B.C. Cancer Kelowna Launches Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment Innovation

A new cancer treatment innovation has emerged at B.C. Cancer Kelowna, marking a significant advancement in patient care for women facing cervical, vaginal, and recurrent endometrial cancers. The facility has introduced a specialized 3D printer, described by clinicians as a ‘first-in-Canada’ technology, capable of creating custom applicators for brachytherapy. This groundbreaking tool promises to enhance the precision of radiation therapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Deidre Batchelar, a medical physicist who spearheaded the project, emphasized the necessity of this innovation. “We were frustrated by having patients where we couldn’t get radiation in the shape that we wanted to treat our patients,” she stated. The concept originated during a brainstorming session, where the team envisioned a solution to better serve women with complex cancer cases.

The 3D printer, purchased for $60,000 through the donor-supported B.C. Cancer Foundation Equipment Fund, employs each patient’s specific MRI and CT scans to create tailored applicators. These applicators are designed for brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy where applicators are placed near cancerous tissue. They help guide radiation treatment needles to the most effective areas, targeting tumors with a new level of accuracy.

Standard commercial applicators often fall short when addressing the unique anatomical variations found in gynecological cancers. The bespoke applicators produced in Kelowna adapt to the individual contours of each patient’s body. “It means that you are going to increase the [radiation] dose to the tumor while you’re protecting the normal structures, and that really translates into an improved outcome,” explained Dr. Hamad Raziee, a radiation oncologist at B.C. Cancer Kelowna.

The introduction of this technology not only enhances treatment precision but also reduces the number of needles required, resulting in a less invasive and more comfortable experience for patients. In 2025, B.C. Cancer Kelowna successfully completed 31 procedures utilizing the 3D-printed applicators.

Currently, over 250 British Columbians are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with approximately 55 cases reported in the Interior region. Health Canada predicts that around 1,600 women across Canada will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis each year, leading to about 400 fatalities from the disease.

The program at B.C. Cancer Kelowna aims to foster innovation and expedite the delivery of cutting-edge treatments to patients. Dr. Batchelar noted that the initiative has garnered recognition, stating, “We did win a B.C. Cancer Excellence Award in teamwork for this.”

Looking ahead, Batchelar and the team at B.C. Cancer Kelowna are collaborating with brachytherapy centers in Vancouver, Victoria, and Abbotsford to establish similar programs, extending the benefits of this revolutionary technology to a broader patient base.

As cancer research continues to evolve, initiatives like this not only highlight the importance of technological advancements in healthcare but also demonstrate a commitment to improving patient care and outcomes in the fight against cancer.