Loyola’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Approach
Loyola Medicine is nationally recognized for its expert team of doctors specially trained in oncology, the field of medicine specializing in cancer.
Whether you suspect that you have cancer or have already been diagnosed, Loyola’s interdisciplinary team of doctors provides the expertise, translational research experience and compassionate care necessary to diagnose and treat your specific cancer type.
What is an Oncologist?
Your Loyola oncologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer, is most often your main healthcare provider throughout your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Working with an interdisciplinary team of specialists for your specific cancer type, your oncologist will provide the necessary coordination and supportive care to ease your concerns and ensure the most positive outcome for your specific case.
Oncologists are commonly divided into the following disciplines:
- Hematologists specialize in treating blood cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders
- Medical oncologists specialize in the use of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other drugs to treat cancer
- Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation therapy to treat cancer
- Surgical oncologists specialize in biopsies and surgical procedures to treat cancer, often using minimally invasive techniques
Regardless of your cancer type or treatment plan, the role of your Loyola oncologist will include:
- Explaining your cancer diagnosis and stage
- Discussing all of your treatment options and recommending the best course of treatment for your specific case
- Delivering high-quality, compassionate care
- Helping maintain your quality of life by managing cancer-related pain, symptoms and treatment side effects
Your oncologist will guide you through your diagnosis and treatment at Loyola and will coordinate the care provided by other members of our team, including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses and social workers.
Clinical Trials and Support Services for Cancer
As one of the top educational medical facilities in the nation and a member institution of the Southwest Oncology Group, a national consortium sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the Loyola oncology division offers you a wide range of clinical trials that are not available in many other cancer treatment centers, such as new anti-cancer drugs.
Loyola’s cellular immunology, molecular pharmacology and molecular biology laboratories are dedicated to advancing cancer care for Loyola’s patients, bringing research insights to the care of patients.
In addition to expert care from your oncologists and the availability of clinical trials, Loyola offers a vast array of specialized services and treatment options for many different cancer types. We encourage you to learn more about our robust programs:
