The latest radiation therapy technology has been installed in the Queen City.
A TrueBeam linear accelerator (linac) was installed at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s Allan Blair Cancer Centre on March 17. Including the associated renovations needed for the linac, the project was valued at $5.08 million.
The Truebeam delivers higher doses of radiation at a quicker speed and with greater precision. It also provides better integration with imaging systems than any current or previous machine.
“Cancer has impacted the lives of many people in Saskatchewan, my family and myself included,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit said in a news release. “This investment will provide patients with more advanced and accurate radiation therapy, and reflects our government’s commitment to accessible treatment.”
Ottenbreit was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and his son died from the disease back in 2000.
More than 35,000 radiotherapy sessions were conducted in Saskatchewan in 2015-16.
The Saskatoon Cancer Centre already had one TrueBeam. A $3.8 million replacement linac in Saskatoon was approved.