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Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy

Cancer is complex. Its treatment often requires a mix of therapies — medical, radiation, and surgical — along with lifestyle changes.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers this combined, complete approach to cancer treatment.

Our oncologists work together to create the most optimal and personal treatment plan for each person that comes to us for care.

Medical Oncology Treatment Options

In some cases, the team may recommend medicine — such as chemotherapy — to treat your cancer.

Based on your type and stage of cancer, your medical oncologist may suggest one or a few of these options:

  • Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or keep them from spreading.
  • Immunotherapy, also called biotherapy, uses biologic agents to boost the immune system to fight cancer cells.
  • Hormone therapy uses drugs to block improper activity of certain hormones.
  • Targeted therapy uses drugs to interact with cancer cells by targeting the molecules involved in cancer growth or spread.

We'll tailor your medical oncology treatment program to your disease, general health, and unique goals.

Compassionate Cancer Care Focused on Your Well-being

Our medical oncologists have a commitment to your wellbeing. We offer high quality care in a compassionate manner that considers you — not your cancer — as our first priority.

And, with locations throughout UPMC Hillman Cancer Center's vast network in western Pennsylvania, you can find this care close to home.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the only cancer center in the region recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Because of our resources, we're able to offer innovative treatment options that may not be available elsewhere.

Your care team may suggest taking part a clinical trial, which can give you access to these latest cancer treatments. We urge you to take advantage of clinical trials of new cancer drugs and protocols.

Contact Us About Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy

To learn more about medical oncology and chemotherapy or to make an appointment, you can:

Administering chemotherapy on a patient's chest

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells, stopping cancer cells from spreading and slowing the growth of cancer.

Learn more about chemotherapy.
Laboratory equipment

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy (biologic therapy) is a treatment method in which the patient is given an agent that stimulates and strengthens the immune system, which is then better able to fight cancer.

Learn more about immunotherapy.
Healthcare professional giving a patient medication to take

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can block the effect of hormones when they are being used by the body to spread cancer cells.

Learn more about hormone therapy.
Scientist holding a petri dish, looking at a computer screen

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are drugs that block the development and growth of cancer through inhibiting the driver pathways of cancer development.

Learn more about targeted therapy.