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.
External Research Paper
10 / 05 / 21
Purpose: In the Netherlands, head and neck cancer (HNC) patients qualify for intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) based on model-based selection (MBS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the first experience in MBS of HNC patients.
Methods: Patients who were subjected to MBS (Jan 2018-Sep 2019) were evaluated. A VMAT plan was created for all patients with optimal sparing of organ at risks (OARs) in normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for a number of toxicities. An IMPT plan was created only for those with NTCP difference (ΔNTCP) between VMAT and best-case scenario for proton (assuming 0 Gy dose for all OARs in IMPT plan) that exceeded any ΔNTCP-thresholds defined in Dutch National Indication Protocol. These patients qualified for a robust IMPT-plan creation with similar target doses and subsequent plan comparison.
Results: Of 227 patients, 141 (62%) qualified for plan comparison, of which 80 (35%) were eventually selected for proton therapy. Most patients were selected based on the ΔNTCP for dysphagia-related toxicities. The selection rate was higher among patients with advanced disease, pharyngeal tumors, and/or baseline complaints. A significant reduction in all OAR doses and NTCP values was obtained with IMPT compared with VMAT in both selected and non-selected patients, but more pronounced in patients selected for protons.
Conclusion: Model-based selection of patients with HNC for proton therapy is clinically feasible. Approximately one third of HNC patients qualify for protons and these patients have the highest probability to benefit from protons in terms of toxicity prevention.
Tambas M, Steenbakkers RJHM, van der Laan HP, Wolters AM, Kierkels RGJ, Scandurra D, Korevaar EW, Oldehinkel E, van Zon-Meijer TWH, Both S, van den Hoek JGM, Langendijk JA. First experience with model-based selection of head and neck cancer patients for proton therapy. Radiother Oncol. 2020 Oct;151:206-213. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.07.056. Epub 2020 Aug 6. PMID: 32768508.
*Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of this website when leaving the site and viewing third party content.
Dr Cheng Boon is Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Worcester Oncology Centre at Worcester Royal Hospital. He completed medical training...
Read moreDr Josef Kovarik is an acting consultant clinical oncologist and a Lead of ENT Oncology at the Northern Centre for Cancer...
Read moreDr Russell Banner is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist based in South Wales. His undergraduate training was at Christ’s College, Cambridge...
Read moreDr Muthiah Sivaramalingam has been a consultant in Clinical Oncology since 2007 and has been Principal Investigator for many clinical...
Read moreDr Ramkumar is a Consultant Clinical Oncologist specialising in non-surgical treatment of Head and Neck cancer, Skull Base Tumours and...
Read moreThe Rutherford Cancer Centres provide high-quality cancer care by offering access to innovative and advanced treatment techniques using leading technology.
We provide exceptional patient support from diagnosis through to treatment and recovery, with leading consultants available at our centres across the country.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres provide cancer treatments and other healthcare services across the UK with our centres designed to put the patient experience first.
If you'd like to speak to us about any of the treatments we offer please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 0800 210 0402 or
© Copyright Rutherford Health Plc 2017 - 2022
All rights Reserved