Medical Oncology

Management of cancer needs multi modality treatment in majority of patients and chemotherapy, i.e., the drug treatment has its own role. Certain cancers need aggressive therapy with complicated drug combinations and sequences. An experienced team of medical oncologists, along with the specially trained staff, plan and administer the intricate drug schedules and monitor their toxicities and advise appropriate supportive care. The Medical Oncology unit has a Day Care Center where patients receive regular chemotherapy as an outpatient basis thus avoiding long stay in wards.

A full fledge Medical ICU and a dedicated Leukemia ward is an important feature of Medical Oncology Department. The ICU is a unique facility of its kind specially geared to handle emergencies and critical conditions which are non-surgical in nature. Manned by well trained staff this facility is a unique to administer toxic drugs such as Paclitaxel under close observation. Complications of treatment as well as those arising due to disease process such as tumour lysis syndrome, thromboembolism, septicaemia etc are managed effectively.

The Leukemia ward is a specialized unit to treat Acute Leukemia patients. These sufferers require complex treatment at a well equipped facility to have a meaningful outcome. The Leukemia ward has fully air conditioned cubicles and esthetically designed accommodation for a comfortable and long term stay. The interior design helps to prevent intercurrent infections and also provides necessary equipment for accurate monitoring, resuscitation etc.

Chemotherapy :

Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. But is can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. Often, side effects get better or go away after chemotherapy is over.

Common chemotherapy side effects:

• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Change in taste
• Hair loss
• Decrease in Blood Cells
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Low platelet count
• Nausea