Proton Beam Therapy

Cancers we treat with proton beam therapy

Before treatment begins, an oncologist will discuss and explain the full aim of the proton beam therapy treatment plan and if further services will be required alongside it. Proton beam therapy 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.

Areas of the body we currently treat using proton beam therapy at the Rutherford Cancer Centres:

*The suitability of treating certain body areas with proton beam therapy is dependant on the location and staging of the cancer.

How does proton beam therapy work?

The organs and tissues of your body are made up of tiny building blocks, which are called cells. Proton beam therapy damages cancer cells in a treated area, this stops their growth and over time, these cells die.

Proton beam therapy uses beams of protons to target cancerous tumours. Protons are small particles of an atom, and a 'particle accelerator' (also called a 'cyclotron') is used to speed up the protons to produce the beam. The latest form of proton beam therapy is called intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) with pencil beam scanning, an advanced technique that allows each dose to be precisely targeted.

The proton beam's ability to be targeted during treatment allows for harder to reach tumours to be treated, as well as tumours that are in sensitive locations such as near the spine, in the brain, or affecting vital organs. Although it utilises high-energy protons to damage and kill cancer cells, the proton beam can be specifically targeted to a treatment area and made to 'stop' before affecting surrounding healthy tissue.

At the Rutherford Cancer Centres, proton beam therapy is delivered using the latest technology. During a treatment session, we will ensure you are as comfortable as possible, and the technology is designed to move around you, to treat you from any angle required.

The proton beam enters the body

The beam is able to enter the body with less energy and deposit a precise beam of radiation (than conventional radiotherapy) to the tumour - ensuring less damage to surrounding heathy tissue.

The beam targets the tumour area

The proton beam precisely delivers its highest radiation of energy to only the tumour area, targeting it layer by layer.

The beam stops

The beam then 'stops' where it's supposed to, sparing surrounding healthy tissue - unlike conventional radiotherapy. The below image represents the radiation path when using conventional radiotherapy.

We're here for you

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.

If you have cancer, it's understandable you might be worried about coronavirus. Here is the latest guidance from Macmillan.

Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8.00pm)
www.macmillan.org.uk