Dr. Francois Germain

Dr. Francois Germain has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Breast Cancer (Adjuvant, Neoadjuvant, Palliative Radiation): Applying radiation after lumpectomy or mastectomy to reduce recurrence risk, or to treat metastatic disease.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Brain & Spine): Employing precise radiation techniques to treat benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord.
• Lymphomas & Hematologic Malignancies (Radiation Role): Utilizing radiation therapy in specific situations for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, or for conditioning before stem cell transplant.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon & Rectal Cancer): Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, often managed with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation (for rectal), and targeted therapies.
• Melanoma & Advanced Skin Cancers: Aggressive forms of skin cancer, where oncologists manage systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease.
• Breast Cancer (Early Stage, Locally Advanced, Metastatic): Malignant tumors developing in the cells of the breast, managed with various therapies including hormonal, chemo, targeted agents, and immunotherapy.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL): A type of cancer that starts from white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow, typically slow-growing.
• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): A group of chronic blood cancers where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.

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. Francois Germain or your referring physician.

• 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).
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Germain provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Germain 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. Germain practices at BC Cancer Agency - Southern Interior, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, near Downtown. The facility is conveniently situated close to Kelowna General Hospital and South Pandosy Village, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Public transit options are available through the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), providing easy access for those using buses. The clinic is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are close by for patients arriving by car, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all visitors.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Germain, an Radiation 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 Radiation Oncologist such as Dr. Germain 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. Germain'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. Germain, an Radiation Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Germain 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. Germain 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. Germain 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. Germain if there are any suitable clinical trials available for your condition, either at Dr. Germain's institution or through collaborative research networks. He can provide information or refer you for consideration.

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. Germain may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.

What is palliative care, and when might Dr. Germain 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. Germain 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.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Germain 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. Germain has expertise in radiation oncology, focusing on the use of radiation to treat cancer and blood disorders.

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. Germain specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy, tailored to each patient's specific needs.

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

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Germain, 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. Germain works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

BC Cancer Agency - Southern Interior
399 Royal Ave, Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer - Kelowna
Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3

Phone: (250) 712-3958 | Fax: (250) 712-3911

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Germain is a licensed Radiation 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/330020/Germain%2CFrancois