Christie Hospital to begin groundbreaking proton-beam cancer treatment

The Christie

Hundreds of cancer patients will benefit from a groundbreaking radiotherapy treatment at The Christie Hospital which was one of two sites to share a proton-beam therapy investment announced by the Coalition Government.

It is a type of radiotherapy that uses a high-energy beam of particles to destroy cancer cells. Experts say it is particularly useful for tackling complex childhood cancers – increasing success rates and reducing side-effects. 

The proton-beam therapy targets cancerous growths more effectively without damaging the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. Experts claim the new treatment is particularly effective at treating cancer in children as it can target smaller areas of tissue than previous therapies.

In addition to resulting in better recovery rates, the new treatment will result in fewer side effects.

The Withington-based hospital was one of two sites to share the £250m investment announced by the Coalition Government in 2012 to build facilities for the proton-beam therapy.

The historic treatment will mean more than 1,500 patients will be treated here in the UK, rather than having to go abroad.

The other health trust awarded a share in the funding was the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.