Medical oncology uses chemotherapy, biological agents or other medications, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy and oral (pill form) chemotherapy, to treat cancer. Chemotherapy can be used alone or as part of a cancer treatment plan that may also include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapies or biological therapies. It may be used to cure cancer or to treat unpleasant symptoms the cancer is causing such as pain or bleeding. Each patient’s treatment time varies and depends on the specific cancer treatment plan. Treatment ranges from a single day to several consecutive days or continuously in an outpatient or inpatient setting.
Collaborative Approach to Care
Oncology Hematology Associates Board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists provide the highest level of clinical care and treatment. Extensively trained in their fields, our physicians take a collaborative team approach, ensuring each patient receives the latest diagnostic studies and therapies. Our advanced practitioners work in close partnership with our medical oncologists and hematologists as members of your healthcare team.
Cancers We Treat
Cancers we treat include bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, hematologic cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma and more.
Exceptional Care, Close to Home
Our cancer center provides an in-house laboratory performing all routine blood work and an in-house specialty pharmacy providing convenient dispensing and delivery of oral cancer drugs. Patients have access to a diverse range of support services including 24/7 pharmacy assistance and nutritional and financial counseling that provides unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care close to home.
On-Site Infusion Center
Many patients receive chemotherapy in the comfort of our unique, specially designed on-site infusion center. At OHA, we provide a comfortable, non-clinical living room area dedicated to chemotherapy treatment. Many of our nursing staff are oncology-certified nurses, OHA patients benefit from dedicated, highly skilled oncology nursing care. Our expert nurses administer the chemotherapy according to a treatment schedule prescribed by your physician. Safety procedures are in place to ensure the chemotherapy is delivered as safely as possible.
At OHA, we adhere to Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines when administering all chemotherapy and biotherapy treatments.
Some chemotherapy treatments must be administered in a hospital setting where you may be required to stay overnight. This depends upon the type of cancer and the type of therapy prescribed by your physician. The length and frequency of chemotherapy also varies. Chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly, monthly, or in cycles that include rest periods. Your doctor will review your individual treatment plan and answer any questions. Every OHA treatment patient is offered education counseling and informational materials that help explain chemotherapy therapy.
Benefits of On-Site Infusion
- Patient safety emphasis. We are equipped with a response team to address possible adverse reactions during treatment.
- Staffed with CPR-certified nurses.
- Furnished with comfortable recliners to help enhance patient comfort during infusion.
- Unique opportunity for patients to communicate and share stories.
- Provides puzzles, books, games and other things to do while receiving treatment.
- Offers a family-friendly support environment, although children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the treatment area.
- Conveniently open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.