Oncology at Mayo Clinic is one of the largest, most comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment programs in the world. Each year thousands of people who have any of more than 200 kinds of cancer seek treatment at Mayo Clinic from oncologists and other cancer experts.
Oncologists specialize in managing drug treatments for people with early and advanced cancers that affect the organs, muscles, bones and connective tissue. However, people with some early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery or radiation therapy alone and may not need the care of an oncologist.
Treatments managed by oncologists include:
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Targeted drug therapy
- Biological therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Supportive and Palliative Care Therapies
- Experimental therapies
- Other systemic treatments
- Complementary and Integrative Therapies
Oncologists at Mayo Clinic have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of every kind of cancer, including:
To understand Mayo Clinic's approach to treating cancers of the blood and blood-forming organs, such as leukemia and lymphoma, visit the hematology page.
People with cancer who seek care at Mayo Clinic have access to a full range of treatment options, including standard and experimental treatments. Mayo Clinic oncologists collaborate with experts in all other departments to provide coordinated and integrated, multidisciplinary care to people with all types of cancer.
Oncologists are active in the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer center. It is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with three sites — Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center ranks in the top tier of cancer centers for cancer research, treatment and education.
People with cancer who seek care at Mayo Clinic will find experts equipped with the knowledge and resources to provide the best care:
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Research. Novel drug, immunologic, biological targeted therapies and gene therapies are being studied intensively within the department to determine their potential for cancer treatment.
This clinical expertise aligns strongly with the research programs of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. The close connection between clinical care and research makes it possible for eligible patients to enroll in cutting-edge clinical cancer research studies, receive the most advanced treatments, and learn about their illness to actively participate in decisions about their treatment.
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Collaborative care. A full team of oncologists and allied health professionals specializing in medical oncology can be found at Mayo Clinic's three campuses.
The oncology team works closely with colleagues who specialize in internal medicine, radiology, medical genetics, neurology, pathology and others to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and help tailor an appropriate, individualized care plan.
In order to deliver effective care, oncologists collaborate with colleagues in radiation oncology, surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, palliative care, psychiatry and psychology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Cancer registry. Mayo Clinic's cancer registry collects information about cancer diagnoses, treatments and outcomes, which leads to improved care for people with cancer.
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Focused on you. Mayo Clinic oncologists provide personalized, whole-person care to people with cancer. They are committed to the driving principle set forth by Mayo Clinic's founders that "the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered."
Oncologists at Mayo Clinic are committed to a personal approach to cancer care. They focus on the personal as well as the medical needs of people with cancer by providing a diverse range of services for patients and their families.
- Targeted information. Mayo Clinic's Cancer Education Center complements these efforts by providing people with cancer and their families with a large library and resource service devoted exclusively to cancer information.
Since its founding more than 150 years ago, Mayo Clinic has offered cancer treatment. Thousands of people come to Mayo Clinic for cancer care each year. For some, coming to Mayo Clinic was a last resort. More commonly, people with cancer choose Mayo Clinic early in their diagnoses to access more treatment options to fight their cancers, and experience better outcomes and higher rates of healing and survival.
Mayo Clinic Health System clinics, hospitals and health care facilities serve more than 70 communities in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. These sites bring Mayo Clinic cancer care to their local communities.
Mayo Clinic oncologists have experience treating all types of cancer using a variety of forms of treatment.
Many people come to Mayo Clinic when their condition is complex or extremely unusual. You may come to Mayo Clinic on your own or with a referral from your doctor.
Oncologists work with a team of doctors and subspecialists in other areas to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your individual needs.
Mayo Clinic provides management and services for many types of cancer, including but not limited to those listed below. Availability of the services may vary between each Mayo location. Please confirm when you call to request an appointment.
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
Find doctors and medical staff:
Oncology at Mayo Clinic offers special disease and condition-related groups, which bring together the expertise of many specialists to evaluate and treat people with cancer and conduct research.
Oncologists at Mayo Clinic are consistently recognized by external organizations for providing outstanding patient care. These endorsements reinforce our commitment to providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked as the top hospital in Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, is ranked as the top hospital in Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, is ranked the top hospital in Florida.
The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center has held its National Cancer Institute (NCI) cancer center designation since 1973. As a comprehensive cancer center, Mayo Clinic has met NCI's more-rigorous standards that include:
- Basic laboratory research
- Participation in high-priority NCI clinical studies
- Applied and clinical research
- Cancer prevention and control programs
- Education and training of health care professionals
- Public information services
- Community service and outreach
The NCI recognizes nine formal programs to the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, comprising:
- Cancer immunology and immunotherapy
- Cell biology
- Experimental therapeutics
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Gene and virus therapy
- Hematologic malignancies
- Neuro-oncology
- Population sciences
- Women's cancer
Mayo Clinic's CAR-T Cell Programs at campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota are also accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. The foundation sets international standards to ensure cellular therapies are high quality.
Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida is one of four sites in Florida to receive the Cancer Center of Excellence Designation from the state of Florida. This designation recognizes providers that demonstrate excellence in patient-centered coordinated care for people undergoing cancer treatment in Florida. The Florida campus is also accredited by:
- American College of Surgeons' National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer
- American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer as an NCI Designated Cancer Center
- American College of Radiology's Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation program
Mayo Clinic oncologists are actively engaged in cancer research in laboratory, translational and clinical research programs. Mayo Clinic researchers continually study new diagnosis and treatment options for people with cancer and conduct clinical trials. Research includes studies for many types of cancers, as well as related areas such as supportive and psychosocial care.
Publications
See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic physicians on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Read more about oncology laboratories and programs:
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center — Research
Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.