Oncology

Short description: Branch of medicine dealing with, or specializing in, cancer

Oncology

A coronal CT scan showing a malignant mesothelioma, indicated by the asterisk and the arrows

Focus| Cancerous tumor
Subdivisions| Medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology
Significant tests| Tumor markers, TNM staging, CT scans, MRI
OncologistOccupation

Occupation type

| Specialty

Activity sectors

| Medicine
Description

Education required

* Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
* Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
* Doctor of Osteopathic medicine (D.O.)
* Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.)
* Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

Fields of
employment

| Hospitals, Clinics, Clinical research centers

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist.[1] The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (ónkos), meaning "tumor", "volume" or "mass".[2] Oncology is concerned with:

* The diagnosis of any cancer in a person (pathology)
* Therapy (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other modalities)
* Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment
* Palliative care of patients with terminal malignancies
* Ethical questions surrounding cancer care
* Screening efforts:
* of populations, or
* of the relatives of patients (in types of cancer that are thought to have a hereditary basis, such as breast cancer)

## Contents

* 1 Diagnosis
* 2 Therapy
* 3 Palliative care
* 4 Ethical issues
* 5 Progress and research
* 6 Specialties
* 7 See also
* 8 References
* 9 Further reading
* 10 External links

## Diagnosis

Medical histories remain an important screening tool: the character of the complaints and nonspecific symptoms (such as fatigue, weight loss,[3] unexplained anemia,[4] fever of unknown origin, paraneoplastic phenomena and other signs) may warrant further investigation for malignancy. Occasionally, a physical examination may find the location of a malignancy.

Diagnostic methods include:

* Biopsy or resection; these are methods by which suspicious neoplastic growths can be removed in part or in whole, and evaluated by a pathologist to determine malignancy. This is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of cancer and is crucial in guiding the next step in management (active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these)[5]
* Endoscopy, either upper or lower gastrointestinal, cystoscopy, bronchoscopy, or nasendoscopy; to localise areas suspicious for malignancy and biopsy when necessary.[6]
* Mammograms, X-rays, CT scanning, MRI scanning, ultrasound and other radiological techniques to localise and guide biopsy.
* Scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) and other methods of nuclear medicine to identify areas suspicious of malignancy.
* Blood tests, including tumor markers, which can increase the suspicion of certain types of cancers.

Apart from diagnoses, these modalities (especially imaging by CT scanning) are often used to determine operability, i.e. whether it is surgically possible to remove a tumor in its entirety.

Currently, a tissue diagnosis (from a biopsy) by a pathologist is essential for the proper classification of cancer and to guide the next step of treatment. On extremely rare instances when this is not possible, "empirical therapy" (without an exact diagnosis) may be considered, based on the available evidence (e.g. history, x-rays and scans.)

On very rare occasions, a metastatic lump or pathological lymph node is found (typically in the neck) for which a primary tumor cannot be found. However, immunohistochemical markers often give a strong indication of the primary malignancy. This situation is referred to as "malignancy of unknown primary", and again, treatment is empirically based on past experience of the most likely origin.[7]

## Therapy

Depending upon the cancer identified, follow-up and palliative care will be administered at that time. Certain disorders (such as ALL or AML) will require immediate admission and chemotherapy, while others will be followed up with regular physical examination and blood tests.

Often, surgery is attempted to remove a tumor entirely. This is only feasible when there is some degree of certainty that the tumor can in fact be removed. When it is certain that parts will remain, curative surgery is often impossible, e.g. when there are metastases, Occasionally, when the tumor has invaded a structure that cannot be operated upon without risking the patient's life. Occasionally surgery can improve survival even if not all tumour tissue has been removed; the procedure is referred to as "debulking" (i.e. reducing the overall amount of tumour tissue). Surgery is also used for the palliative treatment of some cancers, e.g. to relieve biliary obstruction, or to relieve the problems associated with some cerebral tumors. The risks of surgery must be weighed against the benefits.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as a first-line radical therapy in several malignancies. They are also used for adjuvant therapy, i.e. when the macroscopic tumor has already been completely removed surgically but there is a reasonable statistical risk that it will recur. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are commonly used for palliation, where disease is clearly incurable: in this situation the aim is to improve the quality of life and to prolong it.

Hormone manipulation is well established, particularly in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer.

There is currently a rapid expansion in the use of monoclonal antibody treatments, notably for lymphoma (Rituximab) and breast cancer (Trastuzumab).

Vaccines and other immunotherapies are the subject of intensive research.

## Palliative care

Approximately 50% of all cancer cases in the Western world can be treated to remission with radical treatment. For pediatric patients, that number is much higher. A large number of cancer patients will die from the disease, and a significant proportion of patients with incurable cancer will die of other causes. There may be ongoing issues with symptom control associated with progressive cancer, and also with the treatment of the disease. These problems may include pain, nausea, anorexia, fatigue, immobility, and depression. Not all issues are strictly physical: personal dignity may be affected. Moral and spiritual issues are also important.

While many of these problems fall within the remit of the oncologist, palliative care has matured into a separate, closely allied specialty to address the problems associated with advanced disease. Palliative care is an essential part of the multidisciplinary cancer care team. Palliative care services may be less hospital-based than oncology, with nurses and doctors who are able to visit the patient at home.

## Ethical issues

There are a number of recurring ethical questions and dilemmas in oncological practice. These include:

* What information to give the patient regarding disease extent/progression/prognosis.
* Entry into clinical trials, especially in the face of terminal illness.
* Withdrawal of active treatment.
* "Do Not Resuscitate" orders and other end-of-life issues.

These issues are closely related to the patient's personality, religion, culture, and family life. Though these issues are complex and emotional, the answers are often achieved by the patient seeking counsel from trusted personal friends and advisors. It requires a degree of sensitivity and very good communication on the part of the oncology team to address these problems properly.

## Progress and research

There is a tremendous amount of research being conducted on all frontiers of oncology, ranging from cancer cell biology, and radiation therapy to chemotherapy treatment regimens and optimal palliative care and pain relief. Next-generation sequencing and whole-genome sequencing have completely changed the understanding of cancers. Identification of novel genetic/molecular markers will change the methods of diagnosis and treatment, paving the way for personalized medicine.

Therapeutic trials often involve patients from many different hospitals in a particular region. In the UK, patients are often enrolled in large studies coordinated by Cancer Research UK (CRUK),[8] Medical Research Council (MRC),[9] the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)[10] or the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN).

The most valued companies worldwide whose leading products are in Oncology include Pfizer (United States), Roche (Switzerland), Merck (United States), AstraZeneca (United Kingdom), Novartis (Switzerland) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (United States) who are active in the treatment areas Kinase inhibitors, Antibodies, Immuno-oncology and Radiopharmaceuticals.[11]

## Specialties

* The four main divisions:
* Medical oncology: focuses on the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy.[12]
* Surgical oncology: focuses on treatment of cancer with surgery.[13]
* Radiation oncology: focuses on treatment of cancer with radiation.[13]
* Clinical oncology: focuses on treatment of cancer with both systemic therapies and radiation.[14]
* Sub-specialties in Oncology:
* Neuro-oncology: focuses on cancers of brain.
* Ocular oncology: focuses on cancers of eye.[15]
* Head & Neck oncology: focuses on cancers of oral cavity, nasal cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx.[16]
* Thoracic oncology: focuses on cancers of lung, mediastinum, oesophagus and pleura.[17]
* Breast oncology: focuses on cancers of breast.
* Gastrointestinal oncology: focuses on cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, anal canal, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.[18]
* Bone & Musculoskeletal oncology: focuses on cancers of bones and soft tissue.[19]
* Dermatological oncology: focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of skin, hair, sweat gland, and nail cancers
* Genitourinary oncology: focuses on cancers of genital and urinary system.[20]
* Gynecologic oncology: focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system.[21]
* Pediatric oncology: concerned with the treatment of cancer in children.[22]
* Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology.[23]
* Hemato oncology: focuses on cancers of blood and stem cell transplantation.
* Preventive oncology: focuses on epidemiology & prevention of cancer.[24]
* Geriatric oncology: focuses on cancers in elderly population.[25]
* Pain & Palliative oncology: focuses on treatment of end stage cancer to help alleviate pain and suffering.[26]
* Molecular oncology: focuses on molecular diagnostic methods in oncology.[27]
* Nuclear medicine oncology: focuses on diagnosis and treatment of cancer with radiopharmaceuticals.
* Psycho-oncology: focuses on psychosocial issues on diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
* Veterinary oncology: focuses on treatment of cancer in animals.[28]
* Emerging specialties:
* Cardiooncology is a branch of cardiology that addresses the cardiovascular impact of cancer and its treatments.[29]

## See also

* Cancer research
* Comparative oncology
* Oncology nursing
* Oncometabolism
* Tumour heterogeneity
* Warburg effect (oncology)

Organizations

* American Cancer Society
* American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
* American Cancer Society Center
* American Society of Clinical Oncology
* Canadian Cancer Society
* Cancer Research UK
* National Cancer Institute
* National Comprehensive Cancer Network
* Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy

## References

1. ↑ Maureen McCutcheon. Where Have My Eyebrows Gone?. Cengage Learning, 2001. ISBN 0766839346. Page 5.
2. ↑ Types of Oncologists , American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
3. ↑ Alfred E. Chang & authors. Oncology: An Evidence-Based Approach. Springer Science & Business Media, 2007. ISBN 0387310568. Page 1488.
4. ↑ Alice Villalobos, Laurie Kaplan. Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. John Wiley & Sons, 2008. ISBN 0470344075. Page 77.
5. ↑ "How biopsy procedures are used to diagnose cancer" (in en). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/biopsy/art-20043922.
6. ↑ "Endoscopy". British Medical Association Complete Family Health Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley Limited. 1990.
7. ↑ National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Clinical guideline 104: Metastatic malignant disease of unknown primary origin: Diagnosis and management of metastatic malignant disease of unknown primary origin. London, 2010.
8. ↑ "Cancer Research UK". 10 May 2021. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/home.
9. ↑ "Home - Medical Research Council". http://www.mrc.ac.uk/.
10. ↑ "European Organisation For Research And Treatment Of Cancer". January 17, 2017. https://www.eortc.org/.
11. ↑ "Top Global Pharmaceutical Company Report". The Pharma 1000. November 2021. https://torreya.com/publications/pharma-1000-report-update-torreya-2021-11-18.pdf.
12. ↑ Kennedy, B. J. (1997-12-01). "Medical oncology as a discipline". Oncology 54 (6): 459–462. doi:10.1159/000227603. ISSN 0030-2414. PMID 9394841.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Types of Oncologists". Cancer.Net : American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). 2011-05-09. http://www.cancer.net/all-about-cancer/newly-diagnosed/find-oncologist/types-oncologists.
14. ↑ "What is clinical oncology? | the Royal College of Radiologists". https://www.rcr.ac.uk/discover-explore/discover-oncology/what-clinical-oncology.
15. ↑ Natarajan, Sundaram (2015-02-01). "Ocular oncology – A multidisciplinary specialty". Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 63 (2): 91. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.154364. ISSN 0301-4738. PMID 25827536.
16. ↑ Manganaris, Argyris; Black, Myles; Balfour, Alistair; Hartley, Christopher; Jeannon, Jean-Pierre; Simo, Ricard (2009-07-01). "Sub-specialty training in head and neck surgical oncology in the European Union". European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 266 (7): 1005–1010. doi:10.1007/s00405-008-0832-4. ISSN 1434-4726. PMID 19015865.
17. ↑ Harish, Krishnamachar; Kirthi Koushik, Agrahara Sreenivasa (2015-05-01). "Multidisciplinary teams in thoracic oncology-from tragic to strategic". Annals of Translational Medicine 3 (7): 89. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.01.31. ISSN 2305-5839. PMID 26015931.
18. ↑ Mulder, Chris Jacob Johan; Peeters, Marc; Cats, Annemieke; Dahele, Anna; Droste, Jochim Terhaar sive (2011-03-07). "Digestive oncologist in the gastroenterology training curriculum". World Journal of Gastroenterology 17 (9): 1109–1115. doi:10.3748/wjg.v17.i9.1109. ISSN 1007-9327. PMID 21556128.
19. ↑ Weber, Kristy L.; Gebhardt, Mark C. (2003-04-01). "What's new in musculoskeletal oncology". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume 85-A (4): 761–767. doi:10.2106/00004623-200304000-00029. ISSN 0021-9355. PMID 12672857.
20. ↑ Bukowski, Ronald M. (2011-10-10). "Genitourinary Oncology: Current Status and Future Challenges". Frontiers in Oncology 1: 32. doi:10.3389/fonc.2011.00032. ISSN 2234-943X. PMID 22649760.
21. ↑ Benedetti-Panici, P.; Angioli, R. (2004-01-01). "Gynecologic oncology specialty". European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology 25 (1): 25–26. ISSN 0392-2936. PMID 15053057.
22. ↑ Wolff, J. A. (1991-06-01). "History of pediatric oncology". Pediatric Hematology and Oncology 8 (2): 89–91. doi:10.3109/08880019109033436. ISSN 0888-0018. PMID 1863546.
23. ↑ Shaw, Peter H.; Reed, Damon R.; Yeager, Nicholas; Zebrack, Bradley; Castellino, Sharon M.; Bleyer, Archie (April 2015). "Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology in the United States: A Specialty in Its Late Adolescence". Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 37 (3): 161–169. doi:10.1097/MPH.0000000000000318. ISSN 1536-3678. PMID 25757020.
24. ↑ Mkrtchyan, L. N. (2010-06-01). "On a new strategy of preventive oncology". Neurochemical Research 35 (6): 868–874. doi:10.1007/s11064-009-0110-x. ISSN 1573-6903. PMID 20119639.
25. ↑ Vijaykumar, D. K.; Anupama, R.; Gorasia, Tejal Kishor; Beegum, T. R. Haleema; Gangadharan, P. (2012-01-01). "Geriatric oncology: The need for a separate subspecialty". Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology 33 (2): 134–136. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.99755. ISSN 0971-5851. PMID 22988358.
26. ↑ Epstein, A. S.; Morrison, R. S. (2012-04-01). "Palliative oncology: identity, progress, and the path ahead". Annals of Oncology 23 (Suppl 3): 43–48. doi:10.1093/annonc/mds087. ISSN 1569-8041. PMID 22628415.
27. ↑ Jenkins, Robert (2001-04-01). "Principles of Molecular Oncology.". American Journal of Human Genetics 68 (4): 1068. doi:10.1086/319526. ISSN 0002-9297.
28. ↑ Breen, Matthew (2009-08-01). "Update on genomics in veterinary oncology". Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 24 (3): 113–121. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2009.03.002. ISSN 1938-9736. PMID 19732729.
29. ↑ Ghosh, AK; Walker, JM (2 January 2017). "Cardio-oncology.". British Journal of Hospital Medicine 78 (1): C11–C13. doi:10.12968/hmed.2017.78.1.C11. PMID 28067553.

## Further reading

* Watson, Ian R.; Takahashi, Koichi; Futreal, P. Andrew; Chin, Lynda (2013). "Emerging patterns of somatic mutations in cancer". Nat Rev Genet 14 (10): 703–718. doi:10.1038/nrg3539. PMID 24022702.
* Meyerson, Matthew; Gabriel, Stacey; Getz, Gad (2010). "Advances in understanding cancer genomes through second-generation sequencing". Nat Rev Genet 11 (10): 685–696. doi:10.1038/nrg2841. PMID 20847746.
* Katsanis, Sara Huston; Katsanis, Nicholas (2013). "Molecular genetic testing and the future of clinical genomics". Nat Rev Genet 14 (6): 415–426. doi:10.1038/nrg3493. PMID 23681062.
* Mardis, Elaine R. (2012). "Applying next-generation sequencing to pancreatic cancer treatment". Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 9 (8): 477–486. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2012.126. PMID 22751458.
* Mukherjee, Siddhartha (2011). The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. Fourth Estate. ISBN 978-0-00-725092-9.
* Vickers, Andrew (1 March 2004). "Alternative Cancer Cures: "Unproven" or "Disproven"?". CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 54 (2): 110–118. doi:10.3322/canjclin.54.2.110. PMID 15061600.

## External links

* "Comprehensive Cancer Information". January 1980. http://www.cancer.gov/.
* "NCCN - Evidence-Based Cancer Guidelines, Oncology Drug Compendium, Oncology Continuing Medical Education". National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/.
* "European Society for Medical Oncology | ESMO". http://www.esmo.org/.

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