Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy Services

A medical oncologist specializes in the use of medicines, called chemotherapy, to treat cancer. Chemotherapy can be used to cure cancer, to keep cancer from spreading, to slow cancer's growth or to relieve symptoms caused by cancer.

Your medical oncologist at the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center will decide which drug or combination of drugs, dosages, method of administration, and frequency are best for you. All of these decisions will depend on the type of cancer, its location, the extent of its growth, how it is affecting your normal body functions, and your general health.

At the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center's chemotherapy center, you will be cared for by specially trained and certified oncology nurses. Great care has been taken to provide a soothing, home-like environment which includes ample room for loved ones to comfortably stay with you during your treatment.

Chemotherapy works systematically through the body as it is delivered intravenously. There are about 80 different types of chemotherapy drugs being used today. Your chemotherapy treatment may consist of more than one drug. Chemotherapy drugs are made to kill fast-growing cancer cells, but because these drugs travel through the entire body they can affect normal, healthy cells. Damage to healthy tissue is the cause of side effects. It is important to remember that every person doesn't get every side effect, and some people get few, if any. Your medical oncologist will work with you on the most effective methods for minimizing any side effects caused by your treatment.