Handbook of Medical Oncology

The branch of medical oncology is focused on the treatment of cancer using the treatment pathways of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormonal therapy. The introduction of drugs into the blood stream constitutes a systemic therapy that addresses cancer at any anatomical location in the body. The diagnosis and staging investigations of a cancer depend on the kind of malignancy or the site of occurrence. Bone marrow studies and blood investigations are performed for blood cancer diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies, blood investigations and imaging are performed for the diagnosis of lymphoma. On the basis of the knowledge gathered from such examinations and depending on the severity of the malignancy, a medical oncologist may decide the treatment strategy to be followed. An informed decision based on the psychological, physical, emotional and financial status of the patient is also made. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied therapies that fall under the domain of medical oncology. Such selected concepts that redefine cancer care have been presented in this book. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study.