The Department of Medical Oncology at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore proudly serves as the backbone of the institution and plays a central role in the diagnosis, coordination of care, treatment and surveillance of adult cancer patients. The Department of Medical Oncology comprises consultant medical oncologists, medical officers and fellows, nursing team leaders and administrative staff that work in unison to provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive and compassionate care in accordance with the established international guidelines and standards of care.
Cancer is a complex and multidimensional illness. In accordance with the international norms of best practices, all patients at SKMCH&RC are assessed in a multidisciplinary conference where a team of medical, radiation and surgical oncologists along with pathologists and radiologists work together to prepare a personalised treatment plan for each individual patient. Patients are then treated in accordance with disease-specific internationally-accepted management guidelines.
There is a broad range of cancer types covering all major cancers that are treated at the department. Rare types of cancers are also accepted for treatment on a case-by-case basis. The outpatient Chemotherapy Bay is functional 24/7 and provides a comfortable and safe area to receive outpatient chemotherapy.
Bone marrow transplant programme, which includes both autologous and allogeneic transplant, is offered to patients who are deemed appropriate for this treatment. Our transplant programme is supported by state-of-the-art apheresis equipment, HEPA filtered and negative air pressured isolation rooms and excellent laboratory facilities. At SKMCH&RC, patients are given up-to-date and understandable information about their disease and treatment process. Our patients are guided and supported by our team of psychologists, trained oncology nurses, social workers and nutritionists. At SKMCH&RC and the Department of Medical Oncology, Patients’ Rights Advocacy is of paramount importance. The Department is supported by the Ethics Committee and the Quality & Patient Safety Department to deal with any complaints that may arise from patients or their caregivers, to act in the best interest of the patients.
Training in Medical Oncology has been established within the Department. The fellowship programme in Medical Oncology provides training in all aspects of medical oncology through a structured training programme recognised by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), leading to FCPS in Medical Oncology. The Department also supports a training programme in Clinical Oncology leading to FRCR (Clinical Oncology). CPSP approved fellowship programme is also available in clinical haematology. Also, a hospital based fellowship training programme has recently started in bone marrow transplant.
Elective opportunities are available for medical students in the department of Medical Oncology.
