Arden Cancer Centre is now delivering SBRT
Consultant clinical oncologist Andrew Chan and research radiographer Vicky Sturgess with patient David Cobb.
Retired headmaster David Cobb from Stratford-upon-Avon was one of the first people to benefit from stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) at the Arden Cancer Centre, University Hospital Coventry, and has now been told that he is in remission.
In August 2016 Cobb underwent SBRT for his prostate tumour in just five days using an Elekta Versa HD, compared to nearly eight weeks for standard radiotherapy. He said: “I was very pleased to have this radiotherapy because it meant I was able to get it over and done with in five days, and get on with my life.”
The Versa HD delivers concentrated high precision targeted SBRT over a short delivery time. Images are taken immediately before treatment starts to allow for any adjustments to be made in positioning the radiotherapy target with the tumour. This aims to give assurance that the tumour is receiving the curative dose of radiotherapy and minimises any effects on the surrounding healthy tissue. The technology is not yet widely available in the UK.
See the full report on page 13 of the July 2017 issue of RAD Magazine.
