Cancer Agency First In Canada To Use New Treatment For Brain Tumours

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) is implementing a new tool for treating metastatic brain cancer, marking an important milestone in cancer care. This month, the SCA treated the first patient in Canada using the HyperArc stereotactic radiosurgery system. 

HyperArc is a state-of-the-art and highly efficient radiosurgery treatment planning and delivery system. The precision of the HyperArc system provides high-quality treatments with reduced side effects. It is the latest technology to be rolled out through the SCA’s stereotactic radiosurgery program expansion. 

“The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency strives to provide care of the highest quality to each patient who walks through our doors. Introducing HyperArc to our radiotherapy treatment options means that patients can receive world-class treatment closer to home,” said Dr. Jon Tonita, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. 

The move to HyperArc is the latest step in the journey to expand the stereotactic radiosurgery program. The SCA has been offering stereotactic radiosurgery since 2016. The Varian HyperArc system was installed at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre (ABCC) earlier this year, thanks to $3.5-million in funding from the Ministry of Health. 

“Our government is committed to funding leading-edge technology to help improve health outcomes for patients being treated at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The benefit to Saskatchewan residents is priceless. Congratulations to the employees at the Agency for their hard work in implementing this new lifesaving technology,” said Minister of Health Paul Merriman. 

Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers precisely-targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy, which can help preserve healthy brain tissue. 

“The field of radiosurgery is evolving rapidly, and I’m so proud of the SCA teams who worked over the past year to bring HyperArc to Saskatchewan. 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,” said Dr. Gavin Cranmer-Sargison, Director of Medical Physics for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. 

In 2020, the SCA treated 20 patients in Saskatoon using stereotactic radiosurgery. The recent program expansion at the ABCC in Regina will provide additional program capacity and treatment closer to home for many patients who live in southern Saskatchewan. In addition, the SCA will be rolling out HyperArc technology at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre later this year. It’s estimated that more than half of all radiosurgery patients each year will benefit from treatment using HyperArc. 

About the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is a provincial healthcare organization with a legislated mandate to provide cancer control for the province of Saskatchewan. The SCA operates prevention and early detection programs, conducts innovative research and provides safe, patient and family-centred care at our two cancer centres in Regina and Saskatoon (Allan Blair Cancer Centre andSaskatoon Cancer Centre) and in rural communities in partnership with hospitals through the Community Oncology Program. The SCA operates two patient lodges in Regina and Saskatoon to provide a home away from home for rural patients who need to travel for treatment. Our more than 800 employees are passionate about their work in the fight against cancer. 

For more information, contact: 

Kim Belhumeur Communications 
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
Regina 
Phone: 639-625-2014 
kim.belhumeur@saskcancer.ca