The Medical Oncology and Hematology Center (Chemotherapy)

Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat cancer. These medications target tumors and destroy their cells. Medical oncologists are the physicians who decide whether to give chemotherapy and which types of chemotherapy to use. 

At Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, medical oncologists work with other types of cancer doctors to create the most effective treatment plan for your type of cancer. For example, if you have breast cancer, you may need surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Your medical oncologist will work with your breast surgeon and radiation oncologist to create a personalized treatment plan based on the specifics of your breast tumor.

For certain tumors, chemotherapy given before surgery helps shrink the tumor, which makes it easier to remove. When used after surgery, chemotherapy reduces the possibility of regrowth of the cancer and helps prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. When used after a cancer has spread, chemotherapy can shrink the cancer. Chemotherapy also treats blood cancers.

Chemotherapy team

While your medical oncologist will be your primary cancer treatment physician, you will need support from other healthcare professionals, including:

• Nurse practitioners—nursing professionals who received additional training in nursing
• Physician assistants—practitioners who work very closely with physicians
• Oncology nurses—nurses who are specially trained to treat patients with cancer
• Social workers—licensed professionals who assist with counseling, insurance needs, locating aid, food services, and helping arrange transportation to and from office visits, if eligible    

Chemotherapy at Washington Cancer Institute

We know you have many questions, so please visit the following links to find the information you need:

• Our medical oncologists
• Guide to chemotherapy
• Information for patients and families
• Patient Support Services