Oncology – Main Campus

The cornerstone of our practice is our exceptional team of fellowship trained, board-certified medical oncologists and surgical oncologists. Medical oncologists use drug-based therapies to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer, while surgical oncologists perform procedures to remove cancerous tumors and surrounding tissue. For some patients, the optimal care plan incorporates both drug therapies and surgery, as well as radiation, genetic testing and more. We bring all of the resources you need under one roof to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Our providers take the time to explain your treatment options and let you know what to expect. We believe you are the most important member of your care team, so we aim to empower you and your loved ones to understand your treatment and take control of your wellbeing.

Medical Oncology

Our world-renowned medical oncologists explore all options for effective cancer care, using one or a combination of medical therapies to address each patient’s individual diagnosis.

• Chemotherapy: Our team selects the optimal oral or IV chemotherapy option based on your stage and type of cancer, underlying conditions, overall health and other factors.
• Targeted Therapy: When we can identify the mutation causing your cancer, targeted therapy can be used to attack the mutation while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: For cancers including lung cancer and lymphoma, immunotherapy can help a patient’s own immune system identify and target cancer cells.
• Molecular Testing: When indicated, your cancer specimen can undergo advanced gene testing to identify the best possible individualized therapy.
• Research: Our clinical trial system can give patients access to the newest, most promising treatment options being studied in a research setting.

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Surgical Oncology

Our surgical oncologists are leaders in performing advanced procedures that not only address a patient’s cancer diagnosis but protect and enhance their quality of life.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery with our state-of-the-art Da Vinci XI system is a minimally invasive approach that gives physicians enhanced operating capabilities including three-dimensional views, exceptional instrument control, and expanded range of motion. This allows our surgeons to perform extremely precise, targeted procedures that offer optimal clinical outcomes.

Robotic-assisted surgery also helps us protect our patients’ quality of life as they undergo their cancer treatment. Because procedures performed using the Da Vinci XI system require just a few small incisions, they carry less risk of infection and blood loss, significantly less pain, quicker discharge, less scarring and a shorter and smoother recovery.

Our skilled surgeons can perform robotic procedures for a variety of cancer diagnoses, including colorectal, liver, stomach, gynecological, head and neck, thoracic and urologic cancers.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery uses ports placed through small incisions to perform precise, targeted surgery for a number of procedures to offer optimal clinical outcomes. Many patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery benefit from shorter hospital stays, less pain, quicker recovery and smaller incisions. We use different tools, cameras and ports to personalize each surgery for each patient based on their specific needs.

Traditional Surgery

Sometimes, patients benefit from traditional surgical approaches to address their cancer. As a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, we are among the most highly-selected institutions worldwide in establishing the standard of care for cancer patients. It is our privilege to care for you and your family with the most advanced resources available.

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Our medical, surgical and radiation oncologists work together closely to provide cohesive care for a wide range of cancer diagnoses:

Bone Marrow Failure

We are home to the Mid-South’s only specialized clinic for adults with aplastic anemia, PNH, and related conditions that lead to an increased risk of leukemias. By providing excellence in nursing care, comprehensive testing services and a team of specialists in one location, we help patients access the close monitoring they need to protect their health throughout their adult lives.

Brain Tumors

Our nationally renowned Brain Tumor Group partners with the National Cancer Institute’s Brain Tumor Study Group to advance quality care for central nervous system malignancies. Patients have access to leading neurosurgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists and neuropathologists as well as the latest surgical and radiation technology, advanced molecular testing, and standard and innovative therapies.

Breast Cancer

Our Breast Cancer Group provides world-class expertise and unmatched compassion. A team of fellowship-trained surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic reconstructive surgeons are at a patient’s side for their entire journey from diagnosis to survivorship, providing personalized, patient-focused care geared toward optimal outcomes and quality of life.

Endocrine Cancer

The Endocrine Neoplasia Group oversees the multidisciplinary management of benign and malignant endocrine tumors, including neoplasms of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. We also offer coordination of care and surveillance for patients and families with hereditary neuroendocrine syndromes. Our specialists include leading surgeons, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancers include malignancies of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, pancreas and liver. Our team includes nationally renowned experts in surgical oncology, gastrointestinal surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology and pathology who take a team approach to providing optimal care. We have the most advanced resources, including robotic surgery, liver-directed therapy, and state-of-the-art tools to customize your treatment in a multidisciplinary setting. Our experts are nationally recognized in the treatment of pancreatic, liver and colorectal cancer.

Genitourinary Cancer

Our multidisciplinary Urologic Oncology Program provides diagnosis and treatment of prostate, kidney, bladder, testicular and other genitourinary cancers. Urologists, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists with specific expertise in treating these cancers work hand-in-hand to deliver customized treatment plans and offer decision-making tools to help patients choose the therapy that’s right for them.

Head and Neck Cancer

Personalized care and rehabilitation are key to helping head and neck cancer patients achieve the best outcomes and quality of life. We offer a full range of the latest treatments, including complex and minimally invasive surgery, advanced reconstruction techniques such as free tissue flaps, radiation therapy, and drug therapy options including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Leukemia and Myeloid Malignancies

Our blood cancer specialists are the Mid-South’s leaders in treating acute and chronic leukemias. By working closely with our bone marrow transplantation program, we can provide targeted, effective care for acute leukemias and advanced therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative syndromes and chronic leukemias. As a research center, we actively support the search for better therapies through clinical trials and scientific efforts with tissue banking.

Lung and Thoracic Cancer

Our multidisciplinary program provides individualized care for lung cancer, mesothelioma and thoracic malignancies. These conditions can require a combination of treatments, so we incorporate specialists from pulmonology, surgery, medical and radiation oncology, thoracic radiology, pathology and nursing into a cohesive team. Our goal is to deliver state-of-the-art treatment plans in a caring, coordinated manner to provide the best cancer outcomes and quality of life.

Lymphomas

Most aggressive lymphomas are curable with proper treatment. Our dedicated hematology team provides a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment that improves outcomes and reduces early complications. Our clinical care team is the region’s recognized leader in treating chronic lymphomas such as cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, and we actively support clinical research and tissue banking to understand the diversity of lymphoma biology in Memphis population.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer

We offer the latest interventions, including sentinel lymph node mapping, biopsy, isolated limb infusion, intralesional therapies, immunotherapy, systemic treatment and radiation. Patients also have access to top plastic and reconstructive surgeons and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Ophthalmology, a national center for ocular melanoma treatment.

Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders

Management of myeloma requires an expert team that can treat the intricacies of this complex condition, which is more prevalent in the African American community. Our clinic is dedicated to managing myeloma through the adaptation of novel therapies including immunotherapy and biological therapies. We also provide community education and opportunities for our patients to participate in potentially lifesaving clinical trials.

Sarcoma

Our Sarcoma Group is made up of experts in soft tissue malignancies, a rare type of cancer that requires focused attention and collaboration by highly specialized surgical, orthopedic, medical and radiation oncologists. In addition to standard treatments, we offer specialized treatments including neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, limb salvage surgery, and brachytherapy.

The mission of University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Center for Cancer Research is to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients and the global community by fostering integrated, collaborative and inclusive education, research, scientific discovery, clinical care and public service in the area of cancer. For patients, this means new hope for healing through innovative clinical trials and the newest treatments.

Advanced Therapies

We offer comprehensive treatment for liver tumors which include resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy (both X-rays and particles), liver ablation and embolization. We have nationally-recognized expertise in robotic surgery and liver ablation combining multiple types of minimally invasive treatments.

Medical and surgical oncologists, cancer specialist nurses and other patient care professionals work hand-in-hand throughout your journey to determine the best course for treating your cancer. Learn more about our physicians and their expertise in cancer care.