PEI Cancer Treatment Centre to get new $10M linear accelerator

P.E.I. Health Minister Robert Henderson says planning is underway for a new $10 million linear accelerator at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, with construction expected to begin next spring.

A linear accelerator delivers high-energy radiation to treat a variety of types of cancer, as well as palliative treatment to provide symptom relief.

The newer technology will allow radiation oncologists to treat even more patients,Hendersonsaid.

The centre currently operates two linear accelerators, and the new unit will replace the original oneinstalled in 2003.

The new linear accelerator will be operational by the fall of 2018 following a commissioning process,Hendersonsaid.

The funding for the new machine was first mentioned in last fall's capital budget.