Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the medical and clinical management of cancer. Cancer occurs as a result of abnormal cell growth and spread in different organs and tissues of the body. Medical oncologists diagnose, treat and monitor cancer. Doctors who specialize in this field aim to improve the quality of life of patients by determining appropriate treatment methods.

Who is a Medical Oncologist?

Medical oncologists are specialist doctors who have received advanced training in oncology. Becoming a medical oncologist requires a long and intensive education process:

• 6 years of medical school education,
• 4 years of internal diseases specialty training,
• 3 years of medical oncology subspecialty training.

At the end of this process, medical oncologists undertake the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer patients.

The Scope of Medical Oncology

Medical oncology deals with the treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation and spread of cells. Medical oncologists apply the following treatment methods:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormonotherapy
• Pre- and post-surgical treatments

A multidisciplinary field, medical oncology works in close collaboration with other branches of medicine such as surgery, radiation oncology, and pathology.

Cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which normal cells in the body grow uncontrollably and form abnormal tissues. These cells do not perform their normal functions and damage healthy tissues. Cancer can start in one organ and spread to other organs. This is called metastasis.

One of the main causes of cancer is changes in DNA. These changes disrupt the normal growth and control mechanisms of cells, causing them to multiply uncontrollably.

Different types of cancer vary according to their starting point, the types of cells affected, and how they spread. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, cancer can be controlled, but advanced cancer can lead to serious health problems.

Chemotherapy

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a treatment method used to kill cancer cells or control their growth. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy can be given in different ways:

• Before surgery to shrink the tumor,
• After surgery to destroy cancer cells,
• In combination with other treatment methods.

How is it administered?

Chemotherapy is usually given in sessions. There is a rest period between each session so the body can renew its healthy cells. Treatment is planned specifically for each individual according to the type of cancer, the patient's general health status, and treatment goals. During the application, the patient is informed in detail and supported in managing side effects.

Chemotherapy

The Purpose of Chemotherapy

The main purpose of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. Chemotherapy drugs are transported to different parts of the body to target, kill, or prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Chemotherapy can also prevent cancer cells from spreading and can make treatment more effective before or after surgery by shrinking tumors. Chemotherapy can also be used to control symptoms. For example, chemotherapy can reduce pain, swelling, or other discomfort caused by cancer cells. Ultimately, the goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells, control their growth, relieve symptoms, and improve the patient's overall health.

Targeted (Smart Drug) Therapies

Smart Drug What is it?

Smart drugs, also known as targeted therapy, are treatments that selectively target certain features of cancer cells. These drugs either stop the growth and spread of cancer cells or kill them. Smart drugs have the potential to reduce side effects of cancer treatment while causing less damage to healthy cells.

What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy targets specific molecules, such as gene mutations, proteins, or signaling pathways, within cancer cells. This treatment method works by blocking these features of cancer cells that are different from normal cells. In this way, the likelihood of harming healthy cells is reduced and side effects are generally fewer. However, this treatment may not be suitable for every type of cancer or patient. Targeted therapies are often specifically designed for certain types or subtypes of cancer and are considered a significant development in the field.

What Types of Cancer Are Smart Drugs Effective In?

Smart drugs are used in almost every type of cancer today. Smart drugs, known as anti-estrogen hormone therapy, were first used in women and have been used for about 30-40 years. Many different smart drugs are now used in cancer treatment. have been developed, and there is a chance to benefit from these drugs in every type of cancer.

Oncology doctors try to block these targets by identifying structures or processes in cancer cells that are different from normal cells. In addition, new smart drugs are constantly being developed and treatments are becoming more and more targeted. Smart drugs constitute an important turning point in cancer treatment because they target cancer cells without harming healthy cells, and offer patients more effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

Success Rate of Smart Drugs

Although classical chemotherapies can extend the life span in certain types of cancer, the chances of this treatment have increased even more with the addition of smart drugs. For example, while the life span of a colon tumor that has metastasized to the liver is 3-6 months with classical treatments, this period can be reduced to a few months with new chemotherapies. years, and with the addition of smart drugs, a much longer life has been provided.

Smart drugs, especially in suitable types of lung cancer, can extend the life of patients from 1-2 years to 4-5 years with just one drug without the need for chemotherapy. These drugs significantly increase the quality and duration of life by providing additional contributions to the treatment.

Side Effects of Smart Drugs

One of the biggest advantages of smart drugs is that they have fewer side effects compared to classical chemotherapy. While classical chemotherapy generally suppresses the bone marrow, causing serious blood pressure and susceptibility to infections, these effects are very rare with smart drugs. The most common side effects of smart drugs include skin rashes. These side effects are milder and more manageable than chemotherapy.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a new generation treatment method that strengthens the immune system in the treatment of cancer patients and enables the body to fight cancer on its own. This treatment method provides long-term and permanent responses by creating a memory in immune cells. Immunotherapy, which has far fewer side effects than chemotherapy, offers a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment.

The Goal of Immunotherapy

Although cancer is generally kept under control by the immune system, in some cases cancer cells can continue to proliferate by escaping the immune system. This is usually seen in individuals with weakened immune systems. Immunotherapy steps in at this point, removing pressure on the immune system and increasing the effect