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 Rutherford Cancer Centres are bringing the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology centres across the UK, with the new Elekta Unity MR-linac now available to consultants and patients at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West is the first of the Rutherford centres to offer the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology patients, with the new Elekta Unity MR-linac available in Liverpool.
The Elekta Unity is a state-of-the-art MR-linac machine that is setting a new standard for personalised radiotherapy. It provides the ability to reshape the radiotherapy treatment dose based on daily changes in shape, size and position of the tumour and surrounding healthy anatomy.
This then enables an accurate treatment dose delivery with real-time visualisation of the tumour - ensuring that every patient's treatment is adapted to their personalised real-time status.
Before treatment begins, an oncologist will discuss and explain the full aim of the MR-linac radiotherapy treatment plan and if further services will be required alongside it.
MR-linac radiotherapy can be used as a sole method for treating certain cancers or used in combination with other cancer services, such as chemotherapy, or to ensure that any remaining cancerous cells are destroyed following tumour removal surgery.
We are working towards being able to offer treatment for all suitable body areas with MR-linac radiotherapy. Contact us for further information on the current availability and suitability of MR-linac radiotherapy.
Areas of the body* that can be treated using MR-linac radiotherapy:
*The suitability of treating certain body areas with MR-linac radiotherapy is dependant on service availability, as well as the location and staging of the cancer
With the Elekta Unity MR-linac delivering the latest advancements in precision radiotherapy, the Rutherford Cancer Centres continues to widen access to leading radiotherapy treatments for cancer patients across the UK.
The Elekta Unity is a state-of-the art MR-linac radiotherapy treatment that is setting a new standard for cancer care. Scan, plan, treat - enabling personalised radiotherapy for every patient, every time
Watch the videoIntegrating MR (magnetic resonance) with precision RT (radiotherapy) makes it possible to see the target tumour and soft tissue during treatment. This intelligent and pioneering technology will enable real-time visual tracking, enabling daily treatment adaption when treating cancer patients. The Elekta Unity MR-linac transforms the conventional radiotherapy workflow to a scan, plan, treat approach—to truly enable personalised radiotherapy for every patient, every time.
Scan:
Visualise daily changes with sub-millimetre resolution.
Plan:
React to changes in the tumour and reshape the dose.
Treat:
See the tumour while treating with stereotactic precision.
Elekta Unity has been carefully designed to make the treatment - for patients of all shapes and sizes - as comfortable as possible. In addition to the wide tunnel size and positioning options, a laser free workflow benefits the patient as it reduces set-up time by avoiding manual tattoo alignment. The patient-centric design includes:
At the Rutherford Cancer Centres it’s important that patients are supported at all times during treatment but also afterwards. This includes regular follow-up checks with treatment teams and consultants, as well as access to supportive care services.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres and Elekta are bringing the latest radiotherapy treatment technology to cancer centres across the UK.
Patient choice is central to our cancer treatment and care approach. We are expanding treatment services, and are providing clinicians with the opportunity to offer their patients more treatment options.
There are opportunities for clinicians to get involved and develop their professional skills in this exciting area of treatment and research. Opportunities include:
It’s important that you feel supported, not only during your treatment but also afterwards, to give your body the best possible chance to heal.
After treatments your recovery will be supported by regular follow-up checks with your consultant. These will vary depending on the area of your body that's been treated, and the amount of treatment you've received. Follow-up appointments are used to help keep track of your recovery, so if you have any concerns you will have the opportunity to discuss them with your consultant.
The diagnosis of cancer combined with possible side effects can affect how you feel. Your treatment team is here to support you, and we encourage you to talk to us. Sometimes just talking about your emotions can be of great help and if necessary, we can arrange for further advice and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers a wide range of information and support, as well as help with your practical, emotional, and financial needs. All telephone helplines are free and confidential, and interpreting services are also available.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8.00pm)
www.macmillan.org.uk
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
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