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Medical oncology

Medical oncologists are physicians trained in the management of cancer. They work in multidisciplinary teams to care for patients from the time of diagnosis through to cure or palliative care.

Their main area of expertise is in the systemic or drug treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and, increasingly, new molecular targeted therapy. These may be given in order to cure the disease, or for palliative care, although as treatments have improved advanced cancer is becoming a longer-term chronic disease for many patients. The role of the medical oncologist is to discuss the treatment options with patients, supervise the therapy and manage any complications of disease and/or treatment that may arise. Medical oncology also has a strong research basis and medical oncologists are all involved in clinical trials; many medical oncologists will have an academic post. The training is broad but most medical oncologists specialise in one or two tumour types. As survival rates for cancer improve, some medical oncologists have a particular interest in survivor issues and late effects of treatment.

Medical oncologists work with surgeons, clinical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialist nurses and allied health professionals, all contributing to the care of patients at different stages.