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.
Blog post by Rutherford Cancer Centres
Immunotherapy is different from other types of cancer treatment because it uses the body’s own immune system to identify and fight cancer cells. It’s the standard treatment for certain cancers such as melanoma.
It is also being trialled for other types, but it’s not right for everyone. Immunotherapy can be used alone or alongside other treatments such as chemotherapy. Some types of immunotherapy are also known as ‘targeted treatments’.
Using immunotherapy as part of cancer treatment can give the immune system the right defences to work more effectively against cancer. Read more about how immunotherapy works.
During June, various educational and social events have been organised to raise global awareness of the treatment. These include:
And throughout June, you can read patient stories about their experiences of immunotherapy treatment. These include Oswald’s Immunotherapy Story, an account of his treatment for Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer – today he is cancer-free. And Debbie’s Story about being treated with immunotherapy for Stage 4 kidney cancer. You can also take the Cancer Immunotherapy Quiz to test yourself on different aspects of the science, history, development and impact of cancer immunotherapy.
Find out more about Cancer Immunotherapy Month, including how to get involved, at the Cancer Research Institute.
Your medical team will work with you to decide the right treatment for you, whether that includes immunotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of cancer treatments. If you have any questions about these treatments, please contact the team at Rutherford Cancer Centres.
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