Clinical oncologists specialize in radiation treatment for cancer patients, reviewing patient files, defining treatment schedules, treating patients, and monitoring their response. They work closely with other healthcare professionals and provide radiation therapy as part of the overall treatment plan. Regular appointments and testing are performed to assess treatment success.
Clinical oncology is a discipline specializing in radiology. The primary role of the clinical oncologist is the completion of radiation treatment for cancer patients. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells in the body. The extent of treatment depends on the type of cancer, the degree of progression and the time of diagnosis. Typically, cancer patients who have advanced-stage cancer are not ideal candidates for radiation therapy.
There are four main tasks to complete in clinical oncology: review the patient file with the oncologist, define the radiation treatment schedule, treat the patient, and monitor the client’s response. Clinical oncologists are focused on providing radiation therapy as part of the overall treatment plan. They are licensed radiologists, not physicians.
It is important to note that the term clinical oncologist is used interchangeably with medical oncologist in North America. In the United Kingdom and former colonies, an oncologist is a clinician or doctor. Clinical oncologists provide radiation therapy and medical oncologists are focused on managing the patient’s overall treatment program.
The model of care for cancer patients often involves specialists from a wide range of medical disciplines. This holistic approach has been found to be most effective for cancer patients, but it can result in confusion early in the process as it is difficult to identify who is in charge. These professional healthcare teams typically meet once a week to review the patient’s progress, actions taken, issues, concerns, and progress. Any changes to the treatment plan are communicated at this time. Clinical oncology specialists work closely with other team members and provide the radiation treatment prescribed by the lead oncologist.
Once the treatment frequency is defined, a member of the clinical oncology department meets with the patient to discuss the logistical and preparation steps needed to complete the treatment plan. This may include dietary restrictions, recommended vitamins, and other steps designed to increase patient comfort. Many patients coordinate their treatment with other hospital visits and can arrange transport through their local cancer charity.
Upon arrival, the clinical oncologist ensures that the prep routine is complete and then completes the radiation treatment. The process is painless, but side effects can cause pain or physical discomfort. It is often recommended that patients arrange transport to and from treatments as it can be quite taxing.
Regular appointments and testing are performed to assess the success of the treatment plan. The oncologist usually has an ideal progression plan and actual progress is compared against this value. Any changes in the patient’s condition are reported back to the team, who discuss the options available to improve the patient’s health.
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