B.C. Cancer Kelowna Launches Groundbreaking 3D Printing for Cancer Treatment

A new chapter in cancer treatment has begun at B.C. Cancer Kelowna with the introduction of Canada’s first personalized 3D printer designed specifically for brachytherapy. This innovative tool promises to enhance patient care for women facing cervical, vaginal, and recurrent endometrial cancers. The project, led by medical physicist Dr. Deidre Batchelar, aims to revolutionize how clinicians deliver radiation therapy, ensuring more effective and targeted treatment.

The machine, which resembles a standard 3D printer, has been developed to create custom applicators tailored to the unique anatomy of each patient. These applicators are crucial for brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation treatment where applicators are placed near cancerous tissues to precisely guide radiation treatment needles to the tumour’s most vulnerable points. The technology has the potential to improve treatment outcomes significantly by allowing for higher radiation doses to tumours while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Dr. Batchelar noted that the idea for this innovative tool was born out of frustration. “We were frustrated by having patients where we couldn’t get radiation in the shape that we wanted to treat our patients,” she explained. The concept, which was initially sketched out on a napkin during a conference, has taken over four years of lobbying for funding and collaboration with graduate students to come to fruition.

The B.C. Cancer Kelowna center invested $60,000 in this groundbreaking technology, which was funded through the donor-supported B.C. Cancer Foundation Equipment Fund. This initiative enables cancer centres to acquire specialized equipment that can enhance patient care and treatment options.

Precision in Cancer Treatment

By utilizing each patient’s specific MRI and CT scans, the 3D printer produces applicators that conform to individual anatomical structures. This bespoke approach is particularly important in treating gynecological cancers, which often present in complex and varied forms. Dr. Hamad Raziee, a radiation oncologist at B.C. Cancer Kelowna, emphasized the benefits of this technology. “It means that you are going to increase the [radiation] dose to the tumour while you’re protecting the normal structures, and that really translates into an improved outcome,” he stated.

The impact of this innovation is already being felt. In 2025, the centre completed 31 procedures using the 3D-printed applicators, providing patients with a less invasive and more comfortable experience. Current statistics show that more than 250 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually in British Columbia, with approximately 55 of those occurring in the Interior region. Nationwide, an estimated 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, resulting in around 400 deaths.

B.C. Cancer Kelowna’s program not only provides cutting-edge treatments but also fosters a culture of innovation within the healthcare system. The centre has been recognized for its collaborative efforts, winning a B.C. Cancer Excellence Award in teamwork for this initiative. Looking ahead, Dr. Batchelar and her team are collaborating with brachytherapy centres in Vancouver, Victoria, and Abbotsford to establish similar programs across the province.

As cancer treatment continues to evolve, the introduction of personalized 3D printing at B.C. Cancer Kelowna marks a significant step forward, promising to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for patients battling challenging forms of cancer.