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.
Dr Arif specialises in Gastrointestinal cancers (liver, pancreas, bile duct and bowel cancers). She graduated from India and completed post-graduate training in the UK. She obtained MRCP in Internal Medicine and thereafter specialised in Clinical Oncology followed by an Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship in the prestigious Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto. Dr Arif has been an NHS Consultant for over 10 years at the Velindre Cancer Centre. At the Velindre centre, she is clinical lead for the Moondance funded Advanced Radiotherapy Fellowship Programme.
In addition to bowel and other gastrointestinal cancers, Dr Arif has a keen interest in the treatment of primary and secondary liver cancers. She specialises in stereotactic radiotherapy to liver. She set up and implemented the first advanced liver radiotherapy treatment- Liver Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment/Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SBRT/SABR) clinical service in Wales.
Dr Arif has also received specialist training in Proton Beam Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. She is also actively involved in clinical trials both nationally and internationally and holds the role principal investigator for multiple clinical trials.
Dr Arif has a degree in Medical Education from Cardiff University and has an interest in International Educational Collaborations. Dr Arif also is currently the Secretary for the Standing Welsh Committee for the royal College of Radiologists representing Radiotherapy/oncology services in Wales.
Proton Beam Therapy
This consultant has received training from the Rutherford Cancer Centres in the delivery of proton beam therapy. The programme, Proton Therapy Clinical Education, in conjunction with The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and IBA, the leading proton beam therapy solutions manufacturer, involves oncologists gaining practical experience in Penn’s Roberts Proton Therapy Center – one of the world’s leading centres of proton therapy research and expertise.
Dr Seema Arif does not hold a share or financial interest in the Rutherford Cancer Centres or another Rutherford Health plc company.
Dr Seema Arif does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at the Rutherford Cancer Centres or another Rutherford Health plc company.
Dr Seema Arif does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at the Rutherford Cancer Centres or on behalf of Rutherford Cancer Centres or Rutherford Health plc.