Toronto, Ontario, is strengthening its position as a global leader in nuclear innovation and medical research, with a new $500,000 donation from Laurentis Energy Partners to help establish the Silber Family Theranostics Centre at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The contribution, announced Wednesday, will support the creation of a world-class facility that aims to deliver faster cancer diagnoses and more targeted treatments to thousands of patients.
The new centre, expected to open in 2027, will be part of the University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top-ranked cancer research facilities in the world. Using made-in-Ontario nuclear isotopes, the Silber Family Theranostics Centre is projected to provide cutting-edge care to more than 3,500 patients by 2028.
“Ontario’s nuclear advantage is saving lives,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We’re harnessing the power of made-in-Ontario isotopes to fuel next generation cancer care – giving patients more hope, delivering faster diagnoses and providing more effective treatments. At the same time, we’re creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy and showcasing Ontario’s energy leadership on the world stage.”
Theranostics: A New Frontier in Cancer Care
Theranostics combines advanced nuclear imaging with targeted isotope therapy, enabling physicians to both detect and treat cancer with unmatched precision. The Silber Family Theranostics Centre will use three key isotopes—lutetium-177 (Lu-177), yttrium-90 (Y-90), and molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)—to help identify cancers earlier and deliver therapies that target tumours more directly, minimizing side effects and improving outcomes.
The initiative also underscores Ontario’s growing reputation as a hub for life sciences innovation. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of expanding access to these advanced treatments. “Our government is protecting Ontario’s healthcare system and giving people access to more innovative treatment options by expanding access to life-saving medications and treatments,” Jones said. “Laurentis’ donation to help establish the Silber Family Theranostics Centre at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre will drive Ontario-made innovation and connect more people to world-class cancer care, close to home.”
Growing Global Demand for Isotopes
Ontario’s nuclear sector plays a central role in the global isotope market, which is expanding rapidly as cancer rates rise worldwide. More than 247,000 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each year, and two in five Canadians are expected to face the disease in their lifetime. This has fueled the demand for precision radiopharmaceuticals, an area where Ontario is poised to lead.
Currently, the province’s nuclear industry supports more than 8,500 jobs across Canada. Major refurbishments at the Darlington and Bruce nuclear stations, along with potential extensions at Pickering and the construction of Canada’s first small modular reactor at Darlington, are expected to double Ontario’s isotope production within four years.
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the investment aligns with Ontario’s broader life sciences strategy. “Advancements in medical isotope production are revolutionizing the way patients across our province are able access next-generation treatments. This initiative, supported by the generosity of Laurentis Energy Partners, will further the ambitions set out by our government’s Life Sciences Strategy and ensure Ontario can continue to lead in the development of consequential diagnostic tools and innovative breakthroughs for use at home, and around the world.”
Industry and Health Leaders Applaud the Move
The announcement drew strong support from across Ontario’s business, healthcare, and nuclear sectors.
“At Laurentis, we’re driven by the real-world impact of our work on patients,” said Leslie McWilliams, President and CEO of Laurentis. “Supporting the development of Princess Margaret’s Silber Family Theranostics Centre means advancing access to more precise and effective cancer treatments for patients in need.”
Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of OPG, highlighted the dual role of Ontario’s nuclear industry. “OPG’s nuclear fleet is powering Ontario’s homes and businesses while also making a global impact on health care by producing and innovating in the field of medical isotopes. We are so fortunate to have the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – a world-renowned cancer research and treatment centre – right here in Ontario.”
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce also emphasized the economic potential. “Ontario’s nuclear advantage is about more than clean power; it’s about saving lives,” said Chamber President and CEO Daniel Tisch. “By turning world-class nuclear expertise into medical innovation, we strengthen our life sciences sector, grow our economy, and deliver better outcomes for patients here in Ontario and across Canada.”
Looking Ahead
With Ontario’s first integrated energy plan prioritizing isotope production and supply chain resilience, the province is positioning itself to remain competitive in the fast-growing global isotope sector. The Silber Family Theranostics Centre represents a significant step in this strategy, bridging the gap between nuclear innovation and patient care.
As Jessica Linthorne, CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, noted: “Ontario’s nuclear sector and its partners are innovating every day to save lives. The Silber Family Theranostics Centre is an exciting example of that collaboration: government support combined with industry expertise to deliver new diagnostics and treatments that will make a real difference for patients here in Ontario and around the world.”
With construction underway and growing backing from government and industry, Ontario’s next-generation cancer centre is set to become a cornerstone of both the province’s health care system and its expanding life sciences economy.
