Dr. Bruce Douglas Keith

Dr. Bruce Keith has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): A diverse group of tumors that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems, treated with various systemic therapies.
• Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.
• 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.

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. Bruce Keith or your referring physician.

• 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.
• Treatment of Various Solid Tumors: Specialized care for a wide range of cancers such as breast, lung (NSCLC, SCLC), colorectal, prostate, melanoma, ovarian, uterine, cervical, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, head & neck (non-surgical aspects), brain tumors (non-surgical aspects), and sarcomas.
• Comprehensive Oncologic & Hematologic Consultation: In-depth evaluation of medical history, review of diagnostic imaging and pathology, cancer staging (if applicable), and development of personalized treatment plans for various cancers and blood disorders.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Keith provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Keith 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. Keith practices at a specialized cancer centre located in Central Abbotsford, in the Mill Lake Area neighborhood. The facility is situated close to Essendene Ave and Montrose Ave, providing easy access for patients. It is accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and paid parking options are available nearby to accommodate patients and visitors comfortably. This central location offers a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive cancer care, with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to support optimal patient outcomes.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Keith, an Medical Oncologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

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. Keith are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP), Dr. Keith'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. Keith, an Medical Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Medical Oncologist like Dr. Keith 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 is palliative care, and when might Dr. Keith discuss it?

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, like cancer or advanced blood disorders. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. It can be provided at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatments, not just at the end of life. Dr. Keith may discuss palliative care if you are experiencing significant symptoms, to help manage pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, or other issues, and to provide an extra layer of support.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Keith?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Keith, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Keith works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

How does cancer or blood disorder treatment differ for children compared to adults?

[IF PROVIDER IS PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST:] As a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Keith specializes in these differences. Children's bodies react differently to treatments, and the types of cancers and blood disorders are often distinct from adult conditions. Treatment protocols are specifically designed for pediatric patients, considering their growth and development. Care is family-centered, involving parents and caregivers closely in decision-making and support. [ELSE:] Treatment for children with cancer or blood disorders is highly specialized and managed by Pediatric Hematologists/Oncologists. They use protocols tailored to children, considering long-term effects on growth and development.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Keith 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. Keith has expertise in medical oncology, focusing on systemic treatments for solid tumors, and is also skilled in hematology, providing comprehensive care for various blood disorders.

How will treatment decisions be made for my condition by Dr. Keith?

Treatment decisions in oncology and hematology are highly personalized and made collaboratively. Dr. Keith will consider many factors, including the type and stage of your cancer or blood disorder, your overall health, genetic markers of the disease (if applicable), current treatment guidelines, and importantly, your personal preferences and values. Often, cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings (tumor boards) with other specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach. You will be an active participant in this decision-making process.

What is immunotherapy and how does it work for cancer?

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. It works by boosting or changing how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells more effectively. There are different types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Keith may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.

32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford Centre, BC Cancer Agency
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2

Phone: (604) 870-7488 | Fax: (604) 851-4729

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Keith is a licensed Medical Oncologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337572/Keith%2CBruce