Medical Oncology

Additional information: Understanding Chemotheraphy
Download: Chemotherapy Video

The Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center (JACC) provides comprehensive cancer treatments in the Medical Oncology Department. Chemotherapy treatment uses medicines, hormones, or biological agents to fight cancer. Chemotherapy treatments are given in different ways: orally; by injection into a muscle; by injection into a vein; or by injection into a catheter, a device which is attached to a major blood vessel. Biological therapy fights cancer by stimulating the immune system, your body’s natural defense. Doctors may prescribe biological response modifiers alone or with anticancer drugs.

The Department of Medical Oncology provides patients with the highest quality of care available while pursuing promising research in the clinic. One of the principal goals of the JACC is to develop more effective therapies for patients with cancer and to refine the delivery of therapy to minimize toxic effects and maintain quality of life. The Department of Medical Oncology offers conventional and state-of-the-art chemotherapy programs, as well as treatments using the body's own defense mechanisms to fight cancer.

The treatment room is staffed by Chemotherapy Nurses, many of who have received national recognition and certification as Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN). Chemotherapy nurses are trained to administer chemotherapy medications. They understand how the drugs should be given and what side effects can be expected. They play an important role in patient education and provide support for patients and their families.

Those receiving treatment at the JACC will become familiar with the treatment area. The treatment area is used for administering chemotherapy, blood transfusions and providing immediate care for patients in need. We provide a large open treatment area where patients may recline and/or converse with a family member or other patients. This allows the patients and their families an opportunity to form a "mini-support group." New patients are encouraged by this interaction. Patients may enjoy watching a program on cable, or view one of the videotapes from our library or from their personal library while receiving their treatment.