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A new tool to treat metastatic brain cancer is being implemented by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) — its first use in Canada.
This month, the first Canadian cancer patient was treated with the HyperArc stereotactic radiosurgery system by the SCA.
The system is state-of-the-art and efficient for treatment planning and delivery. Stereotactic radiosurgery provides targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy. This can help preserve healthy brain tissue during treatment.
It’s estimated that more than half of all radiosurgery patients annually will receive HyperArc treatment.
HyperArc technology is the first of its kind to be used in Saskatchewan. (Supplied)
“The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency strives to provide care of the highest quality to each patient who walks through our doors,” said Dr. Jon Tonita, SCA president and CEO.
Stereotactic radiosurgery has been offered since 2016 by the SCA. HyperArc technology is the latest step in the expansion of this program, Tonita explained.
Dr. Gavin Cranmer-Sargison said the field of radiosurgery is rapidly evolving.
“I’m so proud of the SCA teams who worked over the past year to bring HyperArc to Saskatchewan,” said the SCA’s director of medical physics.
“Providing patients with the most modern treatment available today is exciting and will lead to better outcomes and better quality of life for our patients with metastatic brain cancer.”
Twenty patients were treated by the SCA in 202 using stereotactic radiosurgery. The Regina program, which was recently expanded, will allow for more program capacity and treatment closer to home for patients in the southern part of the province. The Saskatoon Cancer Centre is expected to receive HyperArc technology later this year.
Paul Merriman, minister of health for Saskatchewan, said government funding — to the tune of $3.5 million — helped secure the treatment technology for the SCA.
“The benefit to Saskatchewan residents is priceless. Congratulations to the employees at the Agency for their hard work in implementing this new life-saving technology,” Merriman said.