Dr. Stéphane Barrette – Oncologist / Hematologist | Verdun, QC

Dr. Stéphane Barrette is a dedicated Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and blood disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Hôpital Verdun in Verdun, QC, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment tailored to their needs. Dr. Barrette’s focus is on the unique aspects of treating blood disorders and cancers in the pediatric population, from infancy through adolescence, offering hope and support to families facing challenging diagnoses.

He graduated with a Medical Degree in 1994 and has been practicing as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist for over 30 years. During his extensive training, Dr. Barrette completed rigorous post-graduate medical education and certification in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, specializing in childhood cancers and blood disorders. His experience encompasses a broad spectrum of pediatric hematology and oncology conditions, allowing him to provide expert, evidence-based care for his young patients.

Driven by a commitment to multidisciplinary care, Dr. Barrette emphasizes a compassionate, family-centered approach. He believes in the importance of supporting patients and their families throughout their treatment journey, integrating the latest research and clinical guidelines into his practice. Fluent in French, he communicates clearly and empathetically, ensuring families feel informed and supported at every step of their care in Verdun.

Dr. Stéphane Barrette has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: A common type of anemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• 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.

Common Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Conditions

• Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma (Pediatric Bone Cancers): The most common types of malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.
• Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma): A type of kidney cancer that primarily occurs in young children.
• Pediatric Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors (e.g., Medulloblastoma, Glioma, Ependymoma): The most common solid tumors in children, requiring complex multidisciplinary treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

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.
• 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. Stéphane Barrette 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 Benign Hematologic Disorders in Children & Adolescents: Comprehensive care for pediatric patients with conditions like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, ITP, hemophilia, and various anemias.
• Iron Overload Disorders (e.g., Hereditary Hemochromatosis) Management: Monitoring and treatment, including therapeutic phlebotomy, for conditions of excess iron storage.
• Management of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Diagnosis and treatment of bone marrow failure disorders, including supportive care, growth factors, and disease-modifying therapies.
• 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).
• Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Childhood Cancers: Specialized, family-centered care for leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, sarcomas, and other cancers affecting infants, children, and adolescents.
• Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): Treatment strategies to control blood counts, manage symptoms, and prevent complications associated with these chronic bone marrow disorders.

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

Dr. Stéphane Barrette practices primarily at Hôpital Verdun, located in the vibrant areas near central Verdun. The hospital is easily accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenient access for all patients. For those arriving by car, metered street parking is available nearby, making visits straightforward for families and caregivers. The hospital’s central location and accessible amenities aim to provide a welcoming environment for pediatric patients and their families seeking expert hematology and oncology care.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Barrette, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, 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 Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist such as Dr. Barrette 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. Barrette'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. Barrette, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist like Dr. Barrette 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 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. Barrette can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.

What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Barrette help manage them?

Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, which differ depending on the specific drugs used, the dose, and individual patient factors. Common ones include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and increased risk of infection due to low blood counts. Dr. Barrette and the oncology nursing team will discuss potential side effects of your specific treatment plan in detail and will actively work to prevent and manage them with medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost blood counts), supportive care advice (nutrition, hydration, rest), and regular monitoring. Open communication about any side effects you experience is very important for effective management.

Hôpital Verdun
4000 boul Lasalle
Verdun, QC H4G 2A3

Phone: (514) 362-1000 | Fax: (514) 362-7412

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Barrette is a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist 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=94247