Health Canada has authorized use of the Mevion S250 proton therapy system, paving the way for cancer patients to benefit from the advanced radiation therapy, Mevion Medical Systems said Tuesday.

The device — the first of its type approved in Canada — carefully targets tumor cells while sparing nearby healthy cells, potentially reducing the side effects caused by conventional radiation therapies.

Because proton therapy can hone in just on diseased tissue, it is ideal for treating pediatric patients and adult patients with cancers in sensitive locations, such as near the brain, spine, heart, and lungs, Mevion said.

The Mevion S250 provides the same capabilities as larger and more expensive proton therapy systems, but with improved reliability, more efficient patient access and lower costs, the Littleton, Mass., firm said. The first Mevion S250 was installed over a year ago at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Six additional systems are being installed in the U.S., the company added. — Kellen Owings