About
Dr. Adrian Shea Ishkanian, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at Riverside Court Medical Clinic in St. Catharines, ON, he is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. His practice is aligned with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of medical practice. Dr. Ishkanian’s expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, with a focus on individualized patient care and optimal treatment outcomes.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2006. He has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist for over 13 years, since 2011, gaining extensive experience in the field. Dr. Ishkanian is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, demonstrating his specialized training and commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence.
Dr. Ishkanian is dedicated to multidisciplinary cancer care, integrating the latest evidence-based treatments with compassionate patient support. His clinical approach emphasizes patient-centered care, clear communication, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. He speaks English fluently and is committed to supporting patients and their families throughout their treatment journey, with access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in his practice area.
Dr. Adrian Ishkanian has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology
- Head & Neck Cancers (e.g., Laryngeal, Pharyngeal, Oral Cavity): Utilizing radiation therapy as a primary treatment, or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy for cancers of the head and neck region.
- Genitourinary Cancers (e.g., Prostate, Bladder, Testicular): Using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to treat cancers of the male and female urinary and reproductive systems.
- Gynecologic Cancers (e.g., Cervical, Uterine, Vaginal, Vulvar - Radiation Aspects): Application of external beam radiation and/or brachytherapy for cancers of the female reproductive tract.
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated
- Head and Neck Cancers (Oral Cavity, Pharynx, Larynx - Medical Oncology aspects): Cancers arising in the head and neck region, where medical oncologists manage chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): A diverse group of tumors that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems, treated with various systemic therapies.
- Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell & Small Cell): Cancers originating in the lungs, treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and/or radiation based on type and stage.
This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Adrian Ishkanian or your referring physician.
- Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation - LDR/HDR) for Specific Cancers: Planning and performing procedures where radioactive sources are placed directly into or near a tumor (e.g., for prostate, cervical, breast cancer).
- Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivering highly focused, high-dose radiation to precisely targeted tumors or lesions in the brain or body, often in a few treatment sessions.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) - 3D Conformal, IMRT, VMAT: Developing precise, individualized plans for delivering radiation using external machines (e.g., linear accelerators) with techniques like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).
- Radiation Therapy Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive assessment to determine if radiation therapy is an appropriate treatment modality, followed by meticulous 3D/4D simulation and treatment planning.
- Genetic Counseling & Testing Referrals for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Assessment of family history and risk factors, and coordination of referrals for genetic counseling and testing for inherited predispositions to cancer (e.g., BRCA).
- Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Ishkanian provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Ishkanian or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.
All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Ishkanian practices at Riverside Court Medical Clinic, conveniently situated in the areas near central St. Catharines. The clinic is easily accessible from nearby landmarks and is well-served by local public transit options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The clinic’s location offers a welcoming environment and is designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Ishkanian, an Radiation Oncologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Radiation Oncologist such as Dr. Ishkanian are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Dr. Ishkanian's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ishkanian, an Radiation Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Ishkanian for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.
- What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Ishkanian help manage them?
- Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, which differ depending on the specific drugs used, the dose, and individual patient factors. Common ones include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and increased risk of infection due to low blood counts. Dr. Ishkanian and the oncology nursing team will discuss potential side effects of your specific treatment plan in detail and will actively work to prevent and manage them with medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost blood counts), supportive care advice (nutrition, hydration, rest), and regular monitoring. Open communication about any side effects you experience is very important for effective management.
- What is Radiation Oncology and when is it used?
- Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles) to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be used for palliative care to relieve symptoms. Dr. Ishkanian specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If radiation therapy is indicated for a patient's cancer, Dr. Ishkanian will develop a tailored treatment plan to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects.
- What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Ishkanian specialize in?
- An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This includes Medical Oncologists who utilize systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, as well as Radiation Oncologists like Dr. Ishkanian who focus on radiation treatment. A Hematologist specializes in disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymphatic system, including benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, and malignant diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Ishkanian has expertise in Radiation Oncology, focusing on the use of radiation to treat various cancers, providing comprehensive care within a multidisciplinary team.
Riverside Court Medical Clinic
1200 4th ave
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9
Phone: (905) 682-6451
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ishkanian is a licensed Radiation Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ishkanian-Adrian-Shea/0232878-84460