In a cluttered lab at Kelowna’s B.C. Cancer center, tucked away in a corner, sits a 3D printer that resembles those found in artist studios or engineering firms. However, medical experts hail it as a groundbreaking tool in Canada that could transform care for individuals fighting cervical, vaginal, and recurrent endometrial cancers.
Dr. Deidre Batchelar, a medical physicist leading the project, shared that the idea stemmed from a conference discussion with a physician who has since relocated to Quebec. Frustrated by the limitations in delivering precise radiation treatment to patients, Batchelar and her team conceptualized the project to address the unmet needs of women battling these cancers.
After securing funding and collaborating with a graduate student for four years, Batchelar acquired the necessary medical equipment and developed specialized software for its operation. Utilizing individual MRI and CT scans, the 3D printer fabricates customized applicators for brachytherapy, a specialized form of internal radiation treatment.
Unlike generic applicators commonly used, the bespoke applicators from Kelowna are tailored to fit each patient’s unique anatomy and tumor contours, enabling unprecedented precision in targeting cancer cells. Dr. Hamad Raziee, a radiation oncologist at B.C. Cancer Kelowna, emphasized that this advancement allows for higher radiation doses to tumors while safeguarding surrounding tissues, leading to improved outcomes.
Furthermore, the personalized applicator requires fewer needles, enhancing patient comfort and reducing invasiveness during the procedure. Since its implementation in 2025, B.C. Cancer Kelowna has completed 31 successful procedures using the 3D-printed applicator, benefiting patients in the Interior region where approximately 55 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed annually.
The acquisition of the $60,000 3D printer was made possible through the support of the B.C. Cancer Foundation equipment fund, showcasing the community’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology for cancer treatment. Dr. Batchelar highlighted that their efforts were recognized with a B.C. Cancer Excellence Award for teamwork, underscoring the program’s innovative approach and dedication to advancing patient care.
Moving forward, Batchelar and B.C. Cancer Kelowna are actively collaborating with brachytherapy centers in Vancouver, Victoria, and Abbotsford to facilitate the adoption of similar initiatives, aiming to bring enhanced treatment options to more patients across British Columbia.