Medical Oncology

A cancer diagnosis can be scary but having access to advanced treatment options provided by expert oncologists can put your mind at ease. At NJU, we offer the latest advances in cancer care so you can focus on the essential things in life. We provide a comprehensive approach to aid in preventing, diagnosing, and treating urologic cancers while maintaining and preserving your quality of life.

What is Medical Oncology?

Medical Oncology is the field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer. Whether it be to provide a cure or to extend and improve the quality of one’s life, a medical oncologist will help cancer patients through their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Some cancers can be treated with medication alone, while others may be combined with radiation therapy or used before or after radiation or surgery. Medical oncologists work closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists to provide the most comprehensive and effective cancer treatment possible. A medical oncologist will create an appropriate plan of care by considering your cancer type and stage, as well as your personal needs and goals.

Your medical oncologist may suggest treatments that include drugs such as:

• Chemotherapy: A class of drugs intended to attack cancer cells to prevent cancer from returning after surgery, or to prolong life in the case of patients whose cancer has already spread.
• Hormone Therapy: Medicines that block signals in the body that promote the growth of prostate cancer.
• Immunotherapy: An antibody-based treatment that recruits the immune system to attach cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that targets proteins in the cancer that control the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells.

The goal of medical oncology is not just to shrink the cancer, but also to decrease the risk of complications from it and to help patients live as long as possible with a high quality of life.