Many patients who are diagnosed with cancer will require some treatment with cancer drugs. Treatment with cancer drugs is usually led by a doctor known as a medical oncologist. In the case of cancers of the blood and lymph systems, treatment will usually be led by a doctor who is a haematologist or haemato-oncologist. The information provided here applies similarly to patients with blood and lymph cancers as well as those with other types of cancer.
Approximately 33,000 patients receive active treatment with cancer medicines each year. It is estimated that the number of patients receiving active treatment with cancer medicines will increase by 58-81% between 2015 and 2045. Many patients receive cancer medicines which are aimed at curing their cancer. In situations where a patient’s cancer is not considered curable, it is treated as a chronic disease, with patients often remaining on treatment with cancer medicines for several years. Advances in new technologies have resulted in the availability of cancer medicines such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy for specific cancers. The number of these medicines approved for use is growing steadily.
More details about cancer medicines can be found at this link: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cancer/treatment/
Where is cancer drug treatment provided?
Clinical Trials
The NCCP Cancer Drug Management Programme
Contact the National Cancer Control Programme
