Cancer patients in Southwestern Ontario can now receive radiation treatment with advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology that completes scans in as little as eight seconds. This innovation enables London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) to treat approximately 10 to 20 more patients each day, thanks to a generous donation from The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation, supported by Trudell Medical Limited. 

Faster scans, shorter treatments and more personalized care are now possible with LHSC’s new Varian Ethos therapy system, a new linear accelerator (LINAC), which uses AI and advanced imaging to deliver highly precise, radiation therapy. LHSC is one of only four sites in Canada and two in Ontario to have the Ethos, bringing cutting-edge cancer care to patients across the region. 

Unlike older systems that require days for a new CT scan and manual re-planning, Ethos can identify changes in the body, such as alterations in tumour size, internal anatomy or patient weight. This AI-enabled approach allows oncologists to create a personalized radiation plan for each patient daily, ensuring treatment is tailored to the individual’s anatomy and needs.  

“Access to this technology wouldn’t be possible without donors and London Health Sciences Foundation,” said Dr. Stewart Gaede, chief medical physicist at LHSC. “The Ethos ushers in a new era of adaptive radiation therapy, allowing us to adapt to the patient r-ather than the patient adapting to the machine.” 

Every year, the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (VFCC) delivers radiation therapy to 4,000 to 4,500 patients. Ethos helps make that process faster and more efficient by reducing scan times to as little as eight seconds.  

Among the first to experience the new system in August was Walter Edwards, 74, from Sarnia, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. “I was nervous at first, but after my first treatment I felt completely at ease,” said Edwards. “Being able to choose music during my sessions made the experience so much smoother, and after 20 treatments I haven’t had any side effects. It was nowhere near as scary as I expected.” 

The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation’s continued generosity builds on their legacy of supporting health-care innovation in London. Their support is helping bring advanced radiation technology to patients throughout Southwestern Ontario. 

Ethos’ real-time imaging and AI-driven planning provides enhanced precision, helping improve accuracy and potentially reduce side effects for patients.

What does this mean for patients? 

• Shorter wait times for LINAC treatments and CT scans 

• Quicker, more comfortable sessions 

• Personalized daily treatment plans 

• Improved accuracy and fewer side effects 

“The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation’s generosity has made it possible for our community to access one of the most advanced cancer treatment technologies in the world,” said John H. MacFarlane, president and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation. “Their support exemplifies the power of philanthropy to transform health care and ensures patients in London and across Southwestern Ontario receive the very best care close to home.”