Expectations and Pitfalls of Chemotherapy in a University Cancer Clinic

Cancer chemotherapy remains a relatively new and theoretically exciting concept. The problem in a university clinic like ours is discerning when chemotherapy is therapeutic and when it is experimental. We have a program of outpatient chemotherapy which does seem to provide hope for the terminal cancer patient. The education of house officers in their dual responsibilities, (1) towards the patient and (2) towards having a background of chemotherapy are fulfilled with such a program. If the day comes when the said clinical cancer can be diagnosed by immunologic means, chemotherapy may acquire great significance and the current house officer should appreciate its potential significance.