Radiotherapy at TRIUMF

Abstract:

Besides being Canada's particle accelerator centre with emphasis on nuclear, particle and accelerator physics, TRIUMF has a long history of medical isotope production and radiotherapy. Cancer treatment with different particles has been a long-standing commitment at TRIUMF, first with pion therapy and then with proton therapy, for many years operating Canada's only proton therapy facility. To improve treatment further, we are researching and establishing FLASH radiotherapy, where the total treatment dose is delivered in less than a second. In addition, we are investigating using alpha and auger emitters for targeted radioisotope therapy. Both have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by increasing the therapeutic index.