Medical Oncology & Chemotherapy Services at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
The highly-skilled and accomplished doctors at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center offer extensive experience in prostate, breast, lung, colorectal, head & neck, ovarian, liver and pancreatic cancers, multiple myeloma, leukemia, hematological disorders, and brain tumors. Our medical oncologists and hematologists meet with patients and their families to determine an individualized treatment plan that is optimal for each patient.
Designed for comfort, healing and encouragement, the Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit features 13 infusion rooms, of which 9 are private and 4, called "buddy bays," accommodate those who prefer to visit and build relationships with other patients. All patients have their own flat-panel color television, a comfortable lounge chair, and personal control over lighting and temperature, and room for family members. Most of the infusion rooms are built along the glass-walled building to maximize the entry of natural light. Nurses, passionate about providing excellent patient care, are stationed within the infusion area to provide the best support to patients. Nutritional and social work staff are also available to provide education, comfort, and support to patients.
Patients at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center can depend on highly-skilled physicians who consult with their colleagues to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. One place where these consultations can occur is in multidisciplinary case review sessions called "Tumor Boards," where doctors from Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center, Trinitas Regional Medical Center and private practice meet each week to present and discuss their toughest cases. Many patients with cancer present unique treatment challenges due to the type, complexity or aggressiveness of the cancer, the location or spread of the malignancy, or simply the age or overall health and condition of the patient. The weekly tumor board meetings provide specialists with a forum for discussion where their patients benefit from the expertise of several physician specialists all working toward the optimal treatment plan. Among the many disciplines represented in these weekly meetings are physicians with specialties in radiology, pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, urologic gynecology, gynecologic-oncology, surgery, and symptom management.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy treats cancer with powerful drugs that travel through the bloodstream in order to:
- Destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells that have metastasized to other parts of the body
- Shrink the cancer tumors before surgery
- Relieve symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain
What Are the Goals of Chemotherapy Treatment?
- Cure: If possible, chemotherapy is used to cure the cancer, meaning that all cancer cells are eliminated and there is no evidence of disease.
- Control: If cure is not possible, the goal is to slow the progression of the disease (stop the cancer from evolving and spreading) in order to extend and provide the best quality of life.
- Prevent Recurrence: Preventing recurrence of cancer is given through Adjuvant therapy. This procedure is given to prevent the growth of stray cancer cells lingering in the body after surgery or radiation.
- Shrink Tumor Before Surgery: Shrinking the tumor before surgery, called Neo-adjuvent therapy, may be used to shrink a large tumor so that it can then be removed by surgery. This results in a less extensive operation.
- Relieve Symptoms: Chemotherapy can be given to reduce symptoms such as pain.
How Are Chemotherapy Drugs Given?
Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy drugs can be given by the following methods:
- Mouth: Tablets, capsules or liquids are given to patients so they may be taken at home.
- Injection: Given under the skin or into a muscle.
- Intravenous (IV): A small tube is inserted into the vein of the hand or lower arm.
- IV infusion: Intra-venous drip. The period of time the drip continues may depend on the type and number of medications.
- IV Push: Given directly from a syringe by a nurse over the course of a few minutes.
An implanted port is recommended to those patients that require frequent and/or long-term delivery of medications directly into the bloodstream. A port can also be suggested by a doctor if smaller veins which are typically used for injection of medications are damaged, injured or have poor blood flow.
