Oncology Treatments
Oncology treatment is the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using one or more approaches — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy — combined into a single plan. The right combination depends on the cancer type and stage, and is decided by a multidisciplinary tumor board so that every relevant option is considered together.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Cancer is rarely treated with a single modality. A multidisciplinary tumor board — medical, radiation and surgical oncologists with pathologists and radiologists — reviews each case so that surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are sequenced into one coordinated plan tailored to the diagnosis and stage.
Accurate diagnosis and staging come first, supported by advanced imaging such as PET-CT and by pathology and, increasingly, molecular testing that can guide targeted and immune-based therapies. Supportive and palliative care are part of the pathway, managing symptoms and protecting quality of life throughout.
International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel. Because cancer care often spans weeks, the team explains which parts are best done on site and how care can continue or be monitored after you return home. Remote second opinions are available for complex diagnoses.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a confirmed or suspected cancer diagnosis needing a treatment plan
- Patients seeking a second opinion on diagnosis, staging or proposed treatment
- Those who may benefit from surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy — alone or combined
- People who could benefit from advanced staging such as PET-CT or molecular testing
- Patients needing supportive or palliative care alongside active treatment
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy, pathology and imaging (including PET-CT where appropriate) confirm the cancer type and how far it has spread, which determines the treatment options.
- 2
Tumor-board planning
Your case is discussed by a multidisciplinary tumor board so surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are weighed together into one plan.
- 3
Active treatment
Treatment may combine modalities in sequence — for example surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Drug therapies are often given as outpatient cycles; radiotherapy as a planned course.
- 4
Supportive care
Throughout treatment, supportive care manages side effects and symptoms to protect your quality of life, with dietetic and psychological support available.
- 5
Follow-up and surveillance
After treatment, scheduled scans and reviews watch for response and recurrence. International patients receive a clear surveillance plan that can be continued at home.
Benefits
- A coordinated, tumor-board plan rather than a single specialist's view
- Access to the full range of modalities — surgery, chemo, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy
- Advanced staging with PET-CT and molecular testing to guide treatment
- Supportive and palliative care integrated to protect quality of life
- Many treatments delivered as outpatient cycles, reducing time in hospital
Risks & considerations
- Side effects vary by treatment — fatigue, nausea, hair loss and lowered blood counts with chemotherapy
- Skin and local effects from radiotherapy in the treated area
- Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects that need monitoring
- Surgical risks where an operation is part of the plan
- Outcomes depend strongly on cancer type and stage; no treatment can guarantee a cure
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Oncology Treatments — frequently asked questions
Your case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board — medical, radiation and surgical oncologists together — so your plan reflects every relevant treatment option rather than a single specialty's view.
Yes. The center uses advanced imaging including PET-CT for accurate staging and treatment planning, and molecular testing where it helps guide targeted or immune-based therapy.
Yes. Share your pathology, reports and imaging and our specialists provide an independent expert opinion before you decide on treatment or travel.
Yes. Supportive care is part of the pathway — managing side effects and symptoms, with dietetic and psychological support — so your quality of life is protected throughout treatment.
It varies widely, from a single procedure to several months of therapy delivered in cycles. Your coordinator explains which parts are best done on site and how follow-up continues at home. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price, because every cancer plan is individual.
Related treatments
Considering oncology treatments?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.