The Juravinski Cancer Centre has suspended a specific cervical cancer treatment after an equipment issue may have resulted in mistargeted radiation in as many as 25 women.

(Hamilton Spectator)

The JCC and Hamilton Health Sciences are reviewing the system after it was discovered that a guide tube, used in brachytherapy (BT), in 2017 and 2018, was the wrong length.

This could mean the radiation did not always reach the intended area to be treated. 

Officials say they’ve identified, notified and spoken to all 25 patients.

The Juravinski Cancer Centre, which is referring cases to a cancer centre in London, has replaced the equipment, and asked outside experts to review the hospital’s radiation therapy program while the women are monitored in the coming months.