About
Dr. Yee Chung Ung, 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 Toronto, ON, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care to adult patients with suspected or diagnosed cancers and blood disorders. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered treatment. Dr. Ung’s expertise includes the precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy for a variety of cancer types, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for his patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in 1985 and has been practicing as a Radiation Oncologist for over 32 years since 1992. He is certified as a RCPSC Specialist in Radiation Oncology, with extensive experience in the field of cancer treatment with radiation, offering a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options.
Dr. Ung is committed to delivering multidisciplinary, evidence-based care with a focus on patient and family support. He believes in a compassionate approach that emphasizes open communication, shared decision-making, and ongoing advancements in cancer research. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to serving the Toronto community with a holistic and hopeful outlook on cancer care.
Dr. Yee Ung has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Areas/Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology
- 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.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (Brain & Spine): Employing precise radiation techniques to treat benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord.
- Genitourinary Cancers (e.g., Prostate, Bladder, Testicular): Using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer, to treat cancers of the male and female urinary and reproductive systems.
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- 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.
- Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
- Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies, leading to bone damage and other complications.
Common Cancers (Solid Tumors) Treated
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): A diverse group of tumors that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems, treated with various systemic therapies.
- Melanoma & Advanced Skin Cancers: Aggressive forms of skin cancer, where oncologists manage systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced or metastatic disease.
- 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.
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. Yee Ung 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
- 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.
- Total Body Irradiation (TBI) - Component of Stem Cell Transplant Regimens: Radiation therapy delivered to the entire body, often used as part of the conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- 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.
- Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI): Preventative radiation treatment to the brain for certain cancers at high risk of brain metastases.
- Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation - LDR/HDR) for Specific Cancers: Planning and performing procedures where radioactive sources are placed directly into or near a tumor (e.g., for prostate, cervical, breast cancer).
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Radiation Oncology (Cancer Treatment with Radiation). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Ung provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Ung 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. Ung practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, ON. The facility is situated within a well-equipped hospital department that offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for adult patients. It is conveniently accessible via public transit, with nearby TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking is available nearby, and the location is close to landmarks such as Chinatown Centre and Kensington Market, making it convenient for patients to reach from various parts of Toronto.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Ung, 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. Ung 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. Ung'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. Ung, an Radiation Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Radiation Oncologist like Dr. Ung 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. Ung 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. Ung will explain the proposed treatment plan, including goals, benefits, potential side effects, duration, and what to expect moving forward. Further tests may be ordered.
- 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. Ung, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these conditions.
- 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. Ung can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.
- What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Ung 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. Ung 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.
Suite 627, 2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Phone: (416) 480-4834 | Fax: (416) 480-6002
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ung 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/Ung-Yee-Chung/0047683-61661
