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Medical Oncology/Hematology
Medical oncologists play a fundamental role in the treatment of the majority of cancer patients seen at Memorial Cancer Institute. Our treatments, often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy, are used to reduce or eliminate cancer cells that have migrated throughout the body and, in the case of solid tumors, at the primary tumor site as well.
Advanced medications do a superb job of targeting cancer cells while protecting healthy cells in the process. Clinical Trials of cancer-fighting medications and techniques delivered by medical oncologists comprise 99 percent of all cancer clinical trials performed today. We are dedicated to serving our patients by offering participation in many government- and industry-sponsored, drug-related clinical trials. In fact, we are proud to have played an instrumental role in \ the recent FDA approval of lapatinib (Tycerb), an oral targeted therapy for advanced breast cancer.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s type of cancer, its stage and the patient’s general condition. Therapies offered at Memorial Cancer Institute include:
- Chemotherapy
Systemic therapy or intravenously to destroy cancer cells and keep them from multiplying. - Anti-Angiogenic Drugs
To which starve tumors of the blood they require to survive and grow. - Hormone Therapy
Therapy to prevent cancer cells that feed on hormones from receiving these hormones, thereby starving them and preventing their growth. Hormone therapy is most frequently used in prostate and breast cancer. - Immunotherapy
Biological response modifiers to assist the body’s immune system in fighting disease. These synthetic equivalents of natural substances include monoclonal antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2 and cancer vaccines. - Colony-Stimulating Factor
To promote new red and white blood cell production and help minimize complications from chemotherapy.
- Chemoembolization
A minimally invasive, intra-arterial infusion of chemotherapy and embolic particles used to treat liver cancer.
For patient convenience, Memorial Cancer Institute operates chemotherapy units at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and The Breast Cancer Center. Also, a bone marrow transplant program is available at Memorial Hospital West.
In addition to serving the needs of patients with cancer, we also operate a sickle cell day hospital under the direction of Lanetta Bronte, MD. It was the first sickle cell day hospital to receive JCAHO accreditation. Patients come here to receive personalized care by a team dedicated to treating their pain and preventing complications. The sickle cell team is also conducting clinical research aimed at improving quality of life for these patients.