Dr. Belal Ahmad – Oncologist / Hematologist | London, ON

Dr. Belal Ahmad, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at North York General Hospital in London, ON, he is committed to providing compassionate and personalized cancer care. His approach aligns with the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Ahmad’s expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, with a focus on optimizing outcomes and quality of life for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2002 in Canada and has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist for over 17 years, since 2007. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation), demonstrating his advanced training and commitment to professional excellence in this specialized field.

Dr. Ahmad’s clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment, and comprehensive patient and family support. He is dedicated to advancing cancer research and adopts the latest technological innovations to enhance treatment precision. Fluent in English, he is committed to communicating clearly and empathetically with his patients in London, ensuring they are well-informed and supported throughout their care journey.

Dr. Belal Ahmad has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies, leading to bone damage and other complications.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Palliative Radiation for Symptom Relief (e.g., Bone Metastases, Spinal Cord Compression): Using radiation therapy to alleviate pain, control bleeding, or relieve pressure caused by advanced cancer.
• Lymphomas & Hematologic Malignancies (Radiation Role): Utilizing radiation therapy in specific situations for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, or for conditioning before stem cell transplant.
• Sarcomas (Bone & Soft Tissue - Radiation Aspects): Role of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of sarcomas, often used before or after surgery.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Melanoma & Advanced Skin Cancers: Aggressive forms of skin cancer, where oncologists manage systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease.
• 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.
• Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.

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. Belal Ahmad or your referring physician.

• Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
• Total Body Irradiation (TBI) - Component of Stem Cell Transplant Regimens: Radiation therapy delivered to the entire body, often used as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
• 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.
• Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Utilizing advanced imaging during treatment delivery to precisely target tumors and adapt to changes, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Ahmad provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Ahmad 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. Belal Ahmad practices primarily at North York General Hospital located in the vibrant Downtown London, in the North London East neighborhood of London. The hospital is conveniently situated near North London Athletic Fields and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC) public transit system. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available nearby with metered street parking options for visitors, making it convenient to attend appointments. The hospital’s central location provides patients with a welcoming environment and efficient access to comprehensive cancer care services in a modern setting.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Ahmad, 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. Ahmad 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. Ahmad'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. Ahmad, an Radiation Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Ahmad 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.

Does Dr. Ahmad participate in or offer access to clinical trials?

Many oncologists and hematologists are involved in clinical research to advance cancer treatment and care for blood disorders, as participation in clinical trials can offer access to new and investigational treatments. Dr. Ahmad is actively involved in clinical trials and may discuss relevant trial options with you if you are eligible and it is appropriate for your condition. You can ask Dr. Ahmad if there are any suitable clinical trials available for your condition, either at his institution or through collaborative research networks. He can provide information or refer you for consideration.

Does a Hematologist only treat blood cancers?

No, Hematologists treat a wide range of blood disorders, not just cancers. This includes benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as various types of anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), bleeding disorders (like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease), clotting disorders (thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), and issues with white blood cells (like neutropenia) or platelets (like ITP). Dr. Ahmad, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these conditions.

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. Ahmad specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If not a Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ahmad may refer patients to a Radiation Oncologist if this treatment is indicated for their type of cancer as part of a multidisciplinary care plan.

What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad 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.

North York General Hospital
1NE-750, 790 Commissioners Rd E, Department of Radiology
London, ON N6A 4L6

Phone: (519) 685-8600 | Fax: (519) 685-8627

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ahmad 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/Ahmad-Belal/0191487-77625