Groundbreaking Radiation Therapy Treats Heart Condition at LHSC

George Westerik has made history as the first patient at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) to receive radiation therapy specifically for a cardiac condition. This pioneering procedure, performed at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, utilized a technique known as stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) to target and treat the damaged heart tissue that was causing his ventricular tachycardia. Following the six-minute session, Westerik has experienced a cessation of his arrhythmia without any adverse side effects.

This case marks a significant milestone for LHSC, as it represents the first instance of using radiation therapy—a method traditionally reserved for cancer treatment—in the management of heart rhythm disorders. The innovative treatment is part of a broader cardiac treatment and research initiative spearheaded by Western University and the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI). This program has been made possible through a generous donation of $1.35 million from the H2HCo Foundation to Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Advancing Heart Care through Innovative Techniques

Ventricular tachycardia occurs when damage to the heart causes rapid and irregular rhythms, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. The STAR technique offers a non-invasive approach, aiming to eliminate the abnormal tissue responsible for these erratic heartbeats. Currently, only a few medical centers in Canada are equipped to provide this advanced treatment, placing LHSC at the forefront of cardiac innovation.

Dr. Anthony Tang, a cardiologist and professor of medicine, emphasized the profound impact of this condition on patients’ quality of life. “Many patients I see have their quality of life greatly affected by this heart condition,” he stated. “It’s hard for them to enjoy simple things like going for a walk because they don’t know when they will experience a dangerously fast heartbeat.”

The new therapy presents a non-invasive alternative for patients who may not respond to traditional medications or who are not suitable candidates for more invasive procedures such as surgery to implant a cardioverter defibrillator or catheter ablation.

Hope for Patients and Future Research

“Medications or ablations are all possible treatments, but they aren’t always effective and some patients aren’t eligible,” Dr. Tang noted. “This new treatment offers a non-invasive option that we hope will prove effective in curing the arrhythmia.” For Westerik, this groundbreaking procedure is allowing him to reclaim aspects of his daily life. “I’d like to help my wife more around the house and play more with my grandkids,” he expressed.

The innovation reflects the collaborative strengths of Western University and LHSCRI in cardiac care, imaging, and radiation oncology. Dr. Belal Ahmad, a radiation oncologist and associate professor of oncology, highlighted the forward-thinking nature of this approach. “The idea of treating diseases other than cancer with radiation therapy is a completely new way of thinking,” he remarked. “Hearing the positive impact this treatment has had on George gives me hope that this could one day be part of the standard of care.”

With the success of this initial procedure, the medical team plans to continue monitoring its long-term effectiveness and refining the technique before expanding access to more patients in need. The progress made at LHSC could represent a transformative step in the field of cardiac treatment.