CHUM (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal)
CHUM (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal) is the largest hospital in Quebec with an in-patient capacity of 772 beds. Located in Montreal, it is a University affiliated referral hospital. With the adoption of highly advanced technology, CHUM has seen uninterrupted growth in the areas of research, healthcare education and continuing medical education.
Brachytherapy expertise
The University of Montreal affiliated health care center introduced brachytherapy in 1922 mainly for gynecological treatments. HDR prostate brachytherapy was introduced in 2003 and LDR permanent seed brachytherapy, in 2005.
CHUM radiation oncologists performing brachytherapy have all received additional training as part of formal fellowship programs in world-renowned centers in Canada, United States, Europe and Australia.
With the advent of image-guided brachytherapy using ultrasound, computed tomography and MRI, brachytherapy has evolved considerably in recent years. The CHUM was quick to adopt new technology and offers state-of-the-art brachytherapy to its numerous patients.
CHUM has an extensive brachytherapy division with a special focus on gynecological, prostate, rectal and breast cancers.
The brachytherapy service has impressive facilities and a dedicated team of seven radiation oncologists and just as many physicists. Approximately 500 patients receive brachytherapy every year. The center is equipped for HDR image-based treatment, and is recognized as center of regional expertise.
Educational activities
Since 2015, CHUM has been designated a global Training Center in Brachytherapy techniques, with a special focus on real-time ultrasound planning for HDR/LDR prostate brachytherapy as well as adaptive MRI-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
Training visits to the hospital are organized for people wishing to learn more about these brachytherapy techniques. Visitors can observe first hand clinical workflows and daily practice.
The center is capable of hosting 1 to 2 day in-house trainings on the clinical, technical and physics aspects of brachytherapy. The CHUM offers a workshop on HDR real-time ultrasound planning for prostate cancer. Workshops on LDR permanent seed brachytherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for cervical cancer are also available.
Through extensive discussions and hands-on exercises, participants can gain comprehensive practical insight into the clinical brachytherapy workflow.