Recipient of proton beam therapy praises treatment so close to home

One of the first patients in the UK to receive high energy proton beam therapy (PBT) has praised UK oncologists for embracing proton beam therapy and the transformative effects it has had on his treatment.

Ryan Scott from Cardigan in Wales underwent treatment for a brain tumour at the Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales in Newport as part of NHS Wales PBT treatment pathway for adults. He said: “I was very pleased when my consultant recommended PBT and told me that it was available close to home in South Wales. I was due to be treated with PBT over the course of eight weeks in the United States, a disruption I was not looking forward to. Happily, the agreement between NHS Wales and Rutherford Cancer Centres was struck just in time for me to be treated a short drive from home.

“The process of undergoing PBT was much better than anticipated. There have been hardly any side effects and being able to sleep in my bed after a day’s treatment is a real plus.”

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething AM performed the official opening of the Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales with chief executive of NHS Wales Andrew Goodall in attendance

Picture: Proton beam therapy patient Ryan Scott with lead therapy radiographer Kate Leaver.

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