Every cancer is different, and so is every patient. At Sacramento Center for Hematology and Medical Oncology, we understand the importance of providing personalized care to determine the best course of treatment for your cancer. Our physicians will consider many variables including the stage of your disease, your overall health, lifestyle and your personal preferences. As we discuss your treatment options with you and your family, don't be afraid to ask questions. We want you to be comfortable making decisions about your care.

There are four major types of treatment for cancer: biologic/targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Each of these can be used alone or, often times, patients will receive a combination of treatment types.

B i o l o g i c   a n d   T a r g e t e d   T h e r a p y
Some of the newest and most promising areas of cancer treatment are biologic therapies and other so-called "targeted" therapies. A biologic therapy is a drug that is manufactured from, or otherwise similar to, substances produced by living cells, as opposed to a chemical like chemotherapy. Targeted therapies are drugs that attack cancer by "zooming in" on specific parts of cancer cells. Some of these drugs are given IV in the office, and others may be taken as pills at home. Many of these types of drugs are safer and have fewer side effects than older chemotherapy drugs. Our oncologists will determine if you are a candidate for a treatment with these types of drugs and will explain all that is involved in administering them.

C h e m o t h e r a p y
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, and may be used to kill cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin, or metastasized.

R a d i a t i o n   T h e r a p y
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used as the primary therapy, or combined with surgery, chemotherapy and/or biologic therapy. There are many different ways radiation therapy is delivered, but today's methods are more precise and powerful then ever before.

S u r g e r y
Surgery treats cancer by removing the cancerous tissue, and is often used when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. It is also used in diagnosing and staging (finding the extent) of cancer. Advances in surgical techniques, including many less invasive operations, allow surgeons to successfully operate on a growing number of patients.