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Cancer Treatment Abroad for Canadian Patients

This page explains the cancer treatment technologies available internationally, where they stand in Canada, and how Maple Med Global coordinates access to treatment abroad.

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Last updated: June 2026

Cancer treatment modalities

Cancer is treated with several modalities. The overview below describes the main treatment types, where they are offered, and their current status in Canada.

Modality

Description and status in Canada

 

Radiation therapy

 

Theranostics (radioligand therapy)

 

Immunotherapy

 

CAR-T and cell therapies

 

Surgical oncology

 

Precision (genomic) oncology

 

Proton beam therapy and carbon-ion (hadron) therapy are not currently available in Canada; these modalities are offered at specialized centres abroad. Techniques such as MR-LINAC, CyberKnife, and SBRT or stereotactic radiosurgery are used both at international centres and at cancer centres in Canada.

 

Lu-177 PSMA for prostate cancer and Lu-177 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours. These are approved by Health Canada and publicly funded in most provinces.

 

Treatments that target the immune system. These are widely available in Canada. International options mainly relate to access to newer agents or clinical trials.

 

Used for certain blood cancers. Available in Canada for some indications, and in some cases funded out-of-country at approved centres.

 

Robotic and minimally invasive surgical approaches used to remove tumours.

 

Targeted therapy guided by genomic tumour profiling.

Out-of-country funding: some treatments that are not available in Canada may be funded through a provincial out-of-country prior approval program. The application is initiated by the patient's treating physician and is decided case by case. This pathway can be discussed with the treating specialist.

How treatment abroad works

Maple Med Global coordinates the process from sharing medical records through to follow-up after returning to Canada. After a patient shares their medical records, pathology, and imaging, the records are shared with leading centres that have the most experience in the specific treatment required. How each centre responds varies by institution. Some leading centres, including those in countries such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Germany, offer remote consultations or written specialist opinions as paid services. Other centres review the records and provide an initial treatment opinion at no charge. Patients can contact Maple Med Global to understand the options for their case.

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Maple Med Global is a coordination service; the medical care is provided by the accredited hospital and its physicians, who hold clinical responsibility for your treatment.

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Treatment abroad is privately funded. Instalment financing is available through third-party providers.

  • Share medical records, pathology, and imaging

  • Records are shared with centres experienced in the required treatment

  • The centre reviews the case and responds with options, and the process varies by centre

  • An itemized quote for any treatment that proceeds

  • Coordination of hospital, flights, and accommodation

  • Follow-up support after returning to Canada

How centres are selected

Each centre is assessed on its experience and volume in the relevant cancer type and on whether the required technology, such as proton or carbon-ion therapy, is available at that centre.The international hospitals we work with hold Joint Commission International (JCI), Accreditation Canada, or equivalent accreditation.

Where Canadians can access cancer treatment abroad

Maple Med Global coordinates cancer treatment for Canadian patients at established international centres across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The right destination depends on the case and on the technology required.

Region

Americas

Countries

Noted for

United States

Internationally recognized cancer centres, including National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centres; proton therapy

Europe

Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Türkiye

Asia

Japan, South Korea, India, China

Proton and carbon-ion (hadron) therapy centres in Germany, Austria, and Italy; established cancer centres in Spain and Turkiye

Proton and carbon-ion therapy in Japan and South Korea; a proton therapy cancer centre in India; high-volume cancer centres

If you have already decided on a destination, we will factor that in. All the countries we work with are listed on our Destinations page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Your Options with Maple Med Global

As a Canada-based coordination team, Maple Med Global manages every step, from selecting the hospital and team to flights, accommodation, and follow-up after returning. To begin, share your diagnosis and any imaging. The case is reviewed, and suitable options are presented together with a clear treatment plan and quote.

Or call/text us at +1 (647) 492-2777

This page provides general information, not medical advice. Clinical decisions are made by the treating physician(s).

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