Imagine a maestro, skillfully guiding a symphony of talented musicians, each playing their part in harmony to create a powerful, emotive performance. Now picture a medical oncologist, orchestrating a complex and personalized treatment plan for a patient diagnosed with cancer. The parallels are striking, and the importance of the oncologist’s role cannot be understated. We will explore the diverse and critical responsibilities of medical oncologists, highlighting their expertise and dedication to guiding patients through the challenging journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic Navigator:
Medical oncologists expertly navigate the complex world of cancer diagnostics, interpreting a variety of tests, such as biopsies, imaging scans, and blood work, to accurately identify the type and stage of a patient’s cancer. If tumor is the rumor and cancer is possibly the answer, then tissue is the issue. The constellation of imaging, pathology, laboratory should all be distilled by the medical oncologist into a language the patient can understand. Ideally, we can proceed with definitive treatment once the patient and family completely understand what is going on with the disease process.
Treatment Strategist:
They devise individualized treatment plans that consider the specifics of a patient’s cancer, overall health, and personal preferences, balancing cutting-edge therapies with tried-and-true methods for the best possible outcome. There may be several reasonable treatments that are all appropriate for the patient, evidence based and listed all major guidelines such as the NCCN or ESMO. Depending on the risk, benefits, pros, cons, it is paramount to determine the preferences of the patient and family to perhaps decide between a more conservative or aggressive approach.
Chemotherapy Conductor:
Medical oncologists orchestrate chemotherapy regimens, carefully managing the administration of potent drugs to destroy cancer cells while minimizing side effects and preserving patients’ quality of life. There are so many drug regimens potentially indicated for any tumor type. What is best for the ideal patient to optimize high curability and limit toxicity, then how do we tailor the therapy for the patient in front of us potentially with other comorbidities, elderly age, preferences, etc.
Targeted Therapy Tactician:
Leveraging advancements in precision medicine, medical oncologists prescribe targeted therapies tailored to the genetic and molecular profile of a patient’s tumor, ensuring that the most vulnerable cancer cells are attacked with surgical precision. Genetic evaluation has completely revolutionized personalized medicine and we are most suited to leverage the unique molecular profile of each patient to the benefit of the patient.
Immunotherapy Innovator:
They harness the power of the immune system through groundbreaking immunotherapies, empowering patients’ own bodies to recognize and fight cancer cells as foreign invaders. We always want “Plan A” to work to achieve maximal response and least adverse effects. We are always hoping for the best in outcomes, however at the same time, we are also considering “Plan B” options which include novel ways of harnessing the body’s immune system to attack the cancer. And there can be more than one way to do this.
Clinical Trial Crusader:
Medical oncologists connect patients with potentially life-saving clinical trials, offering access to innovative treatments that may not yet be widely available and contributing to the advancement of cancer research. These options not only help the patient but may also help everyone else who comes after with the same condition. Many of the best treatments that we have today came from similar brave patients in the past decade who opted to participate in ground-breaking treatment on clinical trials.
Support System Architect:
They coordinate a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive cancer care and ensure that each patient’s unique needs are met. We are part of a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care, interventionists, specialized proceduralists such as GI or Pulmonary MDs, ancillary services, etc. Complicated cases typically require review at the tumor board, and we consider ourselves as the captain the ship for each patient as we will most often see the patients for the long term.
Side Effect Solver:
Medical oncologists attentively monitor and manage the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatments, employing a variety of techniques and medications to alleviate symptoms and enhance patients’ well-being. Once a patient embarks on therapy, we will need to maintain a close eye for potential side effects. Some patients fly right through the treatments with no major issues, most will have common symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite with chemotherapy or perhaps itchy skin, muscle aches, fatigue with immunotherapy. Others with more severe symptoms. Most of the symptoms can be treated or will resolve with cessation of treatment.
Cancer Prevention Promoter:
They educate patients on cancer prevention strategies, empowering individuals to make lifestyle changes and pursue regular screenings to reduce their risk of developing cancer or experiencing a recurrence. We beat the disease, and we are in remission. Now let’s focus on preventative care, optimizing the immune system to maximize the best outcomes, perhaps consider oral or topical measures to prevent similar new cancers from popping up, or more aggressive screening programs to find associated malignancies at an earlier and more curable stage.
Compassionate Communicator:
Medical oncologists are empathetic listeners and clear communicators, adept at providing patients and their families with the information and support they need to make informed decisions and cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. This may include consideration for palliative or hospice care. It is imperative that we are honest with the patient and family. If the condition is not curable, then our first and foremost goal is the “quality of life” for the patient. Our second goal is how we can use drug treatments, radiotherapy and sometimes surgical resection to palliative symptoms and/or extend survival without compromising that first goal!
Medical oncologists are the maestros of cancer care, deftly coordinating a symphony of specialists and therapies to provide their patients with the best possible chance of overcoming cancer. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, they are committed to supporting patients through the entire journey, ensuring that each individual receives comprehensive, personalized care. As advances in oncology continue to reshape the landscape of cancer treatment, medical oncologists will remain at the forefront, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by this complex and challenging disease.
About the author
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. Currently practicing at the renowned Orlando Health Cancer Institute, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.