Medical Oncology

Medical therapy is treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, often in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

CHI Saint Joseph Health offers the latest medications, which maximize the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing the unpleasant side effects. Our board-certified medical oncologists and specially certified nurses will work closely with your cancer care team and you to carefully plan and monitor each treatment. Throughout every phase of care, we’ll also be right by your side to help you feel well and maintain as much as your normal routine as possible.

It’s all delivered in our outpatient infusion therapy centers, near where you live and work, with flexible appointments to fit your schedule. You can relax during treatment with comfortable, reclining chairs and other amenities, plus plenty of space for family and specialists on staff to meet your needs.

For more information about our infusion therapy services, or to schedule a consultation, contact a cancer center location near you or find a cancer specialist anytime online.

Full Range of Cancer-Fighting Treatments 

Depending on your unique needs, your medical therapy plan may include one or a combination of:

• Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells with medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an IV or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas. It can also help alleviate cancer-related symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s natural defense system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs work by making hidden cancer calls visible to the immune system, allowing white blood cells to fight and kill the cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Helps stop cancer from growing and spreading by targeting specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or blood vessel cells.
• Hormone therapy: Slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that uses hormones to grow, usually in breast and prostate cancers.

Support through Treatment and Beyond

We offer a full range of support services to help deal with treatment challenges. That includes one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian to ensure good nutrition and manage any nausea or changes in appetite. You also have access to an oncology certified social worker for any emotional concerns, as well as a chaplain for spiritual care, ongoing support groups and much more.