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 partnership applies to chemotherapy patients and is designed to help the trust ensure treatments for cancer patients are not delayed. Initially, the Rutherford Cancer Centre will treat breast cancer patients with chemotherapy - an estimated 120-150 patients a year.
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East offers a range of advanced cancer treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and proton beam therapy as well as diagnostic services.
Chris Land, Centre Manager at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North East, said:
“We are delighted to have formalised this partnership with Northumbria Healthcare that will ensure patients who need chemotherapy in the region do not face delays. The North East has some of the highest incidences of cancer in the UK and partnerships such as this are important in ensuring better patient outcomes in the region.”
“The efforts of both our organisations are centred around patients having access to the most advanced treatments and precision radiotherapy.”
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We are very pleased to announce this partnership which will provide tremendous benefits for cancer patients across the region and is part of our on-going commitment to provide outstanding care to everyone who needs it – complementing the services we already provide from Northumbria.
“No one wants to wait for treatment especially when they have been diagnosed with cancer - it can be an anxious time for patients and their loved ones. Working with the Rutherford Cancer Centre will ensure our patients get timely access and state of the art treatment.”
Mike Moran, CEO of Proton Partners International, the company that operates the Rutherford Cancer Centres, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the private and public sectors working collaboratively to improve outcomes for cancer patients in the North East. Earlier this year we struck a similar partnership with the Welsh Government to provide proton beam therapy services to adult Welsh NHS patients and it is evident that working together is beneficial to patients.”
Published: 19th June 2019
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