The NHS is to build two new Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) facilities at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester and University College London Hospital.
Proton Beam Therapy is a particularly important form of cancer treatment as it targets tumours more precisely with less damage to surrounding tissues. This can improve the quality of life following cancer treatment, and reduce side effects, especially for children. At present the NHS currently sends children and adults needing PBT as part of their cancer treatment overseas – notably to the United States
The good news is that in future this will no longer be necessary. This commitment to increasing access to advanced radiotherapy treatments is very good news and I am delighted that the long campaigning for Proton Beam Therapy in the UK has been successful and that the money is confirmed and the building will start soon
