Dr. Normand Blais – Oncologist / Hematologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Normand Blais is a highly skilled Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, offering expert care in the diagnosis and systemic treatment of both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Practicing at CHUM in Montréal, QC, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive and personalized cancer and blood disorder management. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. Dr. Blais offers a broad scope of management strategies for a wide range of cancers and complex hematologic conditions, focusing on adult patients with suspected or diagnosed conditions. Access to advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options is a key component of his approach, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree in 1994 and has been practicing as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist for over 30 years. Dr. Blais completed extensive postgraduate medical training and certification in Medical Oncology and Hematology, specializing in cancer care and blood disorders. His expertise encompasses a diverse array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ensuring that each patient receives evidence-based, multidisciplinary treatment tailored to their specific needs.

Dr. Blais is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care rooted in the latest clinical research and guidelines. He believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized treatment plans. Fluent in French, he strives to communicate clearly and supportively with his patients and their families, ensuring they are well-informed and engaged throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr. Normand Blais has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A group of diverse bone marrow disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy, mature blood cells.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
• 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.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Melanoma & Advanced Skin Cancers: Aggressive forms of skin cancer, where oncologists manage systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease.
• 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.

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune disorder characterized by a low number of platelets, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
• Thrombophilia & Acquired Clotting Disorders (e.g., DVT/PE management, Antiphospholipid Syndrome): Conditions that increase the tendency to form blood clots, requiring anticoagulation therapy and management.
• Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood 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. Normand Blais or your referring physician.

• Integration with Palliative & Supportive Oncology Services: Collaborative care focusing on optimal symptom management, pain control, and psychosocial support throughout the cancer journey.
• Management of Bleeding Disorders (Hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, Platelet Function Disorders): Care for inherited and acquired conditions that affect the body's ability to form blood clots properly, including factor replacement therapies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Leukemias (AML, ALL, CLL, CML, Hairy Cell): Comprehensive care for various types of leukemia, including diagnostic workup (bone marrow interpretation, cytogenetics, molecular testing), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and coordination for stem cell transplant where indicated.
• Iron Overload Disorders (e.g., Hereditary Hemochromatosis) Management: Monitoring and treatment, including therapeutic phlebotomy, for conditions of excess iron storage.
• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) & Other Platelet Disorders Management: Investigating and managing low platelet counts due to immune or other causes.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Medical Oncology and Hematology (Cancer and Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Blais provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Blais 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.

Practicing at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Dr. Blais's clinic is situated in the vibrant Ville-Marie East (Quartier Latin, Village) neighborhood of Montréal. The clinic is conveniently located near Mount Royal Park Access and the Mile End District, offering a lively and accessible environment. Public transit options are plentiful, with easy access via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) (Métro, Bus). The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients, and paid parking options are close by for those arriving by car, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Blais, an Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, 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 Medical Oncologist and Hematologist such as Dr. Blais 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. Blais'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. Blais, an Medical Oncologist and Hematologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Medical Oncologist and Hematologist like Dr. Blais 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 palliative care, and when might Dr. Blais discuss it?

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, like cancer or advanced blood disorders. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. It can be provided at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatments, not just at the end of life. Dr. Blais may discuss palliative care if you are experiencing significant symptoms, to help manage pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, or other issues, and to provide an extra layer of support.

Does a Hematologist only treat blood cancers?

No, Hematologists treat a wide range of blood disorders, not just cancers. This includes benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as various types of anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), bleeding disorders (like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease), clotting disorders (thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), and issues with white blood cells (like neutropenia) or platelets (like ITP). Dr. Blais, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these conditions.

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 PROVIDER IS RADIATION ONCOLOGIST:] Dr. Blais specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy. [ELSE:] Dr. Blais may refer patients to a Radiation Oncologist if this treatment is indicated for their type of cancer as part of a multidisciplinary care plan.

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. Blais can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Blais?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Blais, 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. Blais works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

CHUM
1000 rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 0C1

Phone: (514) 890-8000 | Fax: (514) 412-7154

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Blais is a licensed Medical Oncologist and Hematologist 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=94270