Types of Treatment

At the University of Chicago Cancer Center at Silver Cross, we treat many types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung, renal, and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as lymphoma and leukemia. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include the following:

• Chemotherapy

  With chemotherapy, a specific combination of drugs is given to target cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy is most commonly provided through an IV as an infusion, but it sometimes may be taken as pills or injections. It can be given before or after surgery, together with radiation, or all on its own. Since every patient’s situation is unique, the time it takes for chemotherapy is different for everyone.

• Radiation

  Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles, such as X-rays, to target cancer cells in a specific location of the body. It can be given externally through special technology that releases radiation beams, or internally through implants placed in the body near the cancer cells. Our team works closely with radiation oncology specialists located in our building to make this therapy convenient for our patients.

• Surgery

  Many patients come to our office for treatment after having surgery to remove a tumor or cancer cells. If you need surgery during the course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, our team works closely with your surgeons. Our physicians work closely with their surgical colleagues at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Silver Cross Hospital and Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center and others, as needed.

• Immunotherapy

  With some cancers, particularly lymphoma, certain immunotherapy medications are given together with treatment to help boost the immune system.

• Hormonal Therapy

  Hormonal therapy is often given after breast cancer treatment to help lower the chances of a recurrence.