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While chemotherapy drugs are standardized, there鈥檚 a lot that can vary in the treatment patients receive. Here are some things to consider. 

If you need chemotherapy treatment, one of the more significant decisions you face is where to receive that treatment.  

Chemotherapy drugs are standardized and regulated by the FDA, so the drugs themselves don鈥檛 vary from one health provider to the next. But there are other differences in care that can impact your experience. 

Umair U. Ghani, MD, a medical oncologist with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of 吃瓜官网, who also treats patients in , shares some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right place for your chemotherapy treatment. 

How you feel with your physician 

Your relationship with your healthcare providers is of the utmost importance. 

鈥淧atients should feel comfortable with their physician and the staff,鈥� Dr. Ghani says. 鈥淗aving that connection is really important.鈥� 

You should be able to discuss any questions or concerns related to the recommended treatment, as well as alternative treatment options, Dr. Ghani says. There should be a joint decision-making approach to your treatment.  

It is valuable to include family members and caregivers in the treatment plan, as they are the ones monitoring day-to-day changes and may find symptoms missed by the patient. 

Your providers鈥� expertise 

Some providers practice general hematology or oncology, while others may be more specialized and experienced in particular conditions. Advanced cancer centers like the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center offer multiple providers treating a variety of blood disorders and cancers. Subspecialists are often experts on a specific cancer type, such as lung cancer. 

Physicians with specialized expertise have access to clinical trials and research. They are aware of the latest protocols and cutting-edge treatments for particular types of cancer.  

Commonly, general hematologist-oncologists in the community work in conjunction with subspecialists at cancer centers to provide advanced care locally. This collaboration brings the best of cancer centers to local communities. 

National Cancer Institute designations 

Many patients receive chemotherapy treatments at community hospitals. Those seeking a second opinion or needing more specialized care should look for a National Cancer Institute (NCI)鈥揹esignated cancer center.  

Of the 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers across the United States, 57 of these centers, including USC Norris, are NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. 鈥淭hese are recognized nationally as the leading, state-of-the-art cancer centers in the country,鈥� Dr. Ghani says. 

Compared to cancer centers, community health centers might not have the same access to certain medical services, chemotherapy drugs or clinical trials. That鈥檚 why patients receiving care at community hospitals should ask if they have relationships with a nearby cancer center. 

The facility鈥檚 proximity to you 

鈥淟ocation plays a big role,鈥� Dr. Ghani says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want a patient to commute long distances, especially after a long day of treatment. That would be exhausting for both the patient and their caregivers.鈥� 

General oncologists and hematologists who treat all tumor types deliver care in community settings, closer to a patient鈥檚 home. By contrast, subspecialists who work in academic or cancer centers like USC Norris might be located further from where you live. 

When deciding whether to go to a cancer center, patients have to weigh all the considerations: your comfort level with your physician, their expertise in your cancer type and their location.  

鈥淚f you鈥檙e more comfortable with your physician and closer to them, that may be more important than if they are subspecialized. It is always valuable to know if they are affiliated with a cancer center,鈥� Dr. Ghani says. 

The support services the hospital provides 

Ask your hospital about the support services it offers cancer patients.  

There are a number of such services: palliative care, pain management, nutritional care, geneticist care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, financial support, chemotherapy education, fertility preservation, support and survivorship groups, and patient navigation or clinical coordination. 

USC Norris provides all of the above support services and more. Other NCI-designated cancer centers offer most, if not all, of these services.  

If you鈥檙e considering a community hospital, look for the support services that matter most to you and your care. For instance, if you鈥檙e experiencing treatment-related anxiety, an on-staff counselor or mental health support group can be a big help. 

Support services are another reason to make sure your community hospital has a relationship with a cancer center: If the hospital doesn鈥檛 provide certain support services, the cancer center likely does. 

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Novid Parsi

Novid Parsi is a freelance writer for 吃瓜官网.

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