UK’s latest proton beam therapy centre is another milestone for cancer care

The third Rutherford Cancer Centre in the UK has opened in Bomarsund, Northumberland and the first prospective cohort of patients are undergoing assessment for proton beam therapy.

Centre manager at Rutherford Cancer Centre North East Chris Land commented: “This is a significant step in transforming the way certain types of cancer are treated. While proton beam therapy is not a panacea, it has been proven to be particularly effective in the treatment of hard-to-reach tumours and in child patients, as it reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissue.”

Proton beam therapy delivers heavily charged protons in a targeted manner to reduce damage to peripheral tissue and organs. It can also help reduce unwelcome side effects.

Proton Partners International operates the Rutherford Cancer Centres. Chief executive Mike Moran said: “The opening of the proton beam therapy suite at our north east centre is an exciting milestone in the development of high energy proton beam facilities in this country. Historically, the UK has lagged behind leading countries in the provision of this form of cancer treatment but now a complementary mix of private and public facilities are offering patients access to the most advanced technology that can enhance patient outcomes.”

Rutherford Cancer Centre North East has entered a partnership with cancer charity Fighting All Cancers Together. Founder Joanne Smith said: “The arrival of high energy proton beam therapy is an exciting development for the region. Given that the north east has the highest rate of cancer incidence in England, new advances in the provision of state-of-the-art cancer care to patients in the region are very welcome.”

Picture: Founder of Fighting All Cancers Together Joanne Smith and centre manager at Rutherford Cancer Centre North East Chris Land with nursing staff.

Published on page 26 of the July 2019 issue of RAD Magazine.