Divison of Haematology & Medical Oncology
Divison of Haematology & Medical Oncology - Peter Mac Cancer Centre
| The Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology is led by Professor John Zalcberg OAM. | ||||||
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| Medical oncology has input into the care of patients across all tumour streams, with the exception of haematology. Patients may be treated in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and advanced disease settings. A significant proportion of patients receive combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy often concurrently. In contrast to radiation and surgical oncology, patients are more likely to have advanced cancer and are more likely to have complex medical, psychosocial and supportive care needs. Medical oncology works closely with a range of supportive care departments, including psychology, social work, nutrition, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Medical oncology is involved with a large number of clinical trials; hence many patients are trial participants with complex needs / requirements. Patients are seen as hospital inpatients, in the outpatient clinics and in the day chemotherapy unit. There is significant contact with patients by telephone and involvement with the Hospital in the Home service and with community palliative care services. Staff of the Medical Oncology Department at Peter Mac all work in multidisciplinary teams – regarded as a best practice model. Staff are committed to evidence-based practice and all staff members are committed to clinical research and improving treatments for patients. The Department is also committed to ensuring that patients receive optimal supportive care (including psychosocial care). Pain and Palliative Care department provides specialist pain management and palliative care expertise for all patients at Peter Mac. The multidisciplinary staff include medical and nursing consultants, pharmacist, research staff, and data manager. Patients may be seen as direct referrals from outside practitioners or following referral from other doctors within Peter Mac – in inpatient or outpatient settings. Many patients receive chemotherapy (and other treatments) in the day chemotherapy unit. |
