Dr. Merle Ang Vojdani, a Medical Oncologist, specializes in using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents to treat a wide range of cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Kitchener, ON, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive cancer care. The practice centers on the use of cutting-edge systemic therapies for adult solid tumors, ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and personalized treatment options. Her approach emphasizes compassionate support and evidence-based interventions, with access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities that serve adults with suspected or diagnosed cancer or blood disorders.
Dr. Vojdani graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Philippines Institute of Medical Foundation in 1981.0 (Philippines). She has been practicing as a Medical Oncologist for over 16 years, since 2008, gaining extensive experience in the field of cancer treatment. She is certified as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Medical Oncology, specializing in Cancer Treatment with Systemic Therapies, adhering to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, combining the latest scientific evidence with personalized care to optimize outcomes. Dr. Vojdani is dedicated to supporting her patients and their families throughout their cancer journey, providing clear communication, emotional support, and coordination with other healthcare providers. Fluent in English, she is committed to delivering culturally sensitive and compassionate care to residents of Kitchener and surrounding communities.
Dr. Merle Vojdani 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Merle Vojdani or your referring physician.
- Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
- Treatment of Various Solid Tumors: Specialized care for a wide range of cancers such as breast, lung (NSCLC, SCLC), colorectal, prostate, melanoma, ovarian, uterine, cervical, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, head & neck (non-surgical aspects), brain tumors (non-surgical aspects), and sarcomas.
- Cancer Survivorship Care & Long-Term Follow-Up: Developing individualized follow-up care plans for cancer survivors, focusing on surveillance for recurrence, management of late effects of treatment, and promoting wellness.
- Integration with Palliative & Supportive Oncology Services: Collaborative care focusing on optimal symptom management, pain control, and psychosocial support throughout the cancer journey.
- Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies Administration & Management: Expert administration and ongoing management of treatments including intravenous and oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy coordination), targeted molecular therapy, and hormone therapy.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
- Adjuvant, Neoadjuvant, & Metastatic/Palliative Systemic Therapy: Developing treatment plans given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) primary local treatment (like surgery or radiation) to improve outcomes, or for managing advanced/metastatic cancer to control disease and improve quality oflife.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Medical Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Systemic Therapies). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Vojdani provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Vojdani 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.
Dr. Vojdani practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Downtown Kitchener area, within the Cedar Hill neighborhood. The facility is situated in a vibrant part of Kitchener, close to the Forest Heights Community Library and easily accessible from Westmount Area. Public transit options are plentiful, with Grand River Transit (GRT) providing bus and ION Light Rail services that connect the centre to the wider community. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is convenient with metered street parking available nearby, making visits straightforward for patients from various parts of the city and surrounding regions.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Vojdani, an Medical 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 Medical Oncologist such as Dr. Vojdani 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. Vojdani'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. Vojdani, an Medical Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Medical Oncologist like Dr. Vojdani 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 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. Vojdani 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 happens after cancer treatment is completed with Dr. Vojdani?
- After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Vojdani 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.
- Why might I need a bone marrow biopsy, and what does it involve if Dr. Vojdani 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. Vojdani 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.
100 Westmount Road
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3
Phone: (519) 824-6000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Vojdani is a licensed Medical 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/Vojdani-Merle-Ang/0045092-59070