Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy proton beams instead of photon x-ray beams or electrons. Carefully measured doses of protons are delivered to the precise area needing treatment, using the latest IBA ProteusONE technology. This ensures that the delivery of proton beam therapy is highly accurate and prevents the risk of radiation reaching surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy is used to kill and destroy cancer cells. It utilises radiation in the form of high-energy x-rays, known as photons, to kill and damage the cancerous cells and prevent their growth and reproduction. It can be used as a non-surgical option to treat cancer, and it can also be used to shrink a tumour or in combination with other treatments.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres and Elekta are bringing the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology centres across the UK, with the new MR-linac Elekta Unity available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool in 2021.
We support you on your cancer journey every step of the way, offering innovative and personalised treatment options, including proton beam therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a range of supportive care services.
Proton beam therapy is available across the UK at the Rutherford Cancer Centres network. It’s an advanced form of targeted radiotherapy with fewer side effects and can also be used for hard-to-reach tumours.
We work with leading consultant oncologists from across the UK. Our experts focus on providing you with high-quality cancer care and innovative treatments including proton beam therapy.
Our network of cancer centres has been designed to put you first. We cover multiple locations across the UK, so you can access consultations and innovative treatments at any of the centres if required.
Cancer patients from overseas can expect a five-star service, with state-of-the-art treatment and a patient pathway that goes beyond best practice. Your patient journey with us will be straightforward and without delay.
At Rutherford Cancer Centres, we provide personalised cancer treatment with an exceptional level of patient care and welcome patients from within the UK and internationally. We are the only UK network of cancer centres to offer proton beam therapy, alongside conventional radiotherapy, chemotherapy and supportive care services.
What is proton beam therapy?
Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy proton beams instead of photon x-ray beams or electrons. This treatment method has the ability to target harder to reach tumours, that are in sensitive locations such as near the prostate, spine, in the brain, or in close proximity to vital organs. Proton beam therapy can be specifically targeted to a treatment area, ensuring the best possible outcomes and minimal side effects. Find out more about the cancers we treat with this treatment by using our treatment finder below.
We understand that cancer affects more than your physical health. We will reassure you at every step of your cancer journey, your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs and delivered in a supportive environment. Our medical teams utilise the most up-to-date and cutting-edge technology to plan and deliver the most optimal treatment plans. We provide ongoing support during and after treatment, with a team of experts that are always on hand when you need them.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres give you access to the latest cancer treatment options, including proton beam therapy. Our team is here to support you on your cancer journey, with treatments and wellbeing services available across the UK through our network of state-of-the-art oncology centres.
Treatment Finder
Our team is here to support you on your cancer journey, with treatments and wellbeing services.
Get started
This treatment finder is designed to help you find out more about certain types of cancers and how they might be treated at the Rutherford. To get started, simply click a gender option below, and an area of the body for more information.
Everyone is different, so treatment options for certain cancers will vary from person to person. An oncologist will discuss which treatment options will be best for you.
Before treatment begins, one of our oncologists will discuss and explain what your treatment options are, and if further treatments or services will be required.
Proton beam therapy can be used as a sole method for treating certain cancers or used in combination with other cancer services, such as chemotherapy, or to ensure that any remaining cancerous cells are destroyed following tumour removal surgery.
Areas of the body we currently treat with Proton Beam Therapy:
Bowel
Brain
Breast
Head & Neck
Lung
Lymphoma
Oesophagus
Prostate
Sarcoma
Skull base
Spine
Vaginal
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What a lovely, warm and relaxing place to be, when you're maybe not your best and don't feel like going through the things you need to. The staff are fab and help with everything, they make you feel human again!
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2019
Very helpful and friendly, excellent!
Patient Feedback - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2019
Overall a fantastic facility which I have been recommending to all friends and family!
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
July 2019
The radiotherapy team have been lovely throughout my treatment. Always smiling, friendly and happy to answer my questions, thank you!
Patient Feedback - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
July 2019
Thank you for making what can be a difficult time much more pleasurable! Its been a much easier treatment seeing your smiling faces everyday!
Patient Feedback - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
July 2019
We asked many questions, which were always answered promptly and in detail, which we were able to understand.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
July 2019
What a lovely, warm and relaxing place to be, when you're maybe not your best and don't feel like going through the things you need to. The staff are fab and help with everything, they make you feel human again!
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2019
Very helpful and friendly, excellent!
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2019
The staff at Rutherford have been excellent every time I visited - no complaints at all during my treatment
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2019
Excellent staff and service. Kind and approachable at all times. Very supportive.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
September 2019
Why go private at Rutherford Cancer Centres?
We offer rapid consultations and deliver personalised cancer treatment in our state-of-the-art cancer centres, to enable you to get back to your daily life as soon as possible. We are the only private healthcare provider to offer proton beam therapy here in the UK and are registered with many of the leading healthcare insurance providers including Bupa, Aviva, Axa, and Vitality. A full directory of our healthcare partners can be found further down this page.