Medical Oncology
Advances in medical oncology continue to provide more effective treatment options for cancer patients. Improvements in supportive care have made treatment easier to tolerate. At CHI Memorial, we partner with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiologists and other specialists to create personalized treatment plans for patients.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful medication to destroy cancerous tissue. It can be used in the advanced setting or to prevent its return after surgery. Regimens vary based on tumor type and stage of disease. Side effects from treatment vary based on the regimen and how well the patient is doing prior to treatment. For some tumors, chemotherapy with radiation may be combined or chemotherapy may follow surgery.
Hormone therapy
Some cancers such as breast and prostate cancer depend on hormones for their growth. Hormone therapy involves blocking the effect or shutting off production of the specific hormone, either temporarily (with medications) or surgically. Hormone therapy may be combined with other treatments to deliver the best possible outcome.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses a person’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can boost or change how the immune system works so it can find and attach cancer cells. This area of cancer treatment has had tremendous growth in the past few years.
Support at every step
At CHI Memorial Rees Skillern Cancer Institute, anyone diagnosed with cancer has access to a nurse navigator, a designated point of contact who can educate you on the disease process, answer questions, help you prepare physically and emotionally for treatment, provide resources and connect you with other modes of support throughout this journey. These include access to dietitians, clinical social workers, massage therapists, and chaplains who focus on spiritual care and advance care planning. Visit CHI Memorial Center for Cancer Support or call (423) 495-7778 for more information.