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.
Rutherford Health has announced that its network of Rutherford Cancer Centres have entered into a framework agreement with NHS England under which it will provide cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging services to NHS Trusts and clinical commissioning groups.
The agreement is for a two-year period with an option to extend for a further two years on the agreement of both parties. Services will be provided at a pre-agreed set of prices.
Mike Moran, CEO of Rutherford Health plc, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to have signed this agreement with NHS England. We have been supplying radiotherapy and systemic anti-cancer therapy to NHS patients in England and Wales. This agreement streamlines the procurement process and enables NHS organisations in England to commission a range of services directly from us. It means we will provide our services more widely.
"I am particularly pleased to be supporting the fantastic work that the NHS is doing at this extremely challenging time. Providing these much-needed cancer treatments and diagnostic services in dedicated cancer treatment facilities will help relieve pressure on NHS hospitals".