What Do Medical Oncologists Do?
Medical oncologists plan and administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and hormonal treatments. They are core members of the multidisciplinary tumor board.
Immunotherapy: Checkpoint Inhibitors
PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (Ipilimumab) have become standard first-line treatment across many tumor types. PD-L1 testing and TMB analysis predict response likelihood.
Moderna mRNA-4157/V940 + Pembrolizumab reduced melanoma relapse by 49% (KEYNOTE-942 Phase 3). Lung cancer Phase 3 ongoing. Personalized neoantigen vaccine concept: custom production for each patient.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC)
Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd/Enhertu), Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy): targeted antibodies carrying a chemotherapy payload. Less side effects, higher efficacy. Available in Istanbul.
Immunotherapy (3 months) Istanbul: $15,000-35,000 (USA: $100,000-250,000). 70-86% savings.