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Medical oncology

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by

Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science

This page was updated on April 4, 2022.

Medical oncology is a field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating cancer by using chemotherapy and other drugs, such as biologic and hormone therapy. A medical oncologist at City of Hope leads many cancer patients' care team (depending on their cancer type), manages the patient’s course of treatment and coordinates with other doctors and clinicians. Depending on various factors, including your cancer diagnosis and stage, a medical oncologist may refer you to other doctors at City of Hope, including surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) is now City of Hope®, joining forces to expand patient access to personalized, comprehensive cancer care.

The medical oncologists at our state-of-the-art cancer centers meet with patients to discuss their general health backgrounds and collect medical records. Along with other doctors and clinicians on the patient’s care team, they may conduct physical exams and order diagnostic tests to make an informed diagnosis.

Our hospitals were designed to deliver integrative, comprehensive cancer care, with patients receiving their treatments, diagnostics and other procedures under one roof. Our medical oncologists meet with patients to discuss the diagnosis and provide patients with a variety of treatment options. To manage potential treatment-related side effects, supportive care services are also available. The nutritionists, rehabilitation therapists, naturopathic clinicians and other supportive care clinicians at City of Hope work together with your medical oncologist and your caregivers to reduce your side effects and improve your quality of life.

Our cancer experts have expertise in all types of cancer, including:

They take the time to educate each patient about health care innovations and breakthroughs in cancer research, including clinical trials and new immunotherapy drugs. If chemotherapy is part of your treatment plan, your medical oncologist will coordinate your dosage and schedule. Throughout your care, your medical oncologist will monitor your chemotherapy regimen, making adjustments when necessary, as part of the City of Hope commitment to providing personalized cancer care.

Expert cancer care

is one call away.
appointments in as little as 24 hrs.