Medical Oncology & Hematology
The Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center, a department of Kishwaukee Community Hospital, is an outpatient center for medical oncology infusion therapy.
Staffed by an experienced and compassionate team of oncologists, a hematologist, and support staff, we use advanced oncology treatments and strive to keep patients as informed and comfortable as possible.
Treatment may be provided in combination with surgery and/or 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 (KCCC) has private and non-private infusion areas, a resource library and private meeting rooms. The doctors’ offices are also located onsite.
HematologyKCCC also offers hematology (blood disorders) services. Patients are seen for problems dealing with the blood such as anemia, low platelet counts, and clotting disorders to name a few. They are able to receive IV antibiotic therapy, iron infusions, as well as medications used to treat other hematology diagnoses.
OncologyChemotherapy treatment 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.
Today, 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.
KCCC works closely with University Hospitals 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.
The physicians at KCCC 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.
