New Saskatoon cancer equipment delivers faster radiotherapy
Saskatoon Health Region receives TrueBeam, an advanced linear accelerator
Cancer patients needing radiation therapy in Saskatoon will now receive higher doses more quickly and with greater precision thanks to a new piece of equipment.
TrueBeam is the most advanced linear accelerator and it's now available at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.
"Acquiring the most advanced technology available for radiotherapy will help us better meet the current and future needs of cancer patients in Saskatchewan," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said.
"We are putting patients first with investments that enable improved, safe, quality care."
TrueBeam radiotherapy has the potential to open doors for the treatments of cancers in the lung, breast, prostate and spinal regions.- Scott Livingstone, CEO Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
TrueBeam radiotherapy can be used for treatment of all types of cancer, but it has the potential to open doors for the treatments of cancers in the lung, breast, prostate and spinal regions, said Scott Livingstone, CEO of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.
"This new technology, combined with our oncologists and radiation therapists expertise will offer improved patient care,"
The cost of the TrueBeam, and associated renovations, at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre is approximately $3.9M.
The funds come from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.
Installation is now complete. The system will soon be ready to treat its first cancer patient.
During the 2012-13 year, more than 37,000 radiation therapy sessions were conducted in Saskatchewan.