Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. It may be recommended before surgery, after surgery or for advanced cancers. The treatment schedule depends on cancer type, stage and patient health. Regular monitoring helps identify side effects and assess treatment response.
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognise or attack certain cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used for selected cancers based on diagnosis and biomarker results. Treatment requires specialist supervision because immune-related complications can affect organs such as the lungs, liver, bowel and endocrine glands.
Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth or survival. These treatments may be considered when laboratory testing identifies suitable genetic or molecular features. Targeted medicines are used in several solid tumours and blood cancers, with monitoring tailored to the medication.
Medical treatment for breast cancer may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. The recommended approach depends on tumour stage, hormone receptor status, HER2 status and other clinical findings. Systemic treatment may be used before or after surgery or to control advanced disease.
Medical management of lung cancer includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy and molecularly targeted medications in appropriately selected patients. Treatment depends on whether the cancer is small-cell or non-small-cell, its stage and biomarker findings. A multidisciplinary team may combine drug treatment with surgery or radiotherapy where indicated.
Head and neck cancers can affect the mouth, throat, larynx and surrounding structures. Medical oncology treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy depending on the cancer type and stage. Systemic therapies are often coordinated with surgery and radiation treatment to achieve the patient's therapeutic goals.
Gastrointestinal cancers include malignancies of the stomach, colon, rectum and other digestive organs. Medical management may involve chemotherapy, targeted medications or immunotherapy in selected cases. Treatment planning considers tumour location, disease stage, pathology, molecular testing and the patient's general health.
Gynaecological cancers include ovarian, cervical, endometrial and other reproductive tract malignancies. Systemic treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy in selected circumstances. Medical oncologists coordinate with gynaecological surgeons and radiation oncologists to develop treatment plans suited to the cancer diagnosis and stage.
Leukaemia is a group of cancers affecting blood-forming cells, commonly involving the bone marrow and blood. Management varies according to whether the condition is acute or chronic and its molecular characteristics. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy or stem cell transplantation in appropriately selected patients.
Lymphoma develops from lymphocytes and includes Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment depends on lymphoma subtype, stage and patient factors. Depending on the diagnosis, therapy may include chemotherapy, antibody-based treatments, targeted medicines, radiotherapy or stem cell transplantation for selected cases.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that can affect bones, kidneys and blood cell production. Treatment often includes combinations of targeted medicines, immunomodulatory drugs and corticosteroids. Autologous stem cell transplantation may be considered for eligible patients, alongside supportive care and ongoing disease monitoring.
Autologous stem cell transplantation uses a patient's own previously collected blood-forming stem cells after intensive therapy. It is used for selected blood cancers, including multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. The procedure requires specialised assessment, infection prevention, supportive care and monitoring during recovery.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation uses blood-forming stem cells from a compatible donor. It may be considered for selected leukaemias and other haematological disorders. Treatment requires detailed donor matching, conditioning therapy, infection precautions and monitoring for complications such as graft-versus-host disease.
Precision oncology uses tumour characteristics, molecular testing and other clinical information to guide cancer treatment decisions. Certain genetic alterations or biomarkers may indicate suitability for specific targeted medicines or immunotherapies. Not every cancer has an actionable biomarker, so testing and treatment choices require individual assessment.