Dr. Mark Richard Niglas

Dr. Mark Niglas has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Gynecologic Cancers (e.g., Cervical, Uterine, Vaginal, Vulvar - Radiation Aspects): Application of external beam radiation and/or brachytherapy for cancers of the female reproductive tract.
• 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.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Brain & Spine): Employing precise radiation techniques to treat benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

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.
• Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.

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. Mark Niglas or your referring physician.

• 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.
• Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
• 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.
• 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).
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Genetic Counseling & Testing Referrals for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Assessment of family history and risk factors, and coordination of referrals for genetic counseling and testing for inherited predispositions to cancer (e.g., BRCA).

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Niglas provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Niglas 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 University Health Network's Oshawa location, situated in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood, serves as a hub for advanced cancer care. The facility is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Regent Theatre and Tribute Communities Centre, making it easy for patients to access. Public transit options, including Durham Region Transit (DRT), provide accessible transportation to the site. The building is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking facilities are available on-site for those arriving by personal vehicle, offering added convenience. This central location underscores the commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible cancer care to the Oshawa community.

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

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

After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Niglas 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.

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

Why might I need a bone marrow biopsy, and what does it involve if Dr. Niglas recommends it?

A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are procedures used to collect and examine bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. Dr. Niglas might recommend this test to diagnose or monitor various blood disorders, including leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma, anemias, or infections. The procedure is usually done on the back of the hip bone under local anesthesia. A needle is used to withdraw a small sample of liquid marrow (aspiration) and a small core of bone marrow tissue (biopsy). You may feel some pressure or brief pain.

What can I expect at my first appointment with an Oncologist/Hematologist?

Your first appointment with Dr. Niglas 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. He 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. Niglas will explain the proposed treatment plan, including goals, benefits, potential side effects, duration, and what to expect moving forward. Further tests may be ordered.

Does Dr. Niglas 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. Niglas 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. Niglas about available clinical trials at his institution or through research networks, and he can refer you for consideration.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Niglas 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. Niglas has expertise in Radiation Oncology, focusing on the use of radiation to treat cancer, providing comprehensive care in this specialized field.

University Health Network
8-320, Main Pavilion, 1 Hospital Court, Toronto Western Hospital
Oshawa, ON L1G 2B9

Phone: (905) 576-8711 | Fax: (905) 721-6101

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Niglas 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/Niglas-Mark-Richard/0280903-98314