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A medical oncologist is a highly trained physician who is an expert in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and more targeted approaches. As a member of the cancer treatment team, a medical oncologist helps determine the medication plan, depending on the cancer type, size and location. The medical oncologist also factors in the patient’s age, general health, other health conditions and previous cancer treatments when developing the treatment plan.

Whether medication is given intravenously (the most common delivery option for chemotherapy) or as a pill, the medical oncologist oversees treatment, monitors the patient’s progress and helps manage any side effects.

A medical oncologist also works closely with other members of the cancer care team, such as surgeons and radiation oncologists, to manage cancer care.

Medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists have different roles in patient care:

A medical oncologist diagnoses cancer and focuses on systemic treatments, including chemotherapy, biologics and hormone therapy. A radiation oncologist is an expert in treating cancer with radiation therapy. A surgical oncologist uses surgery to remove tumors, lymph nodes and/or distant metastasis, perform biopsies to diagnose cancer and treat symptoms as part of palliative care. A medical oncologist may consult with surgeons and radiation oncologists when other treatments in addition to medication are needed.