“It's the most rewarding thing I've done in my career," said Dr. Deidre Batchelar, medical physicist, BC Cancer – Kelowna. “We've long been frustrated by how hard it is to effectively target radiation therapy in this part of the body and knew we had to do something."
Brachytherapy is a specialized form of internal radiation that delivers high doses directly to the tumour. Because of their location being surrounded by vital normal structures and the inherent limitations of commercially available applicators to conform to tumour and patient anatomy, gynecological tumours can be challenging to treat. The lower abdomen includes sensitive tissues that are vulnerable to damage from radiation therapy.
“Together with my colleagues, we dreamt of a device that could allow us to target the tumour regardless of where it is located or how it is shaped," said Dr. Batchelar.
Dr. Batchelar and her colleagues developed an innovative solution: custom 3D printed applicators. They developed software that would use a patient's MRI and CT scans to create a personalized brachytherapy applicator tailored to the individual's anatomy. This allows clinicians to deliver radiation therapy more accurately to the entire tumour while reducing effects on surrounding healthy tissues.
To date, 45 patients have been treated with this personalized technique from within and outside of Kelowna's catchment area. In 2025 more patients were treated using BC Cancer's custom applicators than commercial devices. Demand has grown so much that the team has purchased a second resin‑based 3D printer.
“We're seeing unprecedent accuracy from the first through to the last treatment," said Dr. Hamid Raziee, radiation oncologist, BC Cancer – Kelowna. “Patients are more comfortable compared to alternative brachytherapy techniques that can be more invasive requiring extensive implants. With the support of nurses and anesthesiologists, we are able to deliver this treatment in a way that is patient-centred and trauma-informed."
The 3D printers were purchased through the BC Cancer Foundation's BC Cancer – Kelowna Equipment Fund, which enables clinicians to purchase of specialized technology, expediting innovation and bringing new treatment to patients sooner.
The Kelowna team is now working to bring this technique to cancer centres throughout BC. They are working with teams in Abbotsford, Victoria and Victoria to set up the infrastructure and workflows needed to deliver this specialized care. While this continues, patients across BC with cervical, vaginal and recurrent endometrial cancers who may benefit from this specialized brachytherapy have the option to receive treatment in Kelowna.
This technique is also being used in Ottawa, and several additional Canadian cancer centres have expressed interest in adopting the approach.
