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 now available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
Allied Health Professional
Dr Ralph Smith is a Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine at Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley. He qualified from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2008, followed by a Master of Science in Sport Medicine, Exercise and Health from University College London in 2011. Following his General Practice training in Reading, he joined the Thames Valley Sport and Exercise Medicine specialist training programme from 2014. He completed his specialist training 2018 and now holds a substantive Consultant post at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation trust (OUH).
Through his training, he has acquired extensive experience in multidisciplinary musculoskeletal care and is part of the consultant team delivering the paediatric and adult Oxsport and Complex Musculoskeletal services. He holds a Diploma in Musculoskeletal ultrasound and regularly integrates ultrasound into his practice. He also runs an ultrasound-guided injection service for the OUH Rheumatology department.
He has worked within elite team sport since 2011 and is a locum contractor for the English Institute of Sport. His current roles include first team doctor for Reading FC Womens and London Irish Rugby Union Club. He has extensive experience in a number of sports including rowing, triathlon, modern pentathlon, professional football, distance running and has provided medical cover for camps and tournaments including the Commonwealth Games. He has been the travelling physician for GB Hockey, England Women’s Cricket (two T20 world cups) and British Athletics.
Dr Smith has published and presented internationally in research areas which included stress fractures, triathlon medicine and physical activity in pregnancy. He has been extensively involved in a number of physical activity projects including the national award winning Moving Medicine and Active Hospital pilot projects.
Dr Ralph Smith is currently conducting a pilot study with Biomedical Research Centre into the role of physical activity and gestational diabetes.
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