UK forecast to make ‘major strides’ in cancer care

The UK can take ‘major strides’ this year towards improving cancer care, according to Proton Partners International (PPI).  The development of new facilities providing advanced cancer treatment and accelerated diagnostic services will be important initial steps in helping to improve cancer survival rates in the UK, which have lagged behind European and North American countries.

PPI operates the Rutherford Cancer Centre network in the UK and Rutherford Diagnostics.  Chairman Rupert Lowe said: “As someone who had to travel abroad to receive proton beam therapy I am delighted to be reporting that the situation is changing at last.  We were extremely proud to treat the first proton beam therapy patient in the UK last April and scores more patients have benefited from this treatment without having to travel abroad.  We are also pleased to see the development of proton beam therapy facilities within the NHS.”

Royal Philips has increased its investment in PPI. Philips UK and Ireland ceo Neil Mesher said: “Our work with PPI is helping to increase access to truly tailored cancer treatments that can improve both clinical outcomes and the patient experience here in the UK.

“We’re committed to making a real difference in cancer care, and this is an important step to ensuring the UK remains a leading provider of high quality cancer care.”

The first NHS Wales cancer treatment to receive proton beam therapy has started treatment at the Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales in Newport.

Photo: Equipment in a proton beam therapy treatment room.

Published on page 20 of the March 2019 issue of RAD Magazine.