Cancer patients at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre now have access to six new linear accelerators that provide radiation therapy used to treat a variety of cancers, announced Health Minister Terry Lake.

“The six new TrueBeam linear accelerators help place the BC Cancer Agency at the forefront of providing cutting-edge cancer treatment using the newest and most innovative radiation therapy equipment,” said Lake. “This technology is a perfect example of the world-class cancer care B.C. residents have access to and it will help improve the quality of life for Island patients affected by cancer.”

The new linear accelerators are part of a replacement plan that will improve patient care by providing some of the most-advanced, targeted radiation therapy treatments in British Columbia. The plan also includes a new radiation therapy simulator and a brachytherapy suite upgrade - a form of radiotherapy where a radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. The Government of B.C. has provided $24.3 million in funding for this replacement project.

“We appreciate the provincial government providing funding for new linear accelerators, a radiation therapy simulator and a brachytherapy suite upgrade at the Vancouver Island Centre,” said Nick Foster, interim head, BC Cancer Agency. “To provide the best care, it is important that the BC Cancer Agency keep current with new technology and treatment advances. This new equipment will help to improve health outcomes for our patients by allowing us to deliver more precise radiation treatment to patients at the Vancouver Island Centre.”

Linear accelerators work by making use of high-energy x-rays to kill tumour cells. Radiation therapy is used to treat a variety of cancer types, as well as in palliative treatment to relieve symptoms.

The new machines deliver radiation more precisely, and produce better images, so treatment can be modified on a daily basis to support the needs of patients. On-board imaging, which enables staff to confirm the patient’s alignment, and RapidArc - a treatment technique that delivers radiation in a 360-degree arc around the patient - allow for more-efficient treatment delivery and improved accuracy, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes.

Approximately 55% of cancer patients in B.C. require radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. The linear accelerators typically operate eight hours per day, treating approximately 150 patients during that time period. 

The BC Cancer Agency is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority and provides a provincewide, population-based cancer control program for residents of British Columbia and the Yukon. This includes provincial standards for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as palliative care.

Learn more:

To learn more about the BC Cancer Agency’s cancer treatment and research, please visit: www.bccancer.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)