Cancer
Medical Oncology
Personalised chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Introduction
Medical oncology has changed beyond recognition in the last fifteen years. Where once chemotherapy was a blunt instrument, today’s medical oncologist designs treatment around the specific biology of your tumour — using targeted drugs that home in on the mutations driving the cancer, and immunotherapies that train your own immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The result is more cancers controlled or cured, with fewer side effects, more days at home and a better quality of life.
Causes
- All the cancer-causing factors listed in surgical oncology apply equally here
- All the cancer-causing factors listed in surgical oncology apply equally here
Risk Factors
- Age
- Smoking and tobacco
- Heavy alcohol use
- Obesity
- Family history and known inherited mutations
- Chronic infections
- Occupational exposure to carcinogens
Symptoms
- New or worsening lump
- Persistent fatigue not relieved by rest
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fever, night sweats or unexplained bruising
- Cough lasting more than three weeks
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- Bone pain that worsens at night
When to Consult a Doctor
Medical oncology is involved at the time of cancer diagnosis to plan the treatment sequence. If you have been diagnosed with cancer — solid tumour, blood cancer or lymphoma — a medical oncologist should be part of your team from the start. Second opinions are welcome and often valuable when complex treatment decisions are involved.
Diagnosis
- Confirmation of diagnosis on biopsy
- Immunohistochemistry and molecular markers (HER2, ER/PR, EGFR, ALK, BRAF, MSI etc.)
- Next-generation sequencing for actionable mutations
- PET-CT and tumour-specific imaging for staging
- Cardiac, renal and hepatic baseline assessment
- Fertility counselling for young patients
- Comprehensive multidisciplinary tumour board review
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy
Cytotoxic drugs delivered as outpatient infusions or oral therapy, given alone or alongside surgery and radiation.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs that block specific molecular pathways — HER2 in breast cancer, EGFR in lung cancer, BCR-ABL in CML and many more.
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies that unleash the immune system against cancer.
Hormone Therapy
Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors and androgen-deprivation therapy for hormone-driven cancers.
Precision Medicine
Treatment chosen by the specific genomic profile of the tumour.
Supportive Therapy
Anti-emetics, growth factors, transfusions and nutritional support that make treatment tolerable.
Clinical Trials
Access to investigational therapies for selected patients.
Treatment Procedure
Treatment begins with a detailed planning consultation — your diagnosis, stage, treatment goals, schedule and side-effect profile are discussed in detail. Most chemotherapy is delivered as a day-care infusion in a dedicated chair or bed, typically every two to three weeks for several cycles. Oral therapies are dispensed for home use with clear instructions. Side effects are monitored proactively and managed with anti-nausea medicines, growth factors and other supportive care. Imaging is repeated periodically to assess response.
Benefits of Treatment
- Cure or long-term control for many cancers
- Shrinkage of tumours to enable surgery or radiation
- Prevention of recurrence after surgery
- Symptom relief in advanced disease
- Targeted treatment with fewer side effects than older chemotherapy
- Improved quality of life through modern supportive care
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients continue their daily activities through treatment, with rest days planned around infusions. Hair loss, fatigue, nausea and changes in appetite are common but manageable. Blood counts are monitored regularly. After completion, a structured surveillance plan with clinical review, blood tests and imaging continues for years. Survivorship clinics support long-term recovery — managing late effects, fertility, return to work and emotional wellbeing.
Possible Risks and Complications
What to be aware of
- Nausea, vomiting and fatigue
- Low blood counts and infection risk
- Hair loss with many regimens
- Mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation
- Cardiac, renal or liver effects with specific drugs
- Immune-related side effects with immunotherapy
- Long-term effects requiring ongoing surveillance
Prevention Tips
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Vaccinate against HPV and Hepatitis B
- Stay physically active
- Attend recommended screening
- Discuss genetic testing if you have a strong family history
Why Choose Medaura
Medaura connects you with surgeons and physicians who have trained at India’s top medical institutions and continue to publish, teach and innovate in their fields. Every recommendation we make is grounded in current international guidelines and our doctors’ direct clinical experience. We coordinate appointments, second opinions, diagnostic workups, financial estimates and travel logistics for patients from across India and abroad — so you can focus on getting better, not on navigating a fragmented healthcare system.
Senior consultants
15+ years of sub-specialty experience.
Transparent pricing
Written estimates, no hidden charges.
Rapid recovery
Modern, audited recovery pathways.
Book this treatment
Request a Consultation
A coordinator responds within one business day with next steps, costs and timeline.
Related Treatments
Curative cancer surgery — minimally invasive, robotic and complex resections.
Precision radiation therapy with IMRT, VMAT, SBRT and brachytherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to Your Healthcare Questions
Get quick, reliable information about treatments, appointments, services, and patient care.
Will I lose my hair?
Some chemotherapy regimens cause hair loss; others do not. Targeted and hormone therapies usually do not. Scalp cooling can reduce hair loss for some regimens.
Can I work during chemotherapy?
Many patients continue working, often on a reduced schedule. Energy varies through the treatment cycle.
Is immunotherapy suitable for me?
It depends on the tumour type and biomarker status (e.g. PD-L1, MSI). Your oncologist will explain whether it is appropriate.
