Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Our chemotherapy program is administered by experienced oncology nurses in a comfortable, modern infusion center designed with patient comfort in mind.
Our medical oncologists carefully select chemotherapy regimens based on the type and stage of cancer, tailoring treatment to each patient's specific needs. We use the latest evidence-based protocols and continuously monitor patients for effectiveness and side effects.
- Intravenous (IV) Chemotherapy: Delivered through a vein, either in the arm or through a central venous catheter
- Oral Chemotherapy: Pills or capsules taken at home with careful monitoring
- Combination Chemotherapy: Multiple drugs used together for enhanced effectiveness
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Treatment before surgery to shrink tumors
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Treatment after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells
Our team provides comprehensive support to manage chemotherapy side effects, including anti-nausea medications, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells with precision. Our radiation oncology department features advanced linear accelerator technology that delivers targeted radiation while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Precisely targeted radiation delivered from outside the body
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Advanced technique that shapes radiation beams to match tumor contours
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Uses imaging to ensure accurate targeting at each session
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): High-dose, precisely focused treatment for small tumors
- Brachytherapy: Internal radiation using radioactive sources placed near the tumor
Treatment planning involves sophisticated computer imaging to map the tumor precisely and create an individualized treatment plan. Our radiation therapists ensure comfortable positioning and accurate delivery at each session.
Surgical Oncology
Surgery remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment for many tumor types. Our surgical oncologists are experts in cancer surgery, utilizing both traditional and minimally invasive techniques to remove tumors while preserving organ function.
- Curative Surgery: Complete removal of localized tumors
- Debulking Surgery: Removal of as much tumor as possible for advanced cancers
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures for faster recovery
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restoration of form and function after tumor removal
- Palliative Surgery: Procedures to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
Our surgical teams work closely with anesthesiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to ensure optimal outcomes. We emphasize enhanced recovery protocols to help patients return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body's immune system to fight cancer. This revolutionary approach has transformed treatment for many cancer types and continues to expand with ongoing research.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs that release the brakes on the immune system, allowing it to attack cancer cells
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-made proteins that target specific cancer cell markers
- Cancer Vaccines: Treatments that stimulate immune responses against cancer
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Genetically modified patient immune cells (available through referral partnerships)
Our oncologists stay current with the latest immunotherapy advances and can determine which patients may benefit from these treatments based on tumor characteristics and biomarker testing.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to attack specific molecular features of cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies can be more precise and often have different side effect profiles.
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Block signals that tell cancer cells to grow
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Cut off blood supply to tumors
- HER2-Targeted Therapy: For breast and gastric cancers with HER2 overexpression
- EGFR Inhibitors: For lung cancers with EGFR mutations
- BRAF/MEK Inhibitors: For melanoma and other cancers with BRAF mutations
Molecular testing helps identify which targeted therapies may be effective for each patient's specific cancer. Many targeted therapies are available as oral medications that can be taken at home.
Hormone Therapy
Some cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancers, are fueled by hormones. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers hormone levels to slow or stop cancer growth.
- Anti-Estrogen Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
- Aromatase Inhibitors: Block estrogen production in postmenopausal women
- Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Reduces testosterone for prostate cancer
- Anti-Androgens: Block testosterone effects on cancer cells
Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning
At Cancer Hospital Islamabad, we believe in a team-based approach to cancer treatment. Our tumor board brings together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to review complex cases and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate combination of treatments for their specific situation. We consider not only the cancer type and stage but also patient preferences, overall health, and quality of life goals.