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.
The provision of advanced cancer services in the North-West of England took a significant step forward today when it was announced that Liverpool will host a pioneering treatment system.
The Elekta Unity MR Linac combines a linear accelerator with an integrated Philips MR Scanner and is at the forefront of radiotherapy technology providing the highest quality image-guided radiotherapy with online adaptive re-planning.
Elekta Unity is a highly advanced treatment machine which enables you to clearly visualize inside the body at the time of treatment and precisely deliver dose where you need it, protecting healthy surrounding organs.
The system, made by Elekta, has been installed at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West as part of its overall radiotherapy services which have been approved by the Care Quality Commission.
The centre is already operational and has been offering patients Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) services which include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies symptom control, blood tests, oncology nurse consultation and supportive therapies, as well as diagnostic services. High energy proton beam therapy services will come online in 2022 which will make the centre one of the most comprehensive advanced cancer therapy facilities in Europe.
Mike Moran, CEO of Rutherford Health, said: “We are delighted to bring MR Linac to Liverpool. It heralds a significant step forward for advanced cancer care services in the region and will be the first in the Liverpool City region.
“Our network of cancer centres continues to play a key role in providing cancer care across the UK, especially in relation to precision radiotherapy.”
Services at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West will be accessible to private patients under medical insurance, self-pay patients and to NHS patients where NHS contracts are in place.