Dr. Margaret Lyn Anthes – Oncologist / Hematologist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Margaret Lyn Anthes, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at the Div. of General & Thoracic Surgery in Thunder Bay, ON, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive cancer care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. Dr. Anthes's expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and quality of life. She primarily serves adult patients with suspected or diagnosed cancers or blood disorders, offering access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities to support personalized care.

Dr. Anthes graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1991. She has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist for over 28 years, since 1996. She is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, demonstrating her specialized training and expertise in cancer treatment with radiation. Her extensive experience ensures that patients receive evidence-based, compassionate, and effective care tailored to their unique needs.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating the latest research and guidelines to optimize treatment strategies. Dr. Anthes is dedicated to supporting her patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. She is committed to ongoing education, quality improvement, and fostering a caring environment. Fluent in English, she provides clear communication and compassionate support to her patients in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.

Dr. Margaret Anthes has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

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.
• Sarcomas (Bone & Soft Tissue - Systemic Therapy): Rare cancers arising from connective tissues, where medical oncologists administer chemotherapy or targeted therapies for advanced or metastatic disease.
• 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.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Thoracic Cancers (e.g., Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Mesothelioma): Using radiation therapy to treat cancers within the chest cavity, often combined with other modalities.
• Gastrointestinal Cancers (e.g., Rectal, Anal, Pancreatic, Stomach): Role of radiation therapy in managing various cancers of the digestive system, often as part of combined modality treatment.
• 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.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• 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.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
• 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. Margaret Anthes or your referring physician.

• 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.
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
• 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).
• 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.
• Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
• 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).

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Anthes provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Anthes 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.

The practice is located within the Div. of General & Thoracic Surgery in Thunder Bay, ON, situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible from Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) and is well-served by Thunder Bay Transit for public transportation. The location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking facilities are available on-site, providing convenient parking options for visitors.

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Anthes 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 happens after cancer treatment is completed with Dr. Anthes?

After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Anthes will develop a survivorship care plan with you. This plan typically includes a schedule for follow-up appointments and tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence, management of any long-term side effects from treatment, recommendations for healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise), and coordination with your family doctor for ongoing general health care. The goal is to support your long-term health and well-being.

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

As a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Anthes 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.

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. Anthes specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy.

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

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

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

Div. of General & Thoracic Surgery
Room 1518, 980 Oliver Road, The Hospital for Sick Children
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

Phone: (807) 684-7211 | Fax: (807) 684-5801

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Anthes 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/Anthes-Margaret-Lyn/0049849-63827