The Various Types of Chemotherapy Treatment

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs designed to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells in the body. It may be used:

• As a primary treatment to destroy cancer cells.
• Before another treatment such as surgery to shrink a tumor.
• After another treatment such as surgery to destroy any remaining cells.
• To relieve symptoms such as pain in an advanced cancer.

Chemotherapy Delivery Methods

• Orally: by mouth in pill or liquid form
• Intravenously: by infusion into a vein
• Injection
• Direct placement: via a lumbar puncture or device implanted under the scalp

Other methods of cancer treatment include surgery to remove a tumor, and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses radioactive energy to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors and/or alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms.

If you need surgery your doctor will be able to make referrals to and coordinate your treatment with surgeons in the Hunterdon Medical Center as well as Fox Chase Cancer Center and other cancer treatment centers.

If you need radiation therapy, your doctor can coordinate your treatment with the Radiation Oncology Department within the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, as well as make referrals to other radiation treatment centers.

Blood Disorders

As specialists in blood (Hematology) disorders, our doctors can diagnose and treat various conditions such as Anemia, Thrombocytopenia (low platelets), Hemachromatosis (high iron) and Coagulapathy (clotting disorders). Treatments can include oral medications, injections, phlebotomy, and infusions.

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology is also an infusion center for providing intravenous treatment for diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other auto-immune conditions. These treatments are given in conjunction with other doctors who specialize in the specific disease and order the treatment.