Thanks to the generosity of donors Jim and Lisa Yuel, Royal University Hospital (RUH) is now home to life-saving prostate cancer imaging that is setting new standards in diagnosis and care.
Thanks to the Yuels support, RUH Foundation provided funding a few years ago for a pioneering clinical research trial that explored the effectiveness of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET/CT imaging.
The trial sought to enhance early detection and treatment planning for men battling aggressive prostate cancer. With an incredible $250,000 donation from the Yuels, patients from across Saskatchewan were able to participate, allowing our researchers to push the boundaries of cancer imaging.
The PSMA trial at Royal University Hospital, along with similar trials across Canada, have resulted in PSMA being recognized as the gold standard in prostate cancer diagnostics. RUH is leading the way as the first and only hospital in Saskatchewan offering this revolutionary imaging technique. This achievement puts RUH on the map provincially, nationally, and globally as a centre for cutting-edge cancer research and care.
Brenda Lock, Director of Medical Imaging, highlights the importance of this breakthrough: “Traditional imaging methods often failed to detect small, yet dangerous, cancer cells that had spread beyond the prostate. PSMA PET/CT scans now allow clinicians to pinpoint these cells with unparalleled precision, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment possible. By identifying the spread of cancer earlier, doctors can tailor treatment plans to improve outcomes and ultimately save lives.”
With the success of the research trial, RUH has secured funding to purchase the required PSMA generator and kits, ensuring that men in Saskatchewan have access to this world-class imaging technology for years to come.
“The introduction of PSMA diagnostic imaging represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer diagnostics,” says Lock. “It provides more accurate localization and characterization of prostate cancer lesions, enabling improved diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. This technology allows for precise and highly sensitive imaging of prostate cancer lesions using PET imaging.”
None of this would be possible without the steadfast commitment of our donors. Jim and Lisa Yuel’s generosity, has changed the landscape of prostate cancer care in our province. Because of you, RUH is a leader in health innovation, offering first-in-Saskatchewan solutions that bring hope to patients and families facing this challenging disease. Thank you for making this incredible milestone a reality!
Read more inspiring stories in our Spring 2025 Milestones or make a donation now.
| Donate Now |
Thank you.
