About
Dr. Melanie Jean Reed, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at Family Practice Associates in Kelowna, BC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive cancer care. Her practice is aligned with the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Reed’s role focuses on the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, ensuring each patient receives individualized, evidence-based treatment in a compassionate manner.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1984, Canada, and completed extensive postgraduate training in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Dr. Reed holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her specialized expertise and adherence to the highest professional standards. Her training and certifications enable her to deliver safe, effective, and innovative radiation treatments tailored to adult patients with suspected or diagnosed cancer or blood disorders.
Driven by a commitment to multidisciplinary care, Dr. Reed emphasizes evidence-based treatment strategies and patient-centered support. She is dedicated to advancing cancer treatment outcomes through collaboration with other healthcare professionals, ongoing research, and patient education. Fluent in English, she provides empathetic communication and personalized care to residents of Kelowna and surrounding communities, ensuring each patient feels supported and informed throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Melanie Reed has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated
- 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.
- 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.
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
- 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.
- Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
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.
- 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.
- Breast Cancer (Adjuvant, Neoadjuvant, Palliative Radiation): Applying radiation after lumpectomy or mastectomy to reduce recurrence risk, or to treat metastatic disease.
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. Melanie Reed 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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. Reed provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Reed 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.
Family Practice Associates is located in the Glenmore neighborhood of North Kelowna, within the city of Kelowna, BC. The practice is situated near Kelowna General Hospital, providing convenient access for patients needing hospital-based services. The location is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making public transportation options readily available. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility challenges. Paid parking options are close by, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car. This central location offers a welcoming environment with modern amenities designed to support patient comfort and convenience.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Reed, 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. Reed 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. Reed'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. Reed, an Radiation Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Reed 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.
- How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Reed?
- Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Reed, 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. Reed works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.
- 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. Reed specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. If radiation treatment is indicated for a patient's cancer, Dr. Reed will coordinate this aspect of care as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Family Practice Associates
1088 Discovery Ave
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7
Phone: (250) 807-9651 | Website: http://www.bcdoctordirectory.ca/kelowna
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Reed 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/317610/Reed%2CMelanie