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Brachytherapy Surgical Suite

External radiation uses a “linear accelerator” to direct a beam of radiation from outside the body to the cancer site. Brachytherapy radiation is delivered internally, directly to the location of the cancer. Brachytherapy is performed in a surgical suite.

Brachytherapy is an effective cancer treatment option that allows an oncologist to maximize the effect on a tumour while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Brachytherapy is most often used for breast and lung cancers, and is particularly
effective in treating early stage gynaecological and oesophageal cancers. While often used as a supplement to more traditional external radiation, it can also be used on its own.

The Current Situation

Grand River Regional Cancer Centre is the only regional cancer centre in Ontario without Brachytherapy. This means that while a patient may receive external radiation and other services at GRRCC, they must travel to cancer centres in Hamilton, London or Toronto to receive Brachytherapy.

The need is great. It is estimated that 60 to 80 patients will receive their treatment in Kitchener-Waterloo within the first year of this service being offered.

A unique physical environment is necessary in order to safely provide this internal radiation therapy. The walls of a Brachytherapy suite must be lined with lead, a feature not installed in the Hospital’s existing operating suites.

The Plan

A new 600 square foot Brachytherapy Surgical Suite will be built adjacent to existing surgical suites on the 2nd floor of K-W Health Centre.

• The Brachytherapy Surgical Suite will have lead walls, a treatment table, and a “C Arm” to provide live x-ray images.
• A separate control room will be constructed along with a separate planning room.
• As a related project, a leaded room will be constructed in the new Inpatient Oncology Unit to provide a comfortable environment for patients required to stay at the Hospital following treatment.

With the construction of the new Brachytherapy Surgical Suite, patients who may experience debilitating side effects will not have to travel while receiving treatment.

“Brachytherapy will improve our ability to treat all cancer patients closer to home, completing the treatment options available to patients and elevating our program to a higher level of care”, says Mark Berry, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre’s director of radiation.

This service may also help attract additional oncologists and cancer specialists to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. Recruitment and retention of these individuals is key to a strong, vibrant cancer care program.