Dr. Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte is a dedicated Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and blood disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec - CHUL in Québec, QC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive care. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in patient management. She focuses on addressing the unique needs of pediatric patients with suspected or diagnosed blood disorders and cancers, offering access to advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options tailored to children and adolescents.
Dr. Pelland-Marcotte earned her Medical Degree in 2016 and has been practicing as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist for over 8 years. She completed extensive postgraduate medical training and certification in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, specializing in childhood cancers and blood disorders. Her certification and ongoing education ensure her proficiency in the latest clinical practices and treatment modalities in pediatric cancer care.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment, and holistic patient and family support. Dr. Pelland-Marcotte is dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer research and improving outcomes through personalized care. Fluent in French, she is committed to providing accessible and compassionate communication to her patients and their families across Québec.
Dr. Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed
- Vitamin B12 & Folate Deficiency Anemias: Anemias resulting from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate, essential for red blood cell formation.
- Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
- Hemolytic Anemia (e.g., Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - AIHA): A disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them.
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.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
- 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.
Common Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Conditions
- Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma (Pediatric Bone Cancers): The most common types of malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.
- Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune condition causing low platelet counts in children, often following a viral infection.
- Pediatric Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors (e.g., Medulloblastoma, Glioma, Ependymoma): The most common solid tumors in children, requiring complex multidisciplinary treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
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. Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte or your referring physician.
- Peripheral Blood Smear Review & Advanced Cytomorphology: Expert microscopic examination of blood cells to identify abnormalities and aid in diagnosis.
- Diagnosis & Treatment of Lymphomas (Hodgkin & Various Non-Hodgkin Subtypes): Tailored treatment strategies for cancers of the lymphatic system, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents, and radiotherapy coordination.
- Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Management of Clotting Disorders / Thrombophilia (Inherited & Acquired): Diagnosis, anticoagulation therapy, and long-term management for conditions predisposing to abnormal blood clots (e.g., DVT, PE, Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome).
- Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy (Performance or Interpretation): Performing or interpreting samples from bone marrow aspirations and biopsies to diagnose blood disorders and cancers.
- Long-Term Follow-Up & Survivorship Care for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Monitoring for late effects of cancer treatment, promoting healthy development, and providing ongoing support for survivors of childhood cancer.
- Diagnosis & Management of Multiple Myeloma, Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia & Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Specialized care for cancers arising from plasma cells, utilizing novel agents, chemotherapy, and supportive care, including stem cell transplant coordination.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Pelland-Marcotte provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Pelland-Marcotte 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Pelland-Marcotte practices primarily at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec - CHUL, located in the areas near central Québec. The facility is situated in a vibrant neighborhood close to several local points of interest, making it convenient for families to access. Public transit options are readily available, with bus stops within walking distance, ensuring easy access for patients and their families. The hospital is fully wheelchair accessible, accommodating patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The environment is designed to support a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Pelland-Marcotte, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- 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 Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist such as Dr. Pelland-Marcotte are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), Dr. Pelland-Marcotte'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. Pelland-Marcotte, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist like Dr. Pelland-Marcotte 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 can I expect at my first appointment with an Oncologist/Hematologist?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Pelland-Marcotte will be comprehensive and may last an hour or more. It will involve a detailed review of your medical history, family history of cancer, current symptoms, medications, and any previous tests, imaging results (CT, MRI, PET scans), and biopsy reports related to your diagnosis. She will likely perform a thorough physical examination. The main goals are to confirm your diagnosis, discuss the type and stage of your condition (if applicable), and outline potential treatment options. This is a crucial time to ask questions, and you are encouraged to bring a family member or friend for support and to help take notes. Dr. Pelland-Marcotte will explain the proposed treatment plan, including goals, benefits, potential side effects, duration, and what to expect moving forward. Further tests may be ordered.
- What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Pelland-Marcotte 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. Pelland-Marcotte 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. Pelland-Marcotte?
- Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Pelland-Marcotte, 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. Pelland-Marcotte works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.
- 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. Pelland-Marcotte 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 targeted therapy in cancer treatment?
- Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells with less harm to normal cells. These therapies work by targeting specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or cells related to cancer growth, like blood vessel cells. Genetic testing of the tumor is often done to see if a targeted therapy is likely to be effective. Dr. Pelland-Marcotte can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.
- 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. If Dr. Pelland-Marcotte is a radiation oncologist, she specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If not, she may refer patients to a Radiation Oncologist as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec - CHUL
2705 Boul Laurier
Québec, QC G1V 4G2
Phone: (418) 525-4444 | Fax: (418) 577-2037
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Pelland-Marcotte is a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16822