Medical Oncologists are internal medicine physicians with additional specialized training in the field of cancer. They are uniquely qualified to manage the specific problems associated with cancer and cancer treatments. Medical Oncologists are experts at determining which drug or combination of drugs will work best against a particular type of cancer. Drug therapy is most often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. The Oncology Associates medical practice group provides medical oncology services at Rapid City Regional Hospital's Cancer Care Institute. Their physicians also specialize in hematology, the field of blood disorders. In addition, Oncology Associates has a board-certified oncology nurse practitioner.

Medical Oncologists use these three primary methods to directly treat cancer:

• Chemotherapy:   Drugs that can destroy cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy:   Natural substances that can stimulate or inhibit the growth of some types of cancer.
• Biologic therapy (Biotherapy, immunotherapy):   Treatment that can stimulate the body's own immune defense system to fight infection and disease.

To counteract the side effects of cancer and its treatment, supportive therapies are often used in addition to these treatment methods. Your oncologist will carefully review the type of cancer and its stage of development to determine the most appropriate choice of treatment.

Infusion Plus

Infusion Plus is an outpatient infusion provider located on the second floor of Rapid City Regional Hospital. The department's services include peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placement, central line maintenance, intravenous infusions, injections, and blood product administration. To schedule an appointment, call (605) 719-7100.

Infusion Plus' hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

For more information, call (605) 719-7700.