Researchers at UBC Okanagan feel they’re on the verge of a major breakthrough on the fight against cancer.

Andrew Jirasek is a physics professor at UBCO and is the senior author of a study on how to deliver a more precise dose of radiation.

Being able to better pinpoint a tumour during treatment means more radiation can go into the tumour without damaging the area around it.

He says that’s not the only benefit. “One of the things we’re hoping this achieves is the reduction in side effects.”

“Side effects are due to the radiation beam hitting the healthy tissues with the potential reduction in that scenario, side effects can be reduced.”

Jirasek says they’re not quite ready for clinical trials as there’s still some bugs to iron out but he’s optimistic it’ll come to fruition soon.