Oncology is the treatment of cancer through the use of specialized drugs which include standard chemotherapy and hormonal therapy; newer agents called "biologics" (antibody treatments); and specifically targeted molecular therapy. Some of these drugs destroy cancer cells, some stop cancer cell growth, and some help the body fight off cancer. There are hundreds of drugs used to treat cancer. Some treatment courses use a single drug and others use many different drugs.
Chemotherapy may be a quick injection or a more complex infusion of several hours. A full course of treatment may last many months. In most cases, patients receive their care in an outpatient setting and do not need to be admitted to a hospital. Even complex therapies such as bone marrow transplant are now routinely performed as an outpatient treatment.
Each patient's treatment plan is different, taking into account individual needs and goals. Our specialized chemotherapy nurses are part of our healthcare team, and are trained to mix and administer the patient's recommended anticancer drugs. The nurses also support patients and families through cancer treatment.