Dr. Nafisha Lalani – Oncologist / Hematologist | Newmarket, ON

Dr. Nafisha Lalani, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Newmarket, ON, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based cancer care. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment. Dr. Lalani's role includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a wide range of cancer types, aimed at achieving optimal outcomes while minimizing side effects.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2011 and has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of experience. Her certifications include being recognized as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, reflecting her specialized training and commitment to excellence in cancer treatment with radiation.

Dr. Lalani's clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based decision making, and comprehensive patient support. She is dedicated to serving the community of Newmarket by providing personalized care tailored to each patient's unique circumstances. Fluent in English, she strives to communicate clearly and empathetically, ensuring patients and their families are well-informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Dr. Nafisha Lalani has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.
• Melanoma & Advanced Skin Cancers: Aggressive forms of skin cancer, where oncologists manage systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease.
• Brain & Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Primary & Metastatic - Medical Oncology aspects): Malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord, where medical oncologists may manage chemotherapy or targeted therapies as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• Lymphomas & Hematologic Malignancies (Radiation Role): Utilizing radiation therapy in specific situations for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, or for conditioning before stem cell transplant.
• Palliative Radiation for Symptom Relief (e.g., Bone Metastases, Spinal Cord Compression): Using radiation therapy to alleviate pain, control bleeding, or relieve pressure caused by advanced cancer.
• 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.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) (e.g., Diffuse Large B-Cell, Follicular, Mantle Cell): A diverse group of blood cancers that develop from lymphocytes, with many different subtypes requiring tailored treatments.

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. Nafisha Lalani or your referring physician.

• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivering highly focused, high-dose radiation to precisely targeted tumors or lesions in the brain or body, often in a few treatment sessions.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
• 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. Lalani provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Lalani 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. Lalani practices primarily at Joseph Brant Hospital, located in the Central Newmarket area of Gorham-College Manor. The hospital is conveniently situated in proximity to Southlake Regional Health Centre and Highway 404 Access, making it accessible for patients from across the region. Public transportation options, including York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva, provide easy access to the facility. The hospital's premises are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, offering additional convenience for those arriving by private vehicle. The hospital’s setting provides a welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive cancer care and advanced diagnostic services.

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

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Lalani 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. Lalani 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. Lalani will explain the proposed treatment plan, including goals, benefits, potential side effects, duration, and what to expect moving forward. Further tests may be ordered.

How will treatment decisions be made for my condition by Dr. Lalani?

Treatment decisions in oncology and hematology are highly personalized and made collaboratively. Dr. Lalani will consider many factors, including the type and stage of your cancer or blood disorder, your overall health, genetic markers of the disease (if applicable), current treatment guidelines, and importantly, your personal preferences and values. Often, cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings (tumor boards) with other specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach. You will be an active participant in this decision-making process.

Joseph Brant Hospital
596 Davis Dr
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9

Phone: (905) 895-4521

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lalani 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/Lalani-Nafisha/0273521-95609