Brain cancer: A revolution in treatment in Quebec

Dr. David Roberge, a radiation oncologist at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), is one of the many medical specialists fighting to improve healthcare in Quebec through innovation. Looking beyond more conventional therapies for treating brain tumours, he hopes to make electrical field helmets available to pediatric and adult patients. This specialist in radiation oncology and nuclear medicine is at the forefront of the fight against cancer.

Electrical field helmets: a major breakthrough

Brain cancer: a public health issue

A brain cancer diagnosis can be devastating for patients and their families. Treatment is often lengthy and typically involves radiotherapy and chemotherapy. And while these methods are effective, they are limited in how much they can extend a patient's life expectancy or improve their quality of life. 

In fact, the methods currently used to treat brain cancer deliver variable results and can cause significant side effects. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can damage healthy cells and affect their function over the long term.

In addition, not all brain tumours respond to these therapies and resistance sometimes occurs. That's why researchers are actively looking for new options, like electrical field helmets, that could improve patient prognosis.

Barriers to accessing new therapies

Although electrical field helmets are proven to be effective, their use isn't covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). What's more, the Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) hasn't recommended that the province pay for the cost of this therapy, even though the institute has acknowledged the efficacy of the treatment. This decision highlights the challenges that specialist physicians like Dr. Roberge face in introducing new technologies, particularly in the field of oncology.

Dr. Roberge has spent more than 10 years trying to make this treatment available to Quebecers. He has obtained approval from Canadian authorities and spurred media coverage of the issue to get public support. Thanks to his hard work, more than 100 patients have been treated with electrical field helmets while in hospital, which has extended their life expectancy.

The importance of clinical research

The ever-determined Dr. Roberge has also participated in various research projects over the past 10 years. As a result of his continued efforts, the helmet manufacturer set up its head office in Montreal and most of its employees are now based there.

Dr. Roberge remains committed to his patients, tirelessly jumping through administrative and political hoops. And his tenacity is paying off, one success at a time. This patient advocate never gives up!