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.
At the Rutherford, we pride ourselves on the standard of service and care we provide. Our treatment teams at each centre consist of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals including clinical treatment teams and supportive care staff.
As part of the information provided to our patients, ALERT CARDS detail what to do in the case of an emergency, and include Rutherford Cancer Centre contact details and emergency contact details if required.
The alert card should always be carried with a patient, even when not visiting one of the Rutherford Cancer Centres. It should include the patient name, contact phone number, and the treatment they are undergoing (some treatment alert cards may also include a consultant name).
If you experience any unexpected or severe symptoms that cause you immediate concern or in the event of an emergency, then please contact your GP or visit your local A&E department.
ALWAYS carry your ALERT CARD. Contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) if you have ANY concerns regarding your health and well-being, or if you have ANY of the following:
Temperature above 37.5°C on TWO occasions 30 minutes apart, OR ONE reading of 38°C or above
A temperature of below 35.5°C
Shaking/shivering episodes
Unusual bruising, bleeding or rashes
Flu-like symptoms, chesty cough, or any other signs of infection
Persistent feeling of sickness or vomiting
Diarrhoea - more than FOUR episodes in 24 hours
Mouth ulcers or a sore mouth that stops you eating or drinking
ADVICE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: If presented with an ALERT CARD - A chemotherapy patient may be at risk of severe chemotherapy complications including sepsis. If neutropenic sepsis is suspected:
Treat as an acute medical emergency
Start empiric IV antibiotics within 1 hour
DO NOT wait for FBC result - see local protocol
FOR AN ACUTELY UNWELL CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENT:-
Contact the Acute Oncology Service if available, or contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) to speak to the specialist team
STOP any chemotherapy drugs until specialist advice is obtained
ALWAYS carry your ALERT CARD. Contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) if you have ANY concerns regarding your health and well-being, or if you have ANY of the following that are new or getting worse:
Diarrhoea
Persistent headaches
Increased breathlessness
Widespread rash
Increased tiredness
Increased weakness
Abdominal pain
Vision problems
New cough
Dark urine
Numbness or pins & needles
ADVICE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If presented with an ALERT CARD - This patient is receiving immunotherapy. This is NOT cytotoxic chemotherapy. They are at risk of potentially life-threatening autoimmune organ damage for at least 12 months after treatment. It is essential you contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) or local Acute Oncology Service for specialist advice.
ALWAYS carry your ALERT CARD. Contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) if you have ANY concerns regarding your health and well-being, or if you have ANY of the following that are new or getting worse:
Diarrhoea
Persistent headaches
Increased breathlessness
Widespread rash
Increased tiredness
Increased weakness
Pain or blood in urine
Feeling cold or shivering
Nose bleed
Fluid retention - swollen feet or hands
Fast heart beat
Chest pain
Vision problems
New cough
Numbness or pins & needles
Accidentally take more tablets than you should
ADVICE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If presented with an ALERT CARD - This patient is receiving hormone therapy. This is NOT cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunotherapy. It is essential you contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) or local Acute Oncology Service for specialist advice.
ALWAYS carry your ALERT CARD. Contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) if you have ANY concerns regarding your health and well-being.
ADVICE FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
If presented with an ALERT CARD - This patient is receiving radiotherapy or proton beam therapy. It is essential you contact the Rutherford Cancer Centres (details below) or local Acute Oncology Service for specialist advice.
RUTHERFORD CANCER CENTRE SOUTH WALES:
Please call 01633 740 005 (9AM-5PM, Mon to Fri) OR Refer to your ALERT CARD for the contact number for out of hours and ask to speak to one of the treatment team of oncology nurses that are available 24/7
Please call 01670 339 650 (9AM-5PM, Mon to Fri) OR Refer to your ALERT CARD for the contact number for out of hours and ask to speak to one of the treatment team of oncology nurses that are available 24/7
Please call 01182 075 610 (9AM-5PM, Mon to Fri) OR Refer to your ALERT CARD for the contact number for out of hours and ask to speak to one of the treatment team of oncology nurses that are available 24/7
Please call 0151 459 0323 (9AM-5PM, Mon to Fri) OR Refer to your ALERT CARD for the contact number for out of hours and ask to speak to one of the treatment team of oncology nurses that are available 24/7