Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology

BJC HealthCare offers excellent care for cancer, at any stage. Our Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine, along with its five satellite locations, is designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In addition to Siteman locations, BJC HealthCare offers comprehensive and convenient care in locations across the region. Our Missouri Baptist Medical Center program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). 

We combine a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, research, and clinical excellence in locations designed by patients, doctors, and nurses. Decades of experience has taught us that when treating cancer, comfort and compassion are just as important as the science of medicine.

Hospitals across BJC are staffed by experienced medical oncologists who personalize your treatment for optimal results. We offer comprehensive care using the latest technology in a warm, caring environment. 

When you to come to us for chemotherapy and medical oncology treatment, you can expect:  

• Expert team: Many of our oncologists are nationally recognized for their cancer expertise. You can have easy access to treatment at Siteman Cancer Center , a national leader in cancer treatment, research, prevention, education, and community outreach. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Siteman among the best in the nation. Missouri Baptist Medical Center is ranked among the top regional hospitals by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in treating leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
• Convenient care: You deserve expert oncology care that’s close to home. We offer outpatient infusion services at locations throughout the region.
• Care navigator: Here, you’re never alone in your cancer care. We assign you a dedicated care navigator who coordinates your appointments and provides support at every step.
• Care and comfort: We take extra measures to ensure you’re comfortable during infusion treatments. Our compassionate medical oncology nurses and support staff provide you with warm blankets, snacks, and a calming experience at each visit.
• Support services: Facing cancer can affect your physical and emotional health. We provide services that help you manage symptoms, handle emotional distress, and connect you with others. Our support services are here for you, your family, and anyone else in your circle of care.
• Clinical trials: Our physicians, researchers, and scientists participate in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials. As our patient, you have access to the newest medical oncology treatments before they’re widely available.

Medical oncology is a cancer treatment that uses medications to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from spreading or growing. There are several types of medical oncology, but chemotherapy is the most well-known type. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, you may need chemotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments, such as radiation oncology. 

Chemotherapy and medical oncology medications come in many different types and dosages. You may need a single medication or a combination of two or more drugs. Our medical oncologists have the skill and expertise to deliver a personalized medical oncology plan that’s best for you. We consider the cancer type and stage, your overall health, and your needs before creating your plan. 

Your medical oncology treatment may come in the form of: 

• Infusion: When you visit an infusion center, you receive your medications through an intravenous (IV) catheter (thin tube that goes into your vein). 
• Injections: Medication given as a shot in your muscle. 
• Intravesical therapy: Your provider puts a catheter directly into a part of your body to deliver medication, such as your bladder. 
• Oral medication: Chemotherapy medications can be pills or liquids you swallow. 
• Topical medications: Creams or gels you apply to your skin. 

Our medical oncologists have extensive knowledge and experience, so you have access to the latest and best treatments. 

Hundreds of medical oncology medications are available today. Each one works in a specific way and targets certain types of cancer. 

In addition, more medications are being created and tested through research and clinical trials. WashU Medicine scientists and physicians lead and participate in research to gain knowledge of—and offer—these innovative treatments. 

We offer the full range of medical oncology treatments, including: 

Chemotherapy

Cancer-fighting drugs and other substances to halt abnormal cell growth, including cancer cells. 

Hormone therapy

A treatment that can slow or stop cancers that use hormones to grow. 

Immunotherapy

These treatments harness your own immune system to attack or destroy cancer cells. 

Targeted drug therapy

This type of treatment uses medicines that zero in on the specific changes in cancer cells or in nearby tissues that cause the cancer to grow and spread. 

Any type of medication can cause side effects, and medical oncology is no exception. If you need chemotherapy or medical oncology, it’s natural to be worried about how these side effects will impact you. Fatigue, nausea, or hair loss are common during chemo treatment—but not everyone experiences them. 

You don’t have to face side effects alone. Our medical oncologists, nurses, and support staff are here to help. We customize your treatment to help avoid or minimize side effects whenever possible. Our caring infusion center teams specialize in meeting your needs and making your treatment comfortable. 

Your physical and mental well-being is important to us throughout your treatment and beyond. If you’re experiencing side effects, tell your cancer care team. We listen to your concerns and help you find a solution through various treatments, including: 

• Behavioral health care: Our therapists and psychiatrists specialize in managing depression, anxiety, or other mental health effects.
• Medications: Our medical oncologists may prescribe medications to minimize side effects, such as anti-nausea medications.
• Nutrition: Our registered dietitians help you through appetite changes, nausea, or specific nutrition needs.
• Support: Our social workers help reduce stress and improve your quality of life throughout treatment. They connect you with support groups, financial assistance, and other resources.
• Symptom management: We provide services that help you manage symptoms, from wig services for hair loss to support for emotional distress.
• Survivor support: We provide a wide range of support services included art, pet, and music therapy, along with cancer rehabilitation services.