Pancreatic Cancer Clinic

About This Clinic

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, or your doctor suspects it, our clinic is here to help you get answers quickly.

We are a rapid diagnostic clinic. That means we work to shorten the time between "something may be wrong" and "here is your diagnosis and treatment plan." Instead of waiting weeks for separate appointments, many of the specialists you need are in one place, working together on your care.

At your visits, you may meet:

• Surgeons who specialize in pancreatic operations
• Medical oncologists (doctors who treat cancer with medication, such as chemotherapy)
• Radiation oncologists (doctors who treat cancer with radiation)
• Nurses who will guide you through each step
• Dietitians, social workers, and other support staff who help with the challenges cancer brings beyond treatment

We know a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is frightening. Our goal is to make sure you never feel like you are facing it alone, and that you always know what happens next.

How to Become a Patient

You need a referral from a doctor, Physician Assistant or nurse practitioner to be seen at our clinic.

Here is how it works:

1. Your doctor sends us a referral. Ask them to include your recent test results and imaging (like CT scans or ultrasounds). The more complete the referral, the faster we can review it.
2. Our team reviews your referral. This usually takes up to two weeks. We look at your results to decide if our clinic is the right place for your care.
3. We contact you or your doctor with the decision and, if you are accepted, your first appointment date.

Please note: Not every referral can be accepted. If our clinic is not the right fit for your situation, we will let your doctor know so they can direct you to the care you need.

What to Expect

Learn more about preparing for your first ap​pointment in the Guide to the Princess Margaret.

Leadership

Research Program Manager: Anna Dodd
Email: Anna.Dodd@uhn.ca​​

Frequently Asked Questions

I live outside Ontario. Can I still be seen in the McCain clinic by a medical oncologist?
Yes. In certain circumstances, out-of-province patients may be considered for a specific clinical trial. Otherwise, routine standard of care is the same across provinces. We can only accept out-of-province patients who meet specific criteria, particularly when the clinical trial is not otherwise available in their home province or neighbouring provinces.

A referral, including a letter outlining the rationale for referral, must be submitted by the patient’s medical oncologist. Referrals from a family doctor/GP or self-referral cannot be accepted.

Please note that obtaining medical records from outside Ontario can take additional time, and it may take 3–4 weeks to obtain the required information. The patient’s local medical oncologist will be able to fast-track the pertinent information we need to review.

I live outside Canada. Can I be treated here?
International patients can request care through UHN's International Patient Program. There are costs involved, since care for non-residents is not covered by OHIP.

• International Patients at UHN

What is a clinical trial, and could one help me?
A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates new treatments (such as new medications or combinations of therapies) or helps researchers better understand cancer, including the genetic changes that drive it (translational research). Participating in a clinical trial may provide access to promising new treatments that are not yet widely available. Not everyone is eligible for every clinical trial, as each study has specific requirements based on factors such as your type of cancer, your overall health, and any treatments you have already received. Your care team will determine whether a clinical trial may be an appropriate option for you. While we actively offer clinical trials whenever possible, there may not always be a suitable trial available at the time of your consultation.

• About Clinical Trials

How soon will I start treatment?
It depends on your diagnosis and the treatment you need. Your team will explain your timeline at your first visit and tell you exactly what the next step is before you leave. If you ever feel unsure about what is happening next, ask keeping you informed is part of our job.

Who do I call if I have questions between appointments?
If you have questions or concerns between appointments, you can contact our Nursing Triage Line. Leave a message, and a nurse will return your call within 24 hours. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately.

Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 416-946-2868 (Option 2). After 5:00 p.m., on weekends, or on statutory holidays, please call 1-877-681-3057. Please note that this is a non-emergency line. ​​

McCain Centre Research and Media

Discover insights from our medical oncologists about the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer.

• Q&A with pancreatic cancer researcher Dr. Jennifer Knox at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
• Unique Toronto-based clinical trial reveals new subtypes of advanced pancreatic cancer
• Tackling Pancreatic Cancer: UHN researchers play role in expanded national precision-medicine pancreatic cancer study
• YouTube: Dr. Jennifer Knox on The Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer
• Princess Margaret opens one-stop clinic for pancreatic cancer patients​
  

About Wallace McCain

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease where many people are diagnosed with advanced disease. It can be difficult to detect as symptoms are often vague and can continue for months before people visit their doctor. As part of the GI cancer group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, there is a team of dedicated professionals focused on providing excellent care to individuals with pancreatic cancer. In March of 2011 Wallace and Margaret McCain generously donated $5 million dollars with the focus of improving care for this complex group of patients. Wallace McCain himself battled pancreatic cancer for 14 months until his death in May 2011.

Margaret McCain expressed how they appreciated the care her husband had received, especially during the time of Mr. McCain’s diagnosis. They understood that for some individuals, this can be a difficult and often prolonged period. Their hope was that the donation could help to ensure all patients with pancreatic cancer coming to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre receive the highest quality care with timely diagnosis and treatment plans.

Since the donation in 2011, we have developed the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer whose vision is ‘To be the global leader in comprehensive pancreatic cancer care’. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has the highest quality professionals providing care to this population and the donation helps ensure the care of each individual is integrated within this multidisciplinary team. This has included the hiring of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to assess the care path of this population and ensure rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The McCain Centre and the CNS are also focusing on the experience of the pancreatic cancer patient and their family to provide an early and ongoing connection with patients so they are linked to appropriate resources and information when needed.

As of July 2015, the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer is co-chaired by Dr. Jennifer Knox, medical oncologist and Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology lead Dr. Steven Gallinger, Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgical Oncologist. Both provide direct care to individuals with pancreatic cancer and are committed to research and academic developments to improve the care and long-term survival for those fighting this deadly disease. The Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer has an ongoing mission to continue to advance the quality care provided for this population and will develop new and innovative ways to improve the outcomes for those battling pancreatic cancer.​​