Dr. Peter Frederick Dixon – Oncologist / Hematologist | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Peter Frederick Dixon, a Radiation Oncologist, utilizes advanced radiation therapies to treat various forms of cancer, working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Oshawa, ON, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care to adult patients with suspected or diagnosed malignancies and blood disorders. His practice emphasizes adherence to the highest standards of medical professionalism and safety, following the guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Dixon's expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, ensuring personalized treatment approaches that aim to optimize outcomes and quality of life.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences in 1977 in the United Kingdom. With over 35 years of experience practicing as a Radiation Oncologist since 1989, Dr. Dixon has developed a deep understanding of the complexities involved in cancer treatment. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest level of clinical competence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Dixon is committed to providing patient-centered care through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating evidence-based treatments with compassionate support for patients and their families. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through clinical excellence while respecting each patient's unique circumstances. His goal is to offer hope, clarity, and reassurance to those facing a cancer diagnosis in Oshawa and surrounding communities.

Dr. Peter Dixon has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• 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.
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, common in children but also occurs in adults.
• 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.

Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

• 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.
• 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.
• Thoracic Cancers (e.g., Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Mesothelioma): Using radiation therapy to treat cancers within the chest cavity, often combined with other modalities.

Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated

• Gastrointestinal Cancers (Esophageal, Stomach, Pancreatic, Liver, Biliary): A group of cancers affecting the digestive system organs, each requiring specific diagnostic and multidisciplinary treatment approaches including systemic therapies.
• 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.
• Prostate Cancer: Cancer developing in the prostate gland in men, with treatment options including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, or active surveillance.

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. Peter Dixon or your referring physician.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Palliative Radiation Therapy for Symptom Control: Using radiation to alleviate pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by cancer.
• 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).
• 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. Dixon provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Dixon 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. Dixon practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The facility is conveniently accessible from Downtown Oshawa and the Tribute Communities Centre, with public transit options provided by Durham Region Transit (DRT). The center is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, making it straightforward for patients arriving by car to attend their appointments comfortably.

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

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

Does Dr. Dixon 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. Dixon 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. Dixon if there are any suitable clinical trials available for your condition, either at his institution or through collaborative research networks. He can provide information or refer you for consideration.

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

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

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. Dixon specializes in planning and delivering radiation therapy using techniques like EBRT, IMRT, SBRT, or brachytherapy.

Suite 701, 1 Hospital Court
Oshawa, ON L1G 2B9

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

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dixon 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/Dixon-Peter-Frederick/0042358-56336