Medical Oncology & Hematology
The Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center is a department of Kishwaukee Community Hospital and outpatient center for medical oncology infusion therapy.
Treatment may be provided in combination with surgery and radiation therapy.
Our team of physicians, oncology certified nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, counselors and social workers work together to provide a patient-centered team approach.
The Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center has private and non-private infusion areas, a resource library and private meeting rooms. Two medical oncologist's offices are also located onsite.
Cancer treatment has gone through many changes, from the initial use of an isolated chemotherapy drug to "therapies" specific to different cancers.
Medical oncologists can now draw on other ways to treat cancer. Hormonal therapy, steroid therapy and the use of monoclonoal antibodies are now part of the treatment options in fighting cancer.
Genetic Counseling and Testing - The physicians along with a genetic counselor will assess your risk and your family’s risk for developing cancer using a Family History Questionnaire each patient completes. Based on these results the physician may recommend genetic testing for you and/or your family.
Hormone therapy (HT)- The goal of HT is to block naturally produced hormones that can stimulate cancer growth, or to raise hormone levels to offset the overgrowth of cells that can develop into cancer. Cancers that may use HT are breast, endometrial (uterine) and prostate.
Steroid therapy - Studies are showing an increase in cancer survival rates when steroids are used. Steroid therapy is also often used to decrease the nausea that can be associated with chemotherapy regimens.
Monoclonal antibodies - This is the most widely used form of cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses antibodies produced in a lab. This means the patient's immune system does not have to take an active role in fighting the cancer. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is the best-known monoclonal antibody for breast cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are also used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, leukemia, head and neck cancers, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Supportive treatment - Other therapies don't directly affect the cancer but are important for maintaining kidney function and the production of disease-fighting white and red blood cells.Adequate hydration is extremely important. It helps the kidneys filter and remove toxins from the blood stream. Many treatment regimens cause a decrease in white and red blood cells. Growth factors are administered to stimulate the production of these cells.
Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is used to control the growth or in some cases, destroy and cure cancer all together. Many therapies use a combination of drugs or together with surgery and radiation therapy, showing higher survival rates.
The majority of chemotherapy agents are given through an intravenous (IV) line at the physician office. Today, however, more and more therapies are being developed in the oral form. This allows the patient the flexibility and convenience of taking their treatment at home.
Other Therapies Offered - Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center (KCCC) works closely with University Hospitals to coordinate care and assist patients in receiving supportive therapies closer to home. KCCC offers non-cancer related therapies as well. Patients are able to receive IV antibiotic therapy, iron infusions, as well as some medications used in Crohn's Disease and other disease processes such as Remicade.
The Kiskwaukee Cancer Care physicians encourage patients to participate in clinical trials and will discuss any options and studies available. Our physicians coordinate care for their cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial.If allowed by the protocol of the clinical trial, the Cancer Care Center will administer some or all of the medications.
