ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the experiences and evidence regarding teleoncology and presents the potential role of the teleoncology for low and middle income nations. Teleoncology refers to the use of technology to provide treatment, care, or services related to oncology. Oncology is a broad medical term regarding the study of cancer and it encompasses the biology, prevention, screening, and treatment of cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and supportive and palliative care. Videoconferencing systems are one of the most common forms of teleoncology. Teleoncology offers new models of care which can supplement or even replace the traditional models of care, offering support in locations that were not previously possible. There have been some reports of the viability of teleoncology clinics for replacing the model of oncologists visiting ruralor remote locations. With increasing pressures on healthcare systems, there is an increasing propensity to manage oncology patients as outpatients rather than as inpatients in a hospital setting.
