Oncology
Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.
Cancer care in Greater San Antonio
A cancer diagnosis can be an uncertain and life-changing experience for any family. But you are not alone.
At Methodist Hospital, we take a personalized and holistic approach to cancer treatment. Our specialists and oncologists use the most effective and innovative therapies, while finding treatments that consider the physical and emotional side effects of cancer care. Above all, we stay by your side through every stage of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment. Find compassionate, expert cancer care.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment. Find compassionate, expert cancer care.
About Methodist Cancer Care
Our team has provided high quality and innovative cancer care throughout South Texas since 1993. We cover nearly 30 cancer specialties across five treatment locations, which means you can find world-class cancer care close to home.
Cancers we treat
Methodist Cancer Care at Methodist Hospital treats a range of cancers, including:
- Blood cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Sarcoma
- Skin cancer
- Thoracic cancer
- Testicular cancer
Cancer treatments in San Antonio
Taking a team approach to cancer care, we bring experts from various specialties together to create a comprehensive plan that’s tailored to your needs and that includes the latest research and technology — all so we’re able to provide you with the best possible treatment.
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis and may include a combination of therapies, including:
- Blood and marrow transplant (also known as bone marrow or stem cell transplant)
- Cancer rehabilitation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy, including CAR–T cell therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Radiosurgery
- Surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery options
Depending on your diagnosis, we may also create a genetic profile based on a tumor biopsy. This tumor profile will help us find a more personalized treatment that’s targeted to your specific type of cancer.
Transurethral ultrasound ablation
Transurethral ultrasound ablation is an incision-free procedure used to destroy cancerous tissue within the prostate. Using high-frequency sound waves delivered through the urethra, the sound waves are delivered directly to the targeted tissue which is then heated until the point of destruction.
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Methodist Hospital is home to a radiosurgery treatment center which provides advanced stereotactic radiosurgery treatment, a noninvasive approach that doesn’t require any incisions but, instead, uses precise and powerful robotic-assisted lasers to destroy cancerous tissue, sparing healthy tissue around the tumor. This therapy typically has a shorter treatment time and fewer side effects for patients.
For more information about our radiosurgery program, call (210) 575-6575.
Specialty programs
Besides offering the latest cancer treatments, we also provide special programs and support services to help you throughout your cancer journey, including:
- Cancer care navigators – Experienced and compassionate cancer nurse navigators support patients through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. In 2019 alone, our 11 nurse navigators helped more than 2,000 patients.
- Cancer rehabilitation – Our specialist physical therapists provide rehabilitation to patients with a cancer diagnosis to prevent or reduce the severity of side effects from cancer treatment.
- Cardio-oncology program – This program uses regular monitoring to help prevent cardiac complications from cancer treatment.
- Genetic counseling – Genetic testing can help show whether you or your family members have an inherited cancer risk. Our genetic counselors can help explain the testing process and talk through the tests’ pros and cons.
- Psychosocial support – Because we take a holistic approach to cancer care, your treatment plan may include oncology psychosocial support. These specialists can help you with your social and emotional health during and after treatment.
Clinical trials
Our program offers cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials. These experimental therapies are not yet widely available and offer an alternative to standard treatment. We’re actively participating in trials studying gene therapy and immunotherapy treatments.
Accreditations
- American College of Radiology
- Commission on Cancer
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
- The Joint Commission
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
- National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC) Certified Quality Breast Center
Visiting Methodist Hospital
Cancer care is located on the eighth floor of the Central and South Towers of Methodist Hospital. The entire floor is dedicated to cancer patients.
To reach the oncology unit, enter on Level 1 and proceed to the South Tower elevators. Take the South Tower elevator to Level 8 and take a left as you exit the elevator.
For the bone and marrow transplant unit, enter on Level 1 and proceed to the Central Tower elevators. Take the Central Tower elevator to Level 8 and take a right as you exit the elevator.
Free parking is available in Garage 2.