Dr. Sarah Louise Dunbar Takach Lapner – Oncologist / Hematologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Sarah Louise Dunbar Takach Lapner is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in Edmonton, AB, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive hematology (blood disorders) care. Dr. Lapner adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice meets rigorous professional and ethical guidelines. Her role involves addressing a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes.

She completed her medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Toronto in 2006 and has undergone extensive postgraduate training in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Her certification from recognized medical boards underscores her expertise and dedication to this specialty, enabling her to provide specialized blood disorder treatment and cancer care for adult patients with suspected or diagnosed conditions.

Dr. Lapner's clinical philosophy is rooted in multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment strategies, and patient-centered care. She is committed to supporting her patients and their families through compassionate communication, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing education. Dedicated to advancing her practice and patient well-being in Edmonton, she speaks fluent English and strives to ensure that each patient receives respectful, comprehensive, and up-to-date hematology care.

Dr. Sarah Lapner has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Hereditary Hemochromatosis & Other Iron Overload States: Genetic or acquired conditions leading to excessive iron accumulation in the body, requiring management to prevent organ damage.
• Vitamin B12 & Folate Deficiency Anemias: Anemias resulting from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate, essential for red blood cell formation.
• 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.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• 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.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
• Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg 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. Sarah Lapner or your referring physician.

• Management of Clotting Disorders / Thrombophilia (Inherited & Acquired): Diagnosis, anticoagulation therapy, and long-term management for conditions predisposing to abnormal blood clots (e.g., DVT, PE, Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome).
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Interpretation of Special Hematologic Tests (e.g., Flow Cytometry, Cytogenetics, Molecular Studies): Analyzing results from advanced laboratory tests crucial for diagnosing and classifying hematologic conditions.
• 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).
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Lymphomas (Hodgkin & Various Non-Hodgkin Subtypes): Tailored treatment strategies for cancers of the lymphatic system, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents, and radiotherapy coordination.
• Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management of Anemias: Investigating and treating various types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, hemolytic anemias (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Lapner provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Lapner 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. Lapner practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Downtown East neighborhood of Edmonton, AB, within a hospital department dedicated to hematology and cancer care. The facility is situated near landmarks such as the Largest Mall in North America and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The centre is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient options for visitors seeking in-person consultations and treatments. The practice's location enables patients to receive comprehensive blood disorder diagnostics and therapies within a supportive, accessible environment.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Lapner, an Hematologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

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 Hematologist such as Dr. Lapner are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), Dr. Lapner'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. Lapner, an Hematologist?

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

What kind of supportive care is available during cancer or hematology treatment with Dr. Lapner?

Supportive care is a crucial part of treatment, aiming to manage symptoms, reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and address emotional and practical needs. This can include effective pain and symptom management, nutritional support and counseling, psychological support (counseling, therapy), social work services for practical and emotional support, physiotherapy or occupational therapy, access to patient support groups, and spiritual care. Dr. Lapner and the healthcare team at affiliated hospitals or cancer centres can connect you with these valuable resources.

Why might I need a bone marrow biopsy, and what does it involve if Dr. Lapner 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. Lapner 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.

What happens after cancer treatment is completed with Dr. Lapner?

After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Lapner 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.

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. Lapner may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.

11611 107 Ave NW, 401
Edmonton, AB T5H 0P9

Phone: (780) 496-1390 | Fax: (780) 496-1387

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lapner is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=488f0d38-9c33-4883-b2b5-b9717306e3ce&i=1420