Treatment Options

Our oncology specialists include doctors, researchers, therapists, nurses and other professionals who work together to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

At MultiCare, tumor board review is an important part of our approach to care and treatment planning. Tumor boards consist of cancer experts from different specialties who meet regularly to discuss individual patient cases, including their diagnoses, symptoms, treatment options and more. Drawing upon the recommendations of a diverse group of oncology professionals helps us develop the most effective care plan for each patient and adjust that plan when needed.

Types of cancer treatment

The cancer treatments you receive depend on several factors, including the type, location and severity of the cancer. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following options:

Chemotherapy. This form of treatment uses anti-cancer drugs to slow or stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy can be administered in different ways. Common methods include infusion (through a needle inserted into a vein or a device known as a port implanted under the skin), injection or orally in pill form. Learn more about chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy. This type of cancer treatment helps your immune system fight cancer.

Hormone therapy. Given orally or through an injection, hormone therapy can shrink tumors, destroy specific cancer cells and lower the risk of cancer returning. Hormone therapy may be used to treat cancers that require hormones to grow, such as some prostate and breast cancers.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells, reducing the size of tumors in the process. Traditional radiation therapy uses machines to deliver radiation to the site of a cancer. In some cases, a radioactive seed, ribbon or capsule is implanted near the cancer. From there, the radiation destroys nearby cancerous cells. Learn more about radiation therapy.

Surgery. Surgery may be used when cancer is contained within a single organ or gland. MultiCare offers the latest minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery, to access and remove cancer through tiny incisions. Learn more about cancer surgery.

Precision medicine. This form of treatment involves examining the genetic makeup of your particular cancer and designing a treatment approach based on those results. Learn more about precision medicine.

Protecting your heart through cardio-oncology

Certain cancers, such as breast cancer, and cancer treatments — including chemotherapy and radiation therapy — may increase your risk for heart problems. Heart conditions that can occur in people with cancer include:

• Coronary artery disease, which affects the heart’s blood vessels
• Congestive heart failure, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood
• Myocarditis, an infection in the lining of the heart

Cardio-oncologists offer expertise in catching the early signs of these problems. Our focus on your long-term well-being helps us deliver specialized cancer care while protecting your heart.

Our cardio-oncology services include:

Advanced medical imaging. We often use an echocardiogram to check for signs of heart problems. You may also receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for an accurate diagnosis.

Timely access. If you are at risk, we get you in to see our cardio-oncologist as quickly as possible. We see many patients within two business days, or sooner when necessary, so you can resume cancer treatments as quickly as possible.

Coordinated care. Our cardio-oncologists are in regular contact with our cancer experts. We discuss important details about your heart and cancer care, allowing us to adjust treatments to your changing needs.

Ongoing monitoring. After treatment, your personalized cancer survivorship plan may include heart imaging to catch problems that develop over time.