Medical oncology is the use of systemic forms of treatment for the management of patients with malignancies. Medical oncologists are physicians who specialize in the care and treatment of those with cancer. While surgeons and radiation oncologists typically deal with a localized form of cancer treatment, medical oncologists deal with the current and long-term effects of cancer.

Medical oncologists, in collaboration with other physician colleagues, manage the delivery of chemotherapy, establish a tissue diagnosis of malignancy, review prognosis and treatment options with the patient and family, and coordinate additional services to ensure the patient’s emotional and social needs are met.