Light of Day Oncology Center
"Cancer" is the leading cause of death in Thailand and globally. According to the 2022 statistics from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand, there are over 140,000 cancer-related deaths annually, equivalent to 400 deaths each day. Additionally, the incidence of new cancer cases is on the rise every minute.
While cancer may evoke a perception of extreme fatalistic thought, continuous advancements in medical technologies for cancer treatment aim to enhance the likelihood of a cure or alleviate suffering. Despite the diverse array of treatment modalities available, chemotherapy remains a primary approach for 80–90% of cancer patients. Additionally, for those in the last stages of cancer, palliative care can be a viable option. Recognizing that the fear often lies not in the condition itself but in the treatment process, the ultimate objective of the Medical Oncology Center at MedPark Hospital is to administer effective treatment and assist patients in attaining improved health and a higher quality of life.
Why the Medical Oncology at MedPark Hospital?
- A dedicated team of oncology specialists and medical staff provides comprehensive care, keeping abreast of the latest tools and technologies. The approach is through compassionate care and recommendations for physical and mental well-being, akin to treating patients as valued family members.
- The center offers tailored treatment modalities for all types of cancer, particularly the prevalent ones in Thailand, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Key objectives include halting cancer cell growth, minimizing pain, motivating patients and their families throughout the treatment journey, and aiding patients in attaining full recovery for a healthy body and an enhanced quality of life.
- Carefully calibrated personalized combination chemotherapy using a cytotoxic admixture isolator ensures the efficacy of each chemotherapy combination in suppressing the growth of cancerous cells. Chemotherapy compounding adheres to international standards, ensuring proper dosage preparation in a clean room environment. The cytotoxic admixture isolator also mitigates the risk of cytotoxic drug exposure for pharmacists.
- Specifically designed private rooms for chemotherapy care prioritize patient privacy, allowing confidential consultations with doctors without the concern of eavesdropping. Oncology nurses, adept in caring for cancer patients under chemotherapy, closely monitor patients from a designated counter outside each room. Emergency safety equipment is standard in every chemotherapy care room, and physicians remain on standby throughout the day to ensure patient safety post-chemotherapy.
- Post-treatment follow-up checkups are conducted via telephone, assessing patients after IV chemotherapy sessions and take-home oral chemotherapy. Communication is facilitated through the Line official account, enabling patients to seek guidance and alleviate anxiety regarding any post-treatment abnormalities at home.
In addition, scheduling appointments after completing chemotherapy allows for monitoring potential cancer recurrence within a specified period.
Diseases and conditions
- Carcinoma includes breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, mouth cancer, gastric cancer or stomach cancer, etc.
- Sarcoma includes osteogenic sarcoma, etc.
- Leukemia includes acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, etc.
- Lymphoma includes Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, etc.
- Other types of tumors such as malignant melanoma, brain tumor, and spinal cord tumors, germ cell tumors, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), etc.
Tests and procedures
The Medical Oncology Center offers comprehensive screening tests for various types of cancer, aligning with WHO recommendations for regular cancer screenings, including cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer. Routine screening has proven effective in reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates. Early detection leads to timely treatments and significantly increases the chances of a cure.
- Specialized cancer screening is available for individuals in high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of cancer, facilitating the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Throughout the treatment process, the center provides cancer counseling services, offering holistic care guidelines involving closely monitoring patients to minimize potential complications during and after cancer treatment. Checking for possible post-chemotherapy complications allows for prompt intervention. Additionally, counseling sessions with psychologists are available to ensure the mental well-being of patients and their relatives, motivating them to persevere with the treatment.
- The center employs various treatment modalities for all types of cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Hormonal therapy is utilized to block hormones that stimulate the growth of cancerous tumors, effectively halting the growth of cancer cells.
- Combined-modality therapy and pain management strategies are implemented to alleviate discomfort, allowing patients to feel more at ease and continue living with an improved quality of life.
Specialties
Given the challenging nature of cancer, its potential for recurrence, and its profound impact on patients, individuals grappling with this disease necessitate meticulous medical care provided by seasoned oncology specialists. These professionals not only possess the expertise to navigate the intricacies of cancer treatment but also empathize with the emotional journey of patients. At the heart of their approach lies a dedicated pursuit of treatment modalities that seek to address the disease and enhance the quality of life for patients.
- Drug-resistant cancer treatment employs genetic screening to identify the most suitable treatment, addressing and managing potential drug resistance that could impede cancer response. This approach provides more precise cancer treatment and streamlines the often-protracted process of switching regimens, positively impacting a patient's long-term health and motivation.
- Chemotherapy inhibits the growth of rapidly multiplying cells and may entail temporary side effects such as nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, and hair loss. However, physicians plan drug regimen doses, timings, and adjunctive medications, including antiemetics, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal, to alleviate complications, ensuring patients receive effective treatment alongside comprehensive physical and mental care.
- Hormonal therapy is particularly effective for hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. Oncologists administer medications to impede cancer cell growth, preventing the spread of the disease. This modality yields favorable outcomes with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system, specifically "white blood cells," to combat cancerous cells. Administered drugs boost the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells, resulting in fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Early-stage immunotherapy can offer a chance of cure, significantly improving the patient's overall quality of life.
- Targeted therapy utilizes drugs to block the growth signaling pathways of cancer cells or inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. This targeted approach minimizes cancer cell division while affecting only cancerous cells, leading to fewer complications than chemotherapy. However, the efficacy varies depending on the severity and individual response. Physicians and nurses provide close medical care throughout the treatment period.
- Palliative Care emphasizes mental and emotional well-being. This care involves collaborating with a psychologist to create a living will and pain management conducted by an anesthesiologist with expertise in this domain. Palliative care aims to enhance a patient's quality of life as much as possible, preparing their families for the acceptance of their loved one's passing and providing guidance on coping with grief and its potential impact on their lives.
