First PET-CT scanner in York Region opens at Southlake

September 19, 2023

Southlake Regional Health Centre is proud to unveil a new PET-CT Simulator scanner at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, which will begin serving patients later this month after five years of planning and construction. The new Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) machine uses nuclear medicine to detect change within cells at a metabolic level, allowing for earlier cancer diagnosis. With this revolutionary technology and detailed insight, Southlake will be able to deliver tailor-made cancer treatments to patients.

“Ensuring quality healthcare for all Ontario residents is a top priority for our government,” MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy said. “The Ontario government continues to make investments in all aspects of our health care system. Our $2.8 million dollar investment in the new PET-CT Simulator scanner at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre is another example of that commitment.”

The PET-CT scanner is an advanced piece of equipment that serves two purposes. The PET identifies active cells in the body, which allows for early detection of cancer diagnosis and can determine whether cancer treatments have worked, or if cancer has spread. The CT scanner serves as a CT simulator used for treatment planning of radiotherapy for patients. Having this technology at Southlake also opens new opportunities for patients to participate in clinical trials of novel therapeutics involving the use of PET scanning as part of the treatment strategy.