Major cutting-edge radiotherapy treatment will be available in Manchester and London in 2018 thanks to £250million of government funding.
The proton beam therapy treatment is a particularly important type of cancer therapy as it targets tumours more precisely with less damage to surrounding tissues.
Manchester’s Christie Hospital will be one of the centres to benefit from the investment with the introduction of the radiotherapy treatment.
South Manchester Liberal Democrat MP John Leech welcomed the funding into advanced proton beam cancer treatment.
He said: “I am happy that my lobbying, and that of local people, has worked.
“Proton beam therapy is more effective at targeting cancerous growths without damaging healthy surrounding tissue, also leading to fewer side effects.”
This development means that more cancer patients can be treated in the UK rather than having to travel to the United States for such treatment.
National Clinical Lead for proton beam therapy Adrian Crellin said: “Whilst we will continue to offer this treatment overseas until the new facilities are built in Manchester and London, I am delighted that we are now a step closer to providing proton beam therapy in the UK.
“Compared to standard radiotherapy options proton beam therapy offers the opportunity to reduce the risks of potential side effects such as growth deformity, loss of hearing and lowered IQ.”
James Palmer, National Clinical Director for Specialised Services, said: “Today’s announcement is very welcome news and will enable us to move ahead with fully equipping the new facilities in Manchester and London.
“This is a key milestone in being able to offer this important treatment in the UK.”
Picture courtesy of TECU Consulting UK via Flickr, with thanks
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