treating different types of cancers using radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. He is generally the main healthcare provider for patients with cancer as he provides supportive care and collaborates with other specialists to deliver tailored treatment plans using a multi-disciplinary approach.

As soon as a person is diagnosed with cancer, he/she must see a medical oncologist. It is the initial phase of the cancer therapy process. A medical oncologist educates patients about their diagnosis, goes over available treatments with them, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, and develops a treatment strategy after consulting with the patient, their family, and other members of the oncology team.

Following are some things to keep in mind before your appointment with a medical oncologist:

  • You must carry any medical records, prescriptions, or investigations you have like imaging test reports, blood test reports, ECG etc. You can carry the prescriptions as well as the medications on your appointment.
  • It is important to visit the oncologist with a family member, a friend, or a close relative you are comfortable with. The oncologist will discuss several essential things about your condition during the appointment and suggest certain ways to improve your health. A companion can help take down important notes and listen to the doctor’s advice.
  • Do carry a list of all your questions and queries that you need information on from the oncologist. This is really helpful in case you forget some points when you are face to face with the oncologist.

The first oncology appointment may take several hours. The oncologist will analyse your medical history, assess all the results of the tests, perform a thorough physical examination, and, if additional investigations are required, order them. During the appointment, the oncologist will also give you a preliminary estimate of the cost and length of the therapy.

The professional experts from the medical oncology department at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore work diligently towards the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of cancers through advanced technology protocols and a multidisciplinary approach. Our highly experienced medical oncologists are trained in treating both solid tumours and haematological disorders while preserving the quality of life both in paediatric and adult patients.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of medical oncology cancer treatment that uses specialised medications to find and eradicate cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy inhibits or stops the growth of cancer cells. Following therapy, it could result in mild to moderate adverse effects for a short while. This is due to the fact that chemotherapy can sometimes harm live cells that divide quickly. Chemotherapy is divided into two forms, neoadjuvant and adjuvant, depending on when it is administered. Neoadjuvant therapy is the term used to describe chemotherapy that is given prior to surgery or radiation treatment. Adjuvant therapy is administered after therapy or radiation to reduce recurrence rates.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is known to be a type of personalised cancer treatment under medical oncology. An extensive analysis of the tumour microenvironment is carried out before beginning the targeted therapy. Understanding the behaviour of the tumours helps oncologists design the appropriate course of treatment. Targeted therapy, as the name implies, specifically targets proteins on the surface of cancer cells that aid in their formation, growth, and metastasis.

Immunotherapy

The goal of immunotherapy, which is also known as biological therapy, is to activate the body's immune system to fight the cancer cells. Agents used in immunotherapy include dendritic cells, monoclonal antibodies, T-cells, cytokines and immune modulators.

Hormone therapy

This therapy uses certain drugs to limit the growth of cancer cells or slow the course of the disease. It employs specific medications to block or lower the body's levels of certain hormones. Hormone therapy is utilised in conjunction with other systemic therapies, such as surgery or radiation therapy. The overall effectiveness of the treatment plan is increased as a result. Hormone therapy is effective against many different cancers like prostate, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

If you are looking for the best medical oncology hospital in Indore, look no more! We at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore provide integrative cancer care. While the treatment of cancer may drastically affect patients, both physically and psychologically. Therefore, during post-treatment follow-ups we strive to provide the patients with physical as well as emotional support. Supportive care therapies that are used to manage common side effects include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, neuropathy, mouth sores, and depression. Our cancer team consists of the best medical oncologists in Indore who have years of experience in the field and are specialised in rending the best medical oncology treatment in Indore.