Oncology - Featured Writers (1)

 

Featured Writer (1) : Serene Inulia Kong Kwai Yan , Malaysia

Oncology

Oncology is a medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, treatment and research of cancer.

Its history traces back to ancient times, with early documentation of cancer by the Egyptians, evolving through

Hippocrates' humorism, to Sidney Farber’s chemotherapy, then to modern advancements in molecular biology,

targeted therapies, and precision medicine.


Sidney Farber - father of modern chemotherapy


Diagnosing cancer involves identifying its type and location in the body. Information can be gathered through

clerking, performing physical exams, and conducting tests, for example blood tests, pap smears, mammograms and

genetic tests. Following that, cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy

are offered depending on cancer type, severity and the patient’s age. Most are associated with significant side

effects, placing financial and psychological burden on patients and caregivers.


Mammogram - screening for breast cancer


In Malaysia, an oncologist is a specialist in cancer care. There are medical, surgical and radiation oncologists.

Some focus on cancer types or patients, like pediatric oncologists for children, gynecologic oncologists for

females, and hematologist-oncologists for blood cancers. In Malaysia, becoming an oncologist takes a minimum of

4 and a maximum of 7 years of training.


Research plays an important part in oncology, with recent innovations and findings transforming cancer care. For

instance, improved diagnostic tools, such as molecular imaging and digital pathology, enable earlier and more

accurate diagnoses. Moreover, emerging treatments like bacterial therapy can target hypoxic tumor regions,

opening doors for other techniques like secretion of toxins or enzymes to be tested. Furthermore, magnetic drug

delivery, which uses magnetic nanoparticles allows precise targeting of tumors, drastically reducing side effects.

These advancements provide opportunities for improving patient prognosis and increasing quality of life.


Meet the Author: Serene Inulia Kong Kwai Yan - Senior


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