Specialised Cancer Treatment, Personalised to You
At Athira Oncology & Hematology, we provide specialised medical oncology and hemato-oncology care with a focus on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and personalised care planning.
Cancer treatment is not the same for everyone. Treatment decisions are based on the type and stage of cancer, tumour characteristics, overall health and individual treatment needs.
Medical Oncology
Our medical oncology services focus on systemic treatments that work throughout the body to treat cancer and, where appropriate, control its progression.
Our treatment services include:
Chemotherapy
Medicines used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, depending on the diagnosis.
Immunotherapy
A treatment approach that helps the body's immune system recognise and respond to cancer cells. Its suitability depends on the type and characteristics of the cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Treatments designed to act on specific molecular or biological features of cancer cells. Appropriate testing may help determine whether a targeted treatment is suitable.
Hormonal (Endocrine) Therapy
Used for certain cancers that depend on hormones for their growth. It works by reducing the effect or availability of specific hormones.
When Is Medical Oncology Recommended?
Understanding when systemic treatment may be recommended helps patients understand the role of medical oncology in comprehensive cancer care.
Individualised Treatment Decisions
There is no single point at which every patient needs medical oncology.
What Determines the Need?
The need for drug treatment depends on factors such as where the cancer started, its stage, its pathology, its molecular characteristics and the patient's overall health and preferences.
A medical oncologist may recommend systemic treatment:
Before surgery (neoadjuvant treatment)
To shrink a tumour, treat cancer cells elsewhere in the body early, or improve the chances of successful surgery.
After surgery (adjuvant treatment)
To treat microscopic cancer cells that may remain and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Alongside radiation
When medicines can improve the effectiveness of radiation or provide additional cancer control.
For advanced or metastatic cancer
When cancer has spread beyond its original site and treatment is aimed at controlling the disease, prolonging survival and maintaining quality of life.
When biomarker testing identifies a treatment opportunity
Such as a molecular alteration that can be targeted with a specific medicine.
For blood cancers, lymphomas and myeloma
Where systemic treatment is often the main form of cancer-directed therapy.
When cancer returns
When previous treatment needs to be reassessed and a new treatment strategy considered.
Importantly, Not Every Cancer Requires Drug Treatment
Some early-stage cancers can be treated effectively with surgery, radiation or another local treatment alone. Deciding that systemic treatment is not necessary is also an important part of medical oncology.
Treatment recommendations are guided by current clinical evidence and established guidelines, including NCCN Guidelines®, while being individualised to the patient's circumstances.
