Clinical oncology is a branch of radiology that specializes in cancer treatment. The clinical oncologist’s primary responsibility is to ensure that cancer patients’ radiation treatments are completed. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. Treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer, its stage of progression, and when it was discovered. Patients with late-stage cancer are typically not good candidates for radiation therapy.
In clinical oncology, there are four main tasks to complete: review the patient file with the oncologist, set the radiation treatment schedule, treat the patient, and monitor the client’s response. Clinical oncologists are primarily concerned with delivering radiation therapy in accordance with the patient’s overall treatment plan. They are not doctors, but licensed radiologists.
It’s worth noting that in North America, the terms clinical oncologist and medical oncologist are interchangeable. An oncologist in the United Kingdom and former colonies is either clinical or medical. Clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy, while medical oncologists oversee the patient’s overall treatment plan.
Specialists from a variety of medical disciplines are typically involved in the treatment of cancer patients. This holistic approach has been found to be the most effective for cancer patients, but it can cause confusion at the start of the process because it’s difficult to figure out who’s in charge. Once a week, these health-care professional teams meet to discuss patient progress, steps taken, issues, concerns, and progress. At this time, any changes to the treatment plan are communicated. Clinical oncology specialists collaborate closely with the rest of the team and deliver the radiation therapy that the lead oncologist has prescribed.
After the treatment frequency has been determined, a member of the clinical oncology department meets with the patient to go over the logistics and preparation steps necessary to complete the treatment plan. This could include dietary restrictions, vitamin recommendations, and other measures aimed at improving patient comfort. Many patients schedule their appointments around other hospital visits, and they may be able to arrange transportation through a local cancer charity.
When the clinical oncologist arrives, he or she ensures that the preparation routine is completed before beginning the radiation treatment. Although the procedure is painless, side effects may cause physical discomfort. Patients are frequently advised to arrange for transportation to and from treatments, as they can be exhausting.
The success of the treatment plan is evaluated through regular appointments and tests. The oncologist usually has an ideal progression plan, which is compared to the actual progress. Any changes in the patient’s condition are communicated to the team, who then discuss the various options for improving the patient’s health.