Medical Oncologists: Treatments, Care & What to Expect
When people think of cancer, they often think of surgeries and scans. But there is more to fighting cancer than just those things. Medical oncologists are very important in helping you beat cancer, especially when you need ongoing care, medicines, and immune system boosters.
Think about having a trusted guide on this journey who chooses the right drugs for your cancer, changes the treatment when things change, and helps you deal with the side effects. Medical oncologists do that. If you or someone you care about has cancer, knowing what medical oncologists do can help you feel more in control.
This article will tell you who medical oncologists are, what kinds of treatments they offer, how they choose treatments, what side effects to expect, and what questions you should ask your oncologist. We’ll end by telling you where to find good care.
What do medical oncologists do?
Medical oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer with drugs and other non-surgical methods. They don’t do surgery, but they work with surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to make the best treatment plan for each patient.
They are taught to:
- Learn how cancers grow and move around
- Know a lot about different kinds of drugs, like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, and when to use them.
- Keep an eye on side effects as treatment goes on.
- Change your treatment based on how well you respond.
Medical oncologists offer a lot of important treatments.
These are the main treatments that doctors who specialize in cancer use. They may use one type or a mix of types, depending on the type of cancer, its stage, your health, and other things.
1. Chemotherapy
What it is: Medicines that stop cancer cells from growing or kill them. You can take it by mouth (in pills) or by injection or infusion. Chemotherapy can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or to help with symptoms if the cancer has spread.
When used:
- To make tumors smaller so they are easier to take out
- To get rid of cancer cells that are still there after surgery
- As the main treatment when surgery isn’t an option
- To ease pain or other symptoms of advanced cancer
Things to know: Side effects can include tiredness, hair loss, nausea, low blood counts, and a higher risk of infection. Medical oncologists keep an eye on these side effects and help you get through the treatment cycle.
2. Immunotherapy
What it is: A treatment that helps your body’s immune system fight cancer. It can help immune cells find and kill cancer cells more easily.
When used: For cancers that respond well to therapies that boost the immune system, like some lung cancers and melanoma.
- If other treatments aren’t working or aren’t enough
- Sometimes with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, though
Things to remember: Side effects can be different from those of chemotherapy. They can include immune-related problems like rashes on the skin, inflammation of organs, or flu-like symptoms. Your oncologist will keep a close eye on these.
3. Specific Therapy
What it is: Drugs that are made to attack certain genes, proteins, or pathways that cancer cells use to grow. They often have fewer side effects because they are more specific (but not always negligible).
When utilized: When tests show that the cancer has certain markers, like genetic changes or proteins that are too high, often used with chemo or when chemo isn’t enough on its own
These treatments might not work without the right marker. They might also cost a lot or not be available everywhere. These will be carefully chosen and tested by oncologists.
4. Endocrine Therapy (Hormone Therapy)
What it is: Used for cancers that are affected by hormones, such as some breast and prostate cancers. These medicines either lower hormone levels or stop hormones from making cancer grow.
When used: If cancer cells have hormone receptors (tested in a lab). After or with other treatments to lower the risk of the disease coming back
Things to know: These treatments can have side effects like mood swings, weight gain or loss, hot flashes, or thinning bones. Oncologists keep an eye on the health of bones and the general health of their patients.
5. Transplants of stem cells or bone marrow
What it is: High doses of treatment can kill harmful cancer cells in some blood cancers, like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. However, they can also hurt healthy blood-forming cells. Transplants of stem cells or bone marrow aid in the restoration of healthy blood cell production.
When you use it:
- When you need strong treatment
- When the patient is well enough to handle the transplant
Things to know: It’s a stronger treatment that comes with a higher risk of infection, a longer recovery time, and more problems. It is very important to plan and follow up.
How Medical Oncologists Choose the Best Treatment
Medical oncologists don’t guess; they follow a strict set of steps. Your treatment is tailored to your needs based on:
- Type of cancer (which organ and cell type)
- Stage of cancer (how big it is and whether it has spread)
- Markers or mutations identified through laboratory tests (e.g., genetic profiling)
- Your age, health, and other medical problems
- Side effect risk and what you can handle
Your preferences (some people want aggressive treatment, while others want to improve their quality of life)
They often work with a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists to plan your treatment, deal with side effects, and help you get better.
Side Effects and Care That Helps
Side effects are common because treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy affect the whole body. Medical oncologists not only treat cancer, but they also help you deal with the side effects so that the treatment is easier to handle.
Some side effects that happen a lot are:
- Weakness and tiredness
- Some chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss.
- Feeling sick, throwing up, or not wanting to eat
- Lowered immunity increases the risk of infections.
- Changes in blood counts, like low platelets or anemia
- Effects on specific organs (like the liver, kidneys, and heart), depending on the treatment
- Medications to help with nausea or pain are part of supportive care.
- Transfusions or growth factors to help blood counts go back up
- Support for your nutrition to keep you strong
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
Choosing the Best Way to Move Forward
It’s hard to deal with cancer, but you’re not alone. Medical oncologists have more than just surgery to fight cancer. They offer hormone-based options, immune-based treatments, targeted therapies, and in some cases, stem cell transplants. They also help you deal with side effects and make treatment as easy as possible.
If you want the best care, find a hospital where medical oncologists have the newest diagnostic tools, therapies, and a strong support team. Oncare Cancer Hospital is an example of this. Oncare Hospital is one of the best places for medical oncologists to work because it has a team of experienced doctors, modern treatments, and patient-centered care. They help patients from diagnosis through treatment and recovery with care and excellence.
FAQs
1. How long does treatment for medical oncology last?
It depends on the kind of cancer, how far along it is, and what kind of treatment plan you have. Some treatments may last a few months, while others may need to be monitored and maintained for years.
2. Can oncologists who work in medicine cure cancer?
Yes, in many cases, especially if the cancer is found early and responds well to treatment. In some cases, the goal may be to manage cancer, ease symptoms, and enhance quality of life. There are a lot of things that affect how well a cure works.
3. How do immunotherapy and targeted therapy differ from each other?
Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer, while targeted therapy attacks certain pathways or markers in cancer cells. You can use both of them together. Each one has its own set of side effects.
4. Are there treatments that are easier on the body?
Yes. Medical oncologists may offer treatments with fewer side effects, such as lower doses, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy, depending on the type of cancer you have. Supportive care is another way to make treatment easier.
