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 available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool in 2021.
IBA is the worldwide leader in proton therapy technology. 65% of proton therapy patients have been treated using IBA technology to date. The company has been leading proton therapy for the last 30 years and has built the largest user community of the world's best proton therapy centers.
Philips look beyond technology to the experiences of consumers, patients, providers and caregivers across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention to diagnosis, treatment and home care. With leading research, design and innovation capabilities, Philips partner with its customers to transform the delivery of healthcare.
Elekta innovation is responsible for introducing most of the critical technological advances in radiation oncology of the last 30 years. Elekta creates treatment solutions that provide increasing efficiency, while retaining the clinician’s right to choose the best option for individual patients. Elekta maintains its long-standing focus on evidence-based medicine.
University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine)
Proton therapy peer support is provided to the Rutherford Cancer Centres by experts at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine), a world-renowned health system and home to the Roberts Proton Therapy Center. The Rutherford Cancer Centres’ consultants, staff, and patients benefit from Penn Medicine’s wealth of experience in the treatment and long-term follow-up of patients treated with proton therapy.