Bethke Cancer Center

Medical Oncology: A Central Role in Treatment

The Bethke Cancer Center’s medical oncologists are physicians who specialize in medical treatment for cancer. They play a central role by helping to guide the diagnosis, treatment plan and overall cancer care for patients, as well as support for their families.

The medical oncologist prescribes chemotherapy, which many patients will have as part of their treatment. Fortunately, today many chemotherapy drugs are associated with fewer side effects than in the past. In fact, some patients do not experience nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy. Supportive care—treatment aimed at addressing the symptoms of the cancer itself or treatment side effects—helps many individuals to function well while they are being treated for cancer.

Emerson’s highly experienced medical oncologists maintain close working relationships with colleagues at the prominent Boston cancer programs. As a result, patients have access to clinical trials involving several new approaches to cancer treatment, including targeted therapies—the new class of cancer drugs that focus on specific tumor cells and cause minimal side effects.