Onco Medicine, also known as Medical Oncology, is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer using non-surgical methods. This discipline involves the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to treat cancer at various stages. Medical oncologists play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary cancer care team, working closely with surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. Onco Medicine focuses on not only eradicating cancer cells and preventing disease progression but also on managing the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment, thereby improving the quality of life for patients.
Vihaan Hospital & Research Centre’s Onco Medicine department stands at the forefront of cancer care, offering comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment options for patients battling various types of cancer. Staffed by a team of dedicated medical oncologists, the department specializes in administering chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Vihaan Hospital is committed to providing holistic care, emphasizing not just the eradication of cancer cells but also the management of symptoms and side effects to enhance patients’ quality of life. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Onco Medicine department collaborates closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists, and supportive care specialists to ensure optimized, patient-centered treatment plans, demonstrating Vihaan Hospital’s commitment to excellence in cancer care.
Onco Medicine F&Q's
Onco Medicine, or Medical Oncology, focuses on the treatment and management of cancer through non-surgical methods such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It aims to destroy cancer cells, prevent disease progression, and manage the symptoms and side effects of the disease.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other routes, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually while doing minimal damage to normal cells. These therapies target specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or their environment.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, either by stimulating the immune system to work harder or by providing it with components, such as man-made immune system proteins. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly targets and kills cancer cells, immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.
Hormonal therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is used to treat certain types of cancers that are influenced by hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body’s natural hormones from supporting the growth of cancer cells or by lowering the levels of hormones that cause cancer growth.
Medical oncologists consider various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential side effects of treatments. They often work within a multidisciplinary team to develop a personalized treatment plan that aims to achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining the patient’s quality of life.
