BOMARSUND, England,
May 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The
opening of the UK's latest high energy proton beam therapy centre
today marks a significant moment in the provision of advanced
cancer.
The opening of the Rutherford Cancer Centre at Bomarsund,
Northumberland, signals a step
change in the UK's proton beam therapy capability. Little more than
a year ago, there were no facilities operational and no alternative
but to send patients to the USA or
Europe for costly and disruptive
treatment.
The arrival of three Rutherford proton beam therapy centres in
Wales, Berkshire and now Northumberland plus an NHS facility in
Manchester means the landscape for
advanced cancer care has been transformed.
The first prospective cohort of patients at the Rutherford
Cancer Centre North East are already undergoing assessment for
proton beam therapy.
Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy used in cancer
treatment, delivering heavily charged protons in a more targeted
manner to reduce damage to peripheral tissue and organs. It can
also help reduce unwelcome side effects.
Mike Moran, Chief Executive of
Proton Partners International which operates the Rutherford Cancer
Centres, 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."
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East is part of a nationwide
network of Rutherford facilities, providing state-of-the-art cancer
services including imaging, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and proton
beam therapy.
Chris Land, Centre Manager at the
Rutherford Cancer Centre North East said: "This is a landmark
moment in the development of cancer care in the North East and it
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 child patients as it reduces damage to surrounding
healthy tissue."
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East also announced today a
partnership with the cancer charity Fighting Against All Cancers
(FACT). Joanne Smith, founder of the charity, 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 is very
welcome. We are delighted to have partnered with the Rutherford to
ensure patients receive a supportive, professional and holistic
experience during a challenging time."