Breast cancer treatment depends on tumour type, stage and hormone receptor or other biomarker findings. Medical oncology options may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy for selected patients. Treatment is often coordinated with breast surgeons and radiation oncologists.
Lung cancer management involves determining the cancer type, stage and relevant molecular characteristics. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or other approaches. The appropriate plan depends on the patient's overall health and disease findings.
Gastrointestinal cancers can affect organs such as the stomach, colon, rectum and oesophagus. Medical treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer type and stage. Care often involves a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Head and neck cancers may develop in the mouth, throat, voice box or related structures. Treatment can involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other systemic medicines. The selection depends on tumour location, stage and the patient's condition.
Lymphoma is a cancer affecting lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. Diagnosis requires appropriate tissue examination and staging. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted medicines, depending on the lymphoma subtype and disease characteristics.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It can affect bones, kidneys and normal blood cell production. Treatment may include combinations of targeted medicines, immunotherapy and other specialised therapies.
Leukaemia refers to cancers affecting blood-forming tissues and blood cells. Treatment depends on the specific type and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies or other specialist interventions. Detailed blood and bone marrow investigations help guide treatment.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. It may be used alone or alongside surgery, radiotherapy or other systemic treatments. The regimen depends on cancer type, stage, medical history and potential side effects.
Immunotherapy uses treatments that influence the immune system's response to cancer. Certain therapies are suitable only for specific cancers or biomarker profiles. Treatment requires assessment of potential benefits, immune-related side effects and individual eligibility.
Targeted therapy uses medicines that act on particular molecular pathways involved in cancer growth. Biomarker or genetic testing may help identify eligible patients. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the cancer's biological characteristics.
Precision oncology uses information about tumour biology, molecular changes and patient characteristics to guide treatment choices. Selected patients may undergo biomarker testing to identify appropriate targeted medicines or immunotherapies. Not all cancers have an actionable molecular target.
Cancer treatment planning includes reviewing pathology, staging investigations, overall health and available therapies. Medical oncologists may coordinate with surgical and radiation specialists to develop a treatment strategy appropriate to the patient's diagnosis and goals.