BC Cancer Launches International Radiation Therapy Clinical Trial

BC Cancer has launched SIMPLIFY, an international clinical trial funded by BC Cancer Foundation that could change how cancer is treated worldwide. Led from Prince George, the trial is also open at BC Cancer centres in Kelowna, Vancouver and several international sites, including Whitfield Hospital and Bon Secours UPMC in Ireland.

The trial is testing whether a single, highly precise dose of radiation can effectively treat oligometastatic cancer in common types of cancer. The trial also aims to reduce side effects and shorten treatment times for patients across B.C.

The trial is led by Dr. Rob Olson, Executive Medical Director and radiation oncologist at BC Cancer – Prince George (Centre for the North). Recent research led by Dr. Olson found that delivering up to eight doses of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) — an advanced form of precision radiation — was highly effective at controlling oligometastatic cancer with fewer side effects than conventional radiation, and in some cases, led to complete remission.

SIMPLIFY builds on this progress by testing whether a single, more convenient and cost-effective SABR treatment can achieve the same outcomes than multiple treatments for patients with oligometastatic cancer.

The trial is supported by a $2.2 million fundraising campaign by the BC Cancer Foundation, including a generous $500,000 donation from Prince George philanthropists Selen and Anita Alpay. 

“SABR represents the future of cancer care,” says Dr. Olson. “We’re proud that BC Cancer is at the forefront of this research, providing our patients the most advanced care available worldwide. Our goal is not only to improve outcomes, but to enhance the patient experience by reducing side effects and easing the burden of accessing care, especially for patients and families in rural communities.” 

Oligometastatic cancer occurs when cancer spreads to only a few sites in the body, typically three to five. Existing treatments for oligometastatic cancer can take up to eight weeks and often come with difficult side effects, such as toxicity or surgical recovery. SABR provides a non-invasive alternative for treating the most frequently occurring cancers such as breast, prostate and lung. 

With SIMPLIFY and through Dr. Olson’s leadership, BC Cancer is driving progress to: 

• Reduce treatment side effects and improve curative outcomes 

• Elevate the standard of cancer care provincially and internationally 

• Enhance care for rural and remote communities by reducing the travel burden  

• Increase BC Cancer’s capacity to treat more patients by decreasing the number of treatment sessions per patient 

The opportunity to work on innovative research is also an important recruitment tool for attracting and retaining top talent at BC Cancer. 

SIMPLIFY is expected to open at the remaining three BC Cancer centres in Victoria, Surrey and Abbotsford, as well as over ten national and international sites later this year. In total, the study aims to open at 25 to 30 centres worldwide over the next couple of years.  

Meet SIMPLIFY’s First Patients 

Vi MacLean 

Quesnel’s Violet (Vi) MacLean was the first patient treated through SIMPLIFY at BC Cancer – Prince George in May 2025. Vi had been facing Stage 4 breast cancer for almost a decade when she joined the trial to treat a new lesion on her hip bone.

 “With just one treatment, I was able to get back to my life quickly,” she says. “I always said if I had the opportunity to join a clinical trial I would say ‘yes.’ I’m sure I’m here today because others took part in trials before me.” 

Today, Vi’s scans show a positive response to the treatment. She is grateful to have returned to her life as a loving grandmother of eight and able to support her husband Rick who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.  

Learn more about Vi’s story here. 

Robert Goodlad

Vernon resident Robert (Rob) Goodlad faced an unwelcome prognosis when his colorectal cancer spread to his lungs. With surgery no longer an option, and chemotherapy as the only conventional treatment to slow the cancer’s progression, hope seemed distant. His wife, Jill, relentlessly searched for alternatives, exploring clinical trials as far away as Australia. 

The solution, however, was closer to home. Jill learned that radiation oncologist Dr. Benjamin Mou was opening the trial at BC Cancer – Kelowna. Rob became the first patient in Kelowna to receive this innovative treatment, undergoing five precise SABR sessions over five days — one for each lung metastasis. 

“The treatment was non-invasive, quick, and gave me renewed hope,” Rob shares. “Dr. Mou’s expertise and the compassionate care from the BC Cancer team were exceptional.”

Having experienced endured conventional radiation, Rob found the SIMPLFY trial’s condensed treatment schedule transformative. “Arranging daily trips to Kelowna for six weeks of traditional radiation was challenging for my family,” he explains. “This shorter regimen is a game-changer, especially for those traveling from farther away.” 

Now, Rob is back to enjoying walks, Pilates and preparing for the ski season. He’s deeply grateful for the second chance the SIMPLFY trial has provided him and others facing similar challenges.