Proton beam therapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment that offers unparalleled precision, making it a preferred choice for patients seeking curative treatment for their cancer while minimising the risk of long-term troubles some side effects. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, proton beam therapy uses a focused beam of protons to target and destroy cancer cells while markedly reducing the radiation dose received by your normal, healthy tissue. While other types of radiotherapy travels all the way through the body, protons stop inside the cancer tissue. This results in fewer side effects and a quicker recovery, allowing you to maintain your quality of life during and after treatment.
Where do I offer proton beam therapy for lung cancer and thymoma?
PROTON INTERNATIONAL AT UCLH
Proton beam therapy stands as one of the most cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies globally, yet its availability remains limited in many parts of the world.
Proton International at UCLH is the only private proton facility in the UK and I’m proud to be able to offer this highly precise lung cancer treatment here alongside our team of world-class radiographers, physicists and dedicated customer service professionals.
You will be receiving your proton beam therapy in the heart of central London. If you are based outside of London, including abroad, arrangements have been made to provide accommodation at top-tier hotels or service apartments to give you a home-from-home experience throughout your treatment.
As well as providing proton beam therapy for private patients, University College London Hospital (UCLH) is a world-leading centre of cancer research and an esteemed teaching hospital. UCLH is my NHS base as well as somewhere I see patients receiving private proton beam treatment for lung cancer and thymoma.
Proton therapy for lung cancer
Proton therapy has shown promising outcomes in various studies, demonstrating excellent survival rates, and lower rates of side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy. It is a highly effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, proton therapy may offer significant benefits in reducing toxicity, especially for patients with pre-existing conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or heart disease.
There is convincing evidence that the amount of radiation that is received by the heart during treatment for lung cancer impacts on the likelihood of treatment success and the risk of serious side effects such as heart attacks or abnormal heart rhythms. Proton beam therapy can significantly reduce the amount of radiation the heart receives during curative radiotherapy for lung cancer. For select patients, I always offer proton beam therapy because of this potential to reduce heart damage.
Proton beam therapy for thymoma
Proton therapy offers a safe alternative for post-operative treatment of thymic tumours, particularly in young patients. Reducing the volume of tissue receiving radiation, could minimise the risk of secondary malignancies and heart complications associated with conventional radiotherapy.
Thymoma is an incredibly rare type of tumour. As I have a particular interest in the treatment of thymoma I receive referrals from across the UK and internationally. When it comes to rare cancers like thymoma, selecting an oncologist who treats patients with this condition regularly is essential. Repetition builds pattern recognition, making something rare routine.
If your oncologist has not discussed the role of proton beam therapy in the treatment of your thymoma, ask them why not or make an appointment to come and discuss it with me.