By: Dr. Lilia Francisco, AOTU Section Head

 

Cancer is one of the leading diseases and cause of death, both locally and worldwide. Based  on statistics compiled by the Philippine  Cancer  Society, cancer is the third leading cause of death among Filipinos, with lung and breast cancer as the most common types of malignancies in Filipino men and women respectively. The prevalence  and incidence of malignancies are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of new cases of cancer is expected to increase over the next two decades by as much as 50 to 70% as a result of man’s progressively complicated lifestyle.

Fortunately, there have been numerous and significant advances in the treatment of cancer since the start of the new millennium. Aside from the standard chemotherapy, targeted or biologic therapy and immunologic therapy provide new treatment modalities for the cancer patient.

Owing to the discovery of more sophisticated delivery methods, new oral preparations of drugs, and improved management of  Chemotherapy induced side effects,   there has  been a shift in treatment administration from the in- patient to the out-patient setting. This has not only enabled the patient to tolerate treatment without being hospitalized, but has also balanced treatment costs with quality of care. In line with Capitol Medical Center’s commitment to provide total quality health care, the CMC AMBULATORY ONCOLOGY TREATMENT UNIT was established to provide a dedicated facility whereby stable cancer patients can receive chemotherapy, biological therapy, or supportive treatment in a restful, comfortable and controlled environment.

In this unit, they can be assured of HIGH-QUALITY ONCOLOGIC CARE from an appropriately trained and qualified medical nursing staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services provided at the CMC Ambulatory Oncology Treatment Unit (AOTU)

•        Standard chemotherapy or supportive therapy lasting from a few minutes to 6 hours.

•        Targeted / Biologic Therapy lasting from a few  minutes to 6 hours.

•        Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of supportive oncologic drugs and hormonal therapies such

          as bisphosphonates, colony stimulating factors and hormonal depot formulations.