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Chemotherapy and Medical
Oncology in Akola

Chemotherapy and medical oncology at Niramay Hospital, Akola, cover drug treatment for cancer: chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, planned by Dr. Sushant Ikhar, Medical Oncologist [CONFIRM], with the surgical and radiation teams. Treatment is given on a day-care or inpatient basis, depending on the plan.

केमोथेरपी आणि मेडिकल ऑन्कोलॉजी — डे-केअर आणि अंतररुग्ण उपचार, निरामय हॉस्पिटल, अकोला.

What is medical oncology?

Medical oncology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment of cancer using medicines. These medicines help destroy cancer cells, stop their growth, or prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body. Medical oncology plays an important role in cancer care and may be used alone or in combination with surgery and radiation therapy.

A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with medicines. They evaluate the type of cancer, its stage, its location, and the patient’s overall health before developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Medical oncology may be recommended for patients with different types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, blood cancers, prostate cancer, and many others. Treatment may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor, after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning, or as the main treatment when surgery is not suitable. It may also be used to control advanced cancer, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Types of drug treatment

Chemotherapy: medicines that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells, given through a vein or as tablets.

Targeted therapy: medicines aimed at specific features of a cancer found on special tests. [CONFIRM offered.]

Immunotherapy: medicines that help the body’s immune system recognise cancer. Suitable only for selected cancers after testing. [CONFIRM offered.]

Hormonal therapy: used for some breast and other hormone-sensitive cancers.

When chemotherapy is used

Before surgery, to shrink a tumour or make surgery more suitable

After surgery, to lower the chance of the cancer returning
Together with radiation for some cancers
For cancer that has spread, to control it and relieve symptoms

How treatment is planned

Before starting, the team reviews your diagnosis, stage, pathology and special tests, and checks blood counts and kidney, liver and heart function where needed. The doctor explains the goal of treatment, the number of cycles, the likely side effects and how they are managed. Plans are discussed with the surgical and radiation oncologists so that all treatments fit together.

Day-care and inpatient chemotherapy

Many chemotherapy cycles are given as day-care sessions, so that the patient can go home the same day. Some regimens or patients need admission. [CONFIRM day-care unit and inpatient arrangements.]

Managing side effects

Side effects depend on the medicines used and differ between patients. Common ones include tiredness, nausea, hair loss and lower blood counts. The team provides medicines and advice for these, and patients are told which symptoms, such as fever, need urgent contact with the hospital. Supportive and nutrition care run alongside treatment.

Post-Treatment Care and Rehabilitation

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy can leave side effects that last weeks or months after the last dose. Follow-up care watches for these effects, checks how the cancer has responded, and helps your body recover.

Scheduled review

clinical examination, blood tests and scans, timed to your cancer type and the treatment you received.

Blood count and organ monitoring

tests of blood counts, liver, kidney and, where relevant, heart and thyroid function.

Managing lingering side effects

care for tiredness, numbness or tingling in hands and feet (neuropathy), mouth sores, taste changes, nausea, bowel changes and hair regrowth.

Infection prevention

guidance on hygiene, food safety, fever warning signs and which vaccinations are suitable and when.

Nutrition support

dietitian advice to regain weight, strength and appetite.

Exercise and rehabilitation

a gradual activity plan, with physiotherapy where needed. Regular movement reduces fatigue and helps recovery.

Port or central line care

cleaning, flushing and removal planning where a device was used.

Memory and concentration difficulties

advice and coping strategies for “chemo fog”, which often improves with time.

Fertility and family planning

counselling about fertility effects of treatment and timing of future pregnancy.

Bone, heart and long-term health

screening for late effects, depending on the drugs received.

Emotional wellbeing

counselling and support groups for anxiety, low mood and the stress of returning to normal life.

Treatment summary

a written summary of the drugs you received and a follow-up plan to share with any doctor you see in future.

Contact the hospital urgently if you have: fever of 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher, shivering, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea, bleeding or bruising, mouth ulcers that stop you eating, or severe breathlessness.

Treatment Success and Survival Rates

How well chemotherapy and medical oncology treatment works depends on the type of cancer, its stage, its biology and the patient’s overall health. There is no single survival figure for “chemotherapy”. Cancer-specific survival figures are given on our individual service pages.

Chemotherapy has different goals

For some cancers it is given to cure. For others it reduces the risk of the cancer returning after surgery (adjuvant), shrinks a tumour before surgery or radiotherapy (neoadjuvant), or controls disease and symptoms.

How success is measured

  • Response rate: the share of patients whose tumour shrinks or disappears on scans.
  • Disease-free survival: the time a patient remains free of cancer after treatment.
  • Progression-free survival: the time the cancer is controlled without growing.
  • Overall survival: the time patients live after diagnosis or treatment starts.

Biology matters

 tests on the tumour, such as hormone receptors, HER2 or other genetic markers, help choose targeted or immunotherapy drugs that may suit a patient better.

Delivering treatment on schedule

 completing the planned course, with dose changes only when medically needed, supports the best chance of benefit.

Benefits and risks are weighed together

 Your oncologist will explain the expected benefit, the likely side effects and the alternatives before treatment begins.

No guarantee

two patients with the same cancer can respond differently. Published statistics describe groups, not individuals.

What Happens During Your Visit

1. Consultation

The doctor listens to your concerns, reviews your history and goes through your reports.

2. Tests, if needed

The team may advise scans, biopsy, pathology or staging tests to understand the condition.

3. Treatment planning

Once reports are ready, the doctor explains the diagnosis, options, sequence of care and follow-up in simple language.

4. Treatment and recovery

If treatment is needed, the team coordinates it and stays involved through recovery and follow-up.

If you or a family member needs guidance
on cancer surgery

Start with a consultation. Bring your reports and the doctor will explain the next step.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is chemotherapy always painful or difficult?

Experiences vary. Many side effects can be reduced with medicines and supportive care. Tell the team about any problem early.

How long does chemotherapy last?

It depends on the cancer and the plan, from a few cycles to several months. The doctor explains this before treatment starts.

Can I go home after chemotherapy?

In many cases yes, as day-care treatment. The team will tell you if admission is needed.

Are targeted therapy and immunotherapy suitable for everyone?

No. They are used for selected cancers after specific tests and assessment.

When should I call the hospital during treatment?

For fever, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness or any symptom the team has warned you about. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.

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