The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital’s Medical Oncology Department, staffed by a compassionate team of experts, offers advanced oncology treatments that are provided in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy as appropriate for each individual patient. Patients’ care is managed and followed closely by our experienced medical oncologists, Dr. Sabet M. Siddiqui and Dr. M. Ishaqe Memon. The team’s priority is to keep you informed and comfortable during your treatment process; and for your comfort and wellbeing, you have a choice of private, semi-private, and group infusion therapy areas adjacent to a nurses’ station. Refreshments that are appropriate for patients receiving treatments are also provided.

> Take a virtual tour of the Medical Oncology Exam Rooms, Treatment Bays and Group Infusion Room

Chemotherapy
Dr. Sabet Siddiqui or Dr. M. Ishaque Memon may prescribe chemotherapy treatment, which is used to control the growth of cancer, or in some cases, destroy and cure cancer altogether. 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 Cancer Center. 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.

Medications
Medical oncologists can utilize medications other than chemotherapy to treat cancer. Hormonal Therapy (HT), steroid therapy, and the use of monoclonal antibodies are now part of the treatment options in fighting cancer.

HT is used 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. 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 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. Monoclonal antibodies are being used in many cancer types and have fewer side effects than the traditional chemotherapy.

Supportive treatment such as hydration and growth factors are therapies that do not directly affect the cancer but are important for maintaining optimal health so your body can more readily fight the cancer.

The Cancer Center works closely with oncology specialists at other facilities to coordinate care and assist patients in receiving supportive therapies closer to home. Also, our physicians along with a genetic counselor will assess you and your family’s risk for developing cancer and may recommend genetic testing when appropriate.