Proton Beam Therapy Given Boost by Landmark Research

The increasing use of proton beam therapy in the UK to treat cancer has been given a significant boost following the publication of a landmark study which shows the treatment dramatically reduces side effects for patients.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found proton therapy leads to significantly lower risk of side effects severe enough to lead to unplanned hospitalisations for cancer patients when compared with traditional radiation.

The study – the largest of its kind – also found survival and cure rates between the two groups were almost identical. The findings have been published by JAMA Oncology. Professor Karol Sikora, chief medical officer of Rutherford Health plc, which operates a network of cancer centres in the UK, said: “This study is hugely encouraging for patients facing cancer treatment.

“The evidence that proton beam therapy reduces side effects for patients while not sacrificing the effectiveness of treatment is growing all the time.

“Patients had to wait a long time before proton beam therapy was a treatment option in the UK but its availability is increasing and can offer real benefits for particular cancers.

“The reduction of side effects is a major consideration for patients and we expect there will be increasing demand for proton beam therapy in the UK this year.”

Notes to editors:

For further information on the study, please visit the following link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2757520

About the Rutherford Cancer Centres

The Rutherford Cancer Centres are at the forefront of providing advanced cancer care and creating a better future for cancer patients. The centres provide an all-encompassing cancer service, delivering world-class imaging, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and proton beam therapy treatment.

The Rutherford Cancer Centres feature the most advanced technologies and Rutherford Health Plc has formed a partnership with IBA (Ion Beam Applications), the world’s leading provider of proton beam therapy solutions and Philips, a leader in health technology.

All centres offer proton beam therapy to medically-insured private patients, self-paying patients and NHS patients where the Rutherford is commissioned to provide these services.

For more information on the Rutherford Cancer Centres, please visit: https://www.therutherford.com

Follow the Rutherford Cancer Centres on twitter: @therutherford_c