Through industry collaborations, TRIUMF contributes to the delivery of nearly 50,000 patient doses each week for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. TRIUMF and industry partner MDS Nordion have worked in partnership for more than 25 years. The unique collaboration has produced several pioneering developments including the production of radioisotopes used for medical imaging and treatment, such as leading edge treatments for prostate, breast and other cancers. The U.S. Institute of Medicine Committee on Biomedical Isotopes, recognized the TRIUMF-MDS Nordion success, stating: “This cooperative arrangement between government and industry at Canada’s TRIUMF facility has led to successful technology transfer to the private sector and should be emulated…”

TRIUMF is also the only location in Canada for a cancer treatment that uses protons to destroy cancer cells in a precisely focused method that dramatically reduces damage to surrounding tissue. This treatment was funded by the Woodward Foundation and is operated by the BC Cancer Agency. Currently, the Proton Treatment Facility at TRIUMF is dedicated to treating a cancerous growth on the back of the eye, called choroidal melanomas. Before proton treatment became available, the most common course of action was removal of the eye. Other possible treatments were unsuitable for large tumours, and could damage sensitive parts of the eye, often resulting in loss of vision. After proton therapy, however, patients can retain useful vision. On going research into more exotic particle beams holds the promise of even greater precision in future treatments.