Clinical oncology

Clinical oncology is a medical specialty which relates to any type of cancer treatment that is not surgery. With their unique expertise, clinical oncologists are responsible for prescribing treatment through systemic anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy. It’s an incredibly diverse career, combining patient care, cutting-edge science and career flexibility to create a dynamic and rewarding specialty. 

Clinical oncology focuses on providing a sound understanding of the scientific principles that underlie cancer and the treatments available. This includes cancer biology, pharmacology of systemic anti-cancer therapies, radiobiology, radiation physics and interpreting research results to inform decision-making. Clinical oncologists are equipped to deliver a general, acute and emergency service for cancer patients.

Clinical oncology is involved in all aspects of a cancer patient’s care and comprises exposure to a broad spectrum of tumour types across the breadth of oncology. Cancer treatment is extremely varied and complex, which means clinical oncologists often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals including nurses, radiographers, physicists and pharmacists.

Clinical and medical oncologists work closely together as part of the wider cancer team to deliver the non-surgical components of cancer treatment plans. The curricula for clinical oncology and medical oncology have been aligned to reflect this relationship and include aspects of common training that constitute the Oncology Common Stem (OCS). You can find out more about medical oncology from the Royal College of Physicians.