About
Dr. Amina Taleb, a Medical Oncologist, specializes in using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents to treat a wide range of cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Lethbridge, AB, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to comprehensive cancer care. Her practice centers on the use of cutting-edge systemic therapies for adult solid tumors, ensuring that patients receive individualized, evidence-based treatment. The facility is situated in the vibrant Downtown Lethbridge, in the South Lethbridge East neighborhood, close to landmarks such as Nicholas Sheran Park and ATB Centre (Recreation). Accessible via Lethbridge Transit, the location is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at the facility, facilitating convenient access for all patients.
Dr. Taleb graduated with a Docteur en Medicine in 2005 from Morocco and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Medical Oncology, focusing on systemic cancer therapies. She holds certifications including the CMorocco - Certificate Morocco - Medical Oncology, reflecting her specialized expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, adherence to the latest evidence-based guidelines, and a compassionate approach to patient and family support. Dedicated to advancing cancer research and personalized treatment, she strives to provide holistic care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Taleb is fluent in English, Arabic, and French, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in Lethbridge and surrounding communities.
Dr. Amina Taleb has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated
- Ovarian, Uterine (Endometrial), & Cervical Cancers (Gynecologic Oncology - Medical Aspects): Systemic treatment aspects for cancers of the female reproductive system, often in collaboration with gynecologic oncologists or surgeons.
- Genitourinary Cancers (Bladder, Kidney, Testicular, Penile): Cancers affecting the urinary system (kidneys, bladder) or male reproductive organs (testes, penis), managed with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted agents.
- 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.
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. Amina Taleb or your referring physician.
- Adjuvant, Neoadjuvant, & Metastatic/Palliative Systemic Therapy: Developing treatment plans given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) primary local treatment (like surgery or radiation) to improve outcomes, or for managing advanced/metastatic cancer to control disease and improve quality oflife.
- Cancer Survivorship Care & Long-Term Follow-Up: Developing individualized follow-up care plans for cancer survivors, focusing on surveillance for recurrence, management of late effects of treatment, and promoting wellness.
- Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
- Integration with Palliative & Supportive Oncology Services: Collaborative care focusing on optimal symptom management, pain control, and psychosocial support throughout the cancer journey.
- Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies Administration & Management: Expert administration and ongoing management of treatments including intravenous and oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy coordination), targeted molecular therapy, and hormone therapy.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
- Management of Treatment-Related Side Effects & Toxicities: Proactive and reactive strategies to manage side effects of cancer therapies, including nausea, fatigue, myelosuppression, and neuropathy.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Medical Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Systemic Therapies). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Taleb provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Taleb 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Amina Taleb practices at a specialized cancer centre located within a hospital department in Downtown Lethbridge, situated in the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The practice is conveniently accessible, being near landmarks such as Nicholas Sheran Park and the ATB Centre (Recreation). Public transit options via Lethbridge Transit are available, making it easy for patients to reach the facility. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access, and parking is available on-site for patient convenience.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Taleb, an Medical Oncologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- 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 Medical Oncologist such as Dr. Taleb are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), Dr. Taleb'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. Taleb, an Medical Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Medical Oncologist like Dr. Taleb 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 does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Taleb specialize in?
- An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This can include Medical Oncologists who use systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Radiation Oncologists who use radiation therapy, and Surgical Oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumors. A Hematologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands; this includes benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant conditions (blood cancers) like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Taleb has expertise in Medical Oncology, focusing on systemic treatments for solid tumors, and hematology, managing a broad spectrum of blood disorders including benign and malignant conditions.
- How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Taleb?
- Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Taleb, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care providers. Regular tumor board meetings facilitate case discussions and treatment planning. Dr. Taleb collaborates within this team to ensure holistic, coordinated, and patient-centered care.
- What can I expect at my first appointment with an Oncologist/Hematologist?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Taleb will be comprehensive, often lasting over an hour. It involves reviewing your medical and family history, current symptoms, medications, prior test results, imaging, and biopsy reports. She will perform a physical examination, confirm your diagnosis if applicable, discuss the type and stage of your condition, and outline potential treatment options. This is an opportunity to ask questions and bring a support person. Dr. Taleb will explain the treatment goals, expected benefits, possible side effects, and next steps. Additional tests may be ordered as needed.
- What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?
- Targeted therapy involves drugs designed to specifically attack cancer cells based on genetic or molecular characteristics, sparing normal cells and reducing side effects. These therapies target specific genes, proteins, or pathways involved in cancer growth. Genetic testing of your tumor can help determine if targeted therapy is suitable for your cancer. Dr. Taleb can advise on the appropriateness of targeted agents for your diagnosis.
- What is immunotherapy and how does it work for cancer?
- Immunotherapy enhances the body's immune response to fight cancer. It works by boosting or modifying immune system activity to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Types include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapies, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Taleb may recommend immunotherapy if appropriate for your cancer type and will explain its mechanism, benefits, and potential side effects.
- Does a Hematologist only treat blood cancers?
- No, Hematologists treat a wide range of blood disorders beyond cancers. This includes benign conditions like various anemias (iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, sickle cell, thalassemia), bleeding disorders (hemophilia, von Willebrand disease), clotting issues (thrombophilia, DVT, pulmonary embolism), and white blood cell or platelet disorders (neutropenia, ITP). Dr. Taleb, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these diverse conditions.
960 19 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Phone: (403) 388-6802 | Fax: (403) 320-0508
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Taleb is a licensed Medical Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b3230160-0014-4e8c-80c8-4838e9efe32f&i=1421