August 17, 2011
Edmonton, Alberta
The Government of Canada is supporting the development of a new cancer radiation therapy device that could lead to more precise and life-saving treatment methods.
A federal investment of $2.5 million will support the University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services’ Cross Cancer Institute and industry to develop, test and commercialize a new cancer radiation therapy technology called Magnetic Resonance Real-time Guided Radiation Therapy (MRrtgRT). In addition to federal funding, the Province of Alberta is also investing $250,000 towards the initiative, while the Alberta Cancer Foundation is contributing $2.15 million. Alberta Health Services and its industry partners, ASG Superconductors and Paramed, are contributing $1.1 million.
“Our Government’s investment towards this initiative will help transform western Canadian health research into marketable medical technologies that generate new economic opportunities and jobs, while also improving patient care for countless individuals,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The MRrtgRT prototype will combine two existing medical devices—a magnetic resonance scanner (MRI) and a linear accelerator (LINAC)—to create a novel, human-scale integrated medical device. This device will produce high-quality, real-time 3D images with the potential to pinpoint cancer tumours more accurately while treating the tumour with radiation therapy. The device has significant potential to improve the effectiveness and precision of treatment while expanding the range of tumours that can be treated by radiation therapies.
“Alberta’s talented medical researchers continue to develop products that are helping to save lives worldwide,” said the Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our many partners in health and innovation, Alberta cancer patients will be among the first to benefit from a unique and innovative technology developed right here at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute – a truly world-class cancer research and treatment facility.”
Federal funding is directed towards the purchase of an MRI scanner that is being advance engineered to create the full-scale MRrtgRT prototype. These costs include renovations to the vault where the prototype will be housed, engineering and construction designs, and contractors and manpower required to facilitate the construction of a full-scale MTrtgRT prototype within the Cross Cancer Institute.
“At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we promise donors progress,” said Myka Osinchuk, Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO. “We are confident our substantial donor investment in this research ensures patients realize greater therapeutic value with fewer, shorter treatments. That is genuine progress.”
Senior Medical Physicists, Dr. Gino Fallone and Brad Murray, and the associated research team at Alberta Health Services’ Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta’s Department of Oncology were the first in the world to merge the capabilities of an MRI scanner with a linear accelerator, or LINAC, in 2008 with development of a head-size prototype. The merging allows for more accurate treatment of cancer tumours. The combination of existing technologies quickens the regulatory pathway to commercialization of the new treatment device.
“This leading-edge technology has been conceived, designed and realized in Alberta, by Albertans, for Albertans and the rest of the world,” said Dr. Anthony Fields, Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta Department of Oncology and former Vice President Cancer Care, Alberta Health Services. “This is an exciting development that has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of radiation therapy for cancer patients.”
The U of A and Cross Cancer Institute have a reputation as leaders in the field of medical physics and radiotherapy that will be further enhanced by this project, leading to economic benefits for Alberta through the continued growth of internationally recognized expertise in specialized medical equipment.
“The MR-Linac Research Project will allow the U of A’s world class research team to strengthen their position as leaders in cancer research,” said Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Vice-President Research. “This is a tremendous example of a partnership between different orders of government, provincial organizations, the private sector and post-secondary coming together to address the need for more research to advance the early detection and treatment of cancer.”
The project has also leveraged support from two industry partners, ASG Superconductors and Paramed, which will both play an important role in facilitating the commercialization of the new technology.
“We at ASG Superconductors and Paramed strongly believe that this exciting technology is one of the most promising ways to improve the treatment of tumours,” said Paramed Sales Manager Antonio Toso. “Patients are our first concern and we are proud to partner with AHS to deliver this innovative system to a larger public audience.”
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Kathleen Range
Alberta Health and Wellness
Tel: (780) 427-5357
Phoebe Dey
Manager of Communications
Alberta Cancer Foundation
Tel: (780) 643-4510
Haydon Dewes
Communications
Alberta Health Services
Tel: (403) 918-2290
Sandra Pysklywyc
Media Associate
Marketing and Communications
University of Alberta
Tel: (780) 492-0436
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
In collaboration with Campus Alberta and Alberta Innovates partners, Advanced Education and Technology strives to build a prosperous province through a dynamic and integrated learning and innovation system built on a foundation of highly skilled people in support of a knowledge-based economy and society in Alberta.
Alberta Health Services / Cross Cancer Institute
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. The Cross Cancer Institute is one of two AHS tertiary cancer centres and provides a broad scope of cancer services including diagnosis, therapy, research, education and psychosocial support. It serves residents in northern Alberta and adjacent areas and territories.
Alberta Cancer Foundation
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta’s own. It was established to advance cancer research province-wide and to directly support Alberta’s 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The Alberta Cancer Foundation acts on the knowledge that a cancer-free future is achievable and that when we get there depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of Canada’s top teaching and research universities, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Home to more than 38,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff, the university has an annual budget of more than $1.4 billion and attracts more than $536 million in external research funding. It offers close to 400 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 18 faculties on five campuses—including one rural and one francophone campus. The university has more than 230,000 alumni worldwide.
ASG Superconductors
ASG Superconductors has more than 45 years experience in the field of magnet system design and manufacture and has been involved with most European high energy physics and thermonuclear fusion projects.
Paramed
Paramed has designed and manufactured medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines for the market since 2002. Both companies are owned by the Malacalza family.
