The Medical Oncology Department is responsible for the evaluation, planning, and delivery of systemic cancer treatments. It is frequently at the centre of each patient's care pathway, bringing together the results of diagnostics, pathology, and imaging to recommend and carry out evidence-based drug treatment.
What the department does
Medical oncologists lead the planning of systemic therapy — treatment delivered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. The department oversees chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, as well as combinations of these approaches where indicated. Treatment plans are developed following multidisciplinary discussion and are tailored to the individual patient's diagnosis, stage, molecular profile, general health, and treatment history.
Conditions treated
The department treats patients with a wide range of solid tumours and haematological malignancies at all stages, including patients receiving curative treatment, those being treated to control disease over the longer term, and patients requiring treatment alongside surgery or radiotherapy.
Clinical approach
Treatment plans are based on internationally accepted clinical guidelines and are reviewed at a multidisciplinary tumour board before being finalised. Patient safety during treatment is a core priority: the team monitors blood counts, organ function, and treatment tolerance at regular intervals and adjusts the plan as needed. Patients are supported with information before each cycle so that they understand what to expect and how to recognise and report side effects promptly.
What patients can expect
After the initial consultation, your medical oncologist explains the proposed treatment plan in detail — the drugs, schedule, expected effects, and how your response will be monitored. Day-hospital or inpatient arrangements are confirmed by the department. Bring an identity document, all previous test results and imaging, a list of current medicines, and any questions you have prepared to your first appointment.