If you've been diagnosed with lung cancer and want the most precise radiation treatment available in the UK, proton beam therapy may give you the best chance at cure while significantly reducing radiation dose to your heart and healthy lung tissue
To learn about proton beam therapy for thymoma - click here.
Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that treats lung cancer with exceptional precision.
Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses X-rays (photons) that pass all the way through your body, proton beam therapy uses protons that stop exactly where your tumour is. This means we can deliver a powerful dose of radiation to destroy cancer cells while dramatically reducing the amount of radiation that reaches your heart, lungs, and other healthy tissue.
For lung cancer patients, especially those with tumours near the heart or major blood vessels, this precision can make a significant difference.
Why heart protection matters in lung cancer radiotherapy
Your heart sits very close to your lungs. During conventional radiotherapy for lung cancer, some radiation inevitably reaches your heart. We know from years of clinical evidence that radiation exposure to the heart increases the risk of serious cardiac events, including heart attacks and heart failure.
The landmark RTOG 0617 trial showed that radiation dose to the heart was an important factor in treatment outcomes. Patients who received less radiation to their heart had better survival rates than those who received higher doses, even when the tumour dose was the same.
Proton beam therapy addresses this directly. By stopping the proton beam exactly at the tumour, we can reduce heart radiation dose by up to 50% or more compared to standard radiotherapy. Proton treatment can also reduce the radiation dose to healthy lung tissue compared to standard radiotherapy.
Learn more about how we can protect your heart during radiotherapy for lung cancer here.
Who Should Consider Proton Beam Therapy for their lung cancer?
Proton therapy isn't necessary for every lung cancer patient. But for certain people, it may be the best option available.
You should consider proton beam therapy if any of these apply to you:
✓ Your tumour is located near your heart or major blood vessels
✓ You have pre-existing heart disease or lung problems
✓ You have recurrent lung cancer (cancer that's come back after treatment)
✓ You've had previous radiotherapy (even for a different cancer e.g breast cancer)
✓ You've been told you're "too high risk" for standard radiotherapy
✓ You want the best chance at cure while protecting your heart
✓ You're considering curative treatment for Stage III lung cancer
When proton radiotherapy makes the most difference
I regularly see patients who've been told their lung cancer is "too complex" or "too high risk" for standard radiotherapy. Sometimes that's because their tumour is in a difficult location. Sometimes it's because they have other health problems that make conventional radiation therapy risky.
In these cases, proton beam therapy can make the impossible possible. The precision of the proton beam means we can treat tumours that would be too dangerous to treat with standard radiotherapy.
If your NHS oncologist hasn't discussed proton beam therapy with you, it doesn't necessarily mean you're not a good candidate. It may simply mean that proton therapy isn't widely available on the NHS, or that the referral criteria are very strict.
You're allowed to ask the question: "Why isn't proton beam therapy an option for me?"
If they haven't explained why not, you deserve to know.
Why Dr James Wilson recommends proton beam therapy for lung cancer
What Does the Evidence Show?
I want to be honest with you about where the evidence stands.
The large randomised trials comparing proton therapy to standard photon radiotherapy for lung cancer are still ongoing. We don't yet have final survival data that proves proton therapy leads to longer life expectancy for all lung cancer patients.
But here's what we do know:
The physics is undeniable. Proton beam therapy delivers significantly less radiation to the heart than conventional radiotherapy. You can see this clearly in the treatment planning images. The reduction in heart dose is dramatic.
The cardiac risk is real. Clinical data consistently shows that radiation exposure to the heart leads to serious cardiac events. In some studies, the difference in cardiac complications between high and low heart radiation dose is stark: 11.6% versus 0% in the first two years after treatment.
This matters for long-term outcomes. If you're cured of your lung cancer, you want to live as long as possible afterwards. Protecting your heart during treatment may help you do that.
If it was me...
I say this to all my patients, and I mean it: if I had lung cancer today, with a tumour next to my heart, and I had pre-existing heart disease, choosing proton beam therapy would be a straightforward decision for me.
I wouldn't wait for the final randomised trial results to be published in five years' time. The physics is clear. The images speak for themselves. And I'd want to give myself the best possible chance, both of curing the cancer and of protecting my heart for the years ahead.
I'd be prepared to pay for it. I'm that convinced the potential benefit is there.
I'm not saying proton therapy is right for everyone. But for the right patient, in the right situation, it can make a genuine difference.
How proton beam therapy is delivered
What to Expect During Treatment
Proton beam therapy for lung cancer is delivered as an outpatient treatment. You don't need to stay in hospital overnight.
Treatment is usually given five days a week, Monday to Friday, for around six to seven weeks (though this varies depending on your individual situation). Each session takes between 20 and 45 minutes at the proton therapy centre, including the time it takes to position you correctly on the treatment couch.
The treatment itself is painless. You won't feel anything during the session. The machine, called a gantry, rotates around you to deliver the proton beam from the most precise angle.
Most patients find they can maintain much of their normal routine during proton radiation. You may feel tired as the weeks go on, but many people continue working part-time or spending time with family.
Can proton beam therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Proton beam therapy is often combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. The best combination depends on your specific situation.
If you're having concurrent chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy (which is common for Stage III lung cancer), proton therapy can still be used. In fact, this is one of the situations where reducing radiation dose to the heart may be particularly important, as some chemotherapy drugs can also affect the heart.
Proton Therapy Centre UK - Where Treatment Happens
Proton Beam Therapy in London
I treat patients at Proton International London, a proton therapy centre located at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). This is one of only two proton therapy centres in the UK, and the only private proton beam therapy centre in the country.
The facility uses the most advanced proton therapy technology available, with pencil-beam scanning on each treatment gantry. This allows us to shape the proton beam very precisely to match the exact size and shape of your tumour.
I'm proud to be one of the few clinical oncologists in the UK offering proton beam therapy for lung cancer patients. My practice is also affiliated with leading private hospitals across London, including The Cromwell Hospital, The London Clinic, and the London Oncology Clinic.
This means I can tailor your care to your individual needs, finding the right treatment centre and the right approach for your specific situation.
Support for Patient Travelling to London
Many of my patients travel from elsewhere in the UK or from abroad to access proton beam therapy. If you're coming to London for treatment, you won't be doing this alone.
Proton therapy is delivered over several weeks, so staying close to the treatment centre is often more practical than commuting every day. If you'd prefer to stay in London during your treatment, we can help arrange everything you need:
Accommodation and transport: We work with trusted providers to help you find high-quality accommodation that suits your needs and budget, from boutique hotels to serviced apartments. We can also arrange private transport to and from the hospital if that would be helpful.
Family support: If you're travelling with a partner, adult children, or other family members, they're included in our support too. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, and we'll do our best to help your family feel settled and looked after.
Practical help: From connecting you with local services to arranging grocery deliveries or booking appointments with other specialists, we're here to take the logistical burden off your shoulders. If you're an international patient, we can also arrange interpreter services.
Our goal is simple: to ensure your treatment fits around your life as smoothly as possible, so you can focus on getting well.
Why Choose Private Proton Therapy?
Why Private Treatment for Lung Cancer?
I know that considering private cancer treatment is a big decision. For many patients, it brings up difficult questions: "Should I stay with the NHS?" "Am I being disloyal to my NHS team?" "What if I need NHS care again in the future?"
Let me address these concerns directly.
You're not abandoning the NHS
Choosing private treatment doesn't mean you've lost your place in the NHS. If you need NHS support in the future, that option remains open to you. Many of my patients continue to have follow-up care with their NHS teams after completing private treatment, and NHS oncologists generally understand and respect when patients choose to explore private options.
Your NHS team wants the best for you. If you decide to pursue proton beam therapy privately, most NHS doctors will support that decision, even if they couldn't offer it themselves.
What you're paying for
Private proton beam therapy for Stage 3 lung cancer is a significant investment, typically in the region of £50,000 to £100,000 depending on the complexity of your treatment (e.g. if you need chemotherapy and immunotherapy in addition to the PBT)
Here's what that investment gives you:
Speed. No waiting weeks or months for scans, treatment planning, or the start of treatment. We can often begin treatment within two to three weeks of your initial consultation.
Access to technology that's extremely limited on the NHS. Proton therapy is available on the NHS, but the referral criteria are very strict and the waiting lists are long. In private practice, we can assess your case individually and offer proton therapy to a much wider group of patients.
Personalised, consultant-led care. You'll see me, not a junior doctor or registrar. I'll be involved in every step of your treatment planning and delivery. If you call, you'll get an answer the same day.
Peace of mind. You'll know you've done everything possible to give yourself the best chance at cure while protecting your heart and quality of life.
Is it worth it?
Only you can answer that question. But I can tell you this: the patients I see who choose proton therapy rarely regret it. What they value most isn't just the technology itself. It's the certainty of knowing they acted quickly, that they explored every option, and that they didn't spend months waiting and worrying while their cancer could have been progressing.
Many families tell me that the real burden would have been losing time, not the financial cost.
About Dr James Wilson
I'm Dr James Wilson, a consultant clinical oncologist in full-time private practice in London. I specialise in treating lung cancer and other thoracic cancers using advanced radiotherapy techniques, including proton beam therapy, stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR), and MR-Linac.
I'm one of the few radiation oncologists in the UK who can offer proton beam therapy for lung cancer patients. I'm also actively involved in clinical trials and have extensive experience combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and chemotherapy.
My approach is straightforward: I believe in giving patients clear, honest information about all their treatment options, without jargon or false promises. I want you to feel confident that you're making the best decision for your situation, whether that's proton therapy, another form of radiotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
If you've been told you're "too high risk" for treatment, or if you're confused by conflicting advice, I'm here to help. I review complex cases regularly, and I'm happy to provide a second opinion if that would be useful.
Credentials and affiliations
Consultant Clinical Oncologist, private practice, London
Proton beam therapy provider at Proton International London (UCLH site)
Affiliated with The Cromwell Hospital, The London Clinic, Icon Cancer Centre London
Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)
Member of the Royal College of Radiologists and Royal College of Radiologists
Active in clinical trials and research in lung cancer radiotherapy
PhD (DPhil from the University of Oxford) in the use of advanced imaging to personalise chemoradiotherapy plans
What people are saying about the care they received from Dr James Wilson
I was treated for NSCLC, and Dr Wilson is a great expert and combined his experience with a reassuring and authoritative manner. I could't recommend him more highly and it seems that despite my cancer reaching stage 3, I will enjoy a complete cure.
Martin R K
Dr Wilson's calm and professional manner put me at ease immediately upon meeting him. Dr Wilson avoided medical jargon so that everything explained was easily understood and a plan put in place that could be easily followed. I genuinely felt that he cared about me and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.
Graham W
After showing me the scan picture he assured me that the treatment he had planned for me would fix the problem - no nasty operations just radiotherapy. The treatment I had was "stereotactic radio therapy" Just once and that did the trick.
Kneale H
The care and treatment my mum has received from Mr Wilson has been outstanding. She was treated with radiotherapy for lung cancer. He explains everything clearly and concisely and we have full trust and confidence in him.
Nancy L
I would like to say the biggest thank you possible to Dr Wilson and can not recommend him enough. I would advise anyone who has any concerns about their treatment to seek a second opinion from him. I found him to be very approachable and down to earth.
Sally H
James has a wonderful, friendly manner and took the time to listen to all of our concerns and carefully explained treatment options and outcomes. At the conclusion of our appointment we really felt well supported by a consummate professional with the knowledge to help us though this difficult time.
Lorraine H
Moreover,as treatment progressed, he remained in regular touch so that I was always aware of what was happening. Unsurprisingly, the outcome was highly successful. From beginning to end, this was a first class experience provided by an outstanding practitioner.
Alan F
I couldn't recommend James more highly. Clearly highly qualified and experienced, his responsiveness and ability to put me at ease is second to none. No problem or issue is too small or irrelevant and he has supported both myself and my family through a difficult period.
David B
James Wilson's way of looking after me was attentive, friendly, reassuring, and was totally focused on my needs. He took the time to listen and understand my concerns and gave me a real sense that I had a choice in how my treatment would proceed.
Eric O
From the moment we walked into Dr. Wilson's office, we knew we were in the hands of a truly exceptional physician. As a lung cancer specialist, Dr. Wilson has not only demonstrated unparalleled expertise in his field but has also shown an extraordinary level of compassion and understanding.
Lindsay K
Frequently asked questions
What is proton beam therapy?
Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy.
Protons are small particles found in the middle of atoms. They can be used to give carefully calculated doses of radiation to treat diseases. This is different to standard radiotherapy, which uses high-energy X-rays (photons). Protons release their energy at an exact point in the body.
This means the dose to the tumour can be given with great accuracy, and there is minimal or no dose to normal tissue beyond the tumour.
How is proton therapy different from traditional radiation therapy?
Traditional radiation therapy uses X-rays (photons) that pass all the way through your body, depositing energy as they go. Proton beam therapy uses protons, which stop exactly where the tumour is. This allows us to deliver a high dose to the cancer while dramatically reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue, particularly your heart and lungs.
For example when we look at the risk of a serious heart problem after radiotherapy for lung cancer, the reduced radiation dose given to the heart should markedly reduce the risk:
Is proton therapy experimental?
No. Proton therapy has been used to treat cancer for decades and is backed by extensive clinical evidence. It's an established, proven treatment. The large randomised trials comparing proton therapy to standard radiotherapy for lung cancer are still ongoing, but the physics and safety profile are well understood.
Why didn't my NHS oncologist mention proton beam therapy?
Proton therapy is available on the NHS, but the referral criteria are very strict and access is limited. Your NHS oncologist may not have mentioned it because they assumed you wouldn't meet the criteria, or because the waiting list was too long. It doesn't mean you're not a good candidate. It's always worth asking the question.
Will I lose my place in the NHS if I go private?
No. Choosing private treatment doesn't affect your NHS entitlements. If you need NHS care in the future, that option remains open to you.
How much does proton beam therapy cost?
A personalised quote will be provided before you make your final decision.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your treatment, but it typically ranges from £50,000 to £100,000. This includes your initial consultation, treatment planning scans, the full course of proton therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy if needed and follow-up appointments. I can provide a detailed cost estimate after reviewing your case.
Can proton beam therapy be combined with other treatment options?
Yes. Cancer treatment typically involves a variety of approaches. Patients might receive their cancer care through surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy alongside proton therapy. The best combination depends on each person’s unique situation.
How long does treatment take?
Proton beam therapy for lung cancer is usually delivered over six to seven weeks, with treatment sessions five days a week (Monday to Friday). Each session takes 20 to 45 minutes. The exact duration depends on your individual treatment plan.
How is proton beam therapy delivered?
Proton beam therapy is given using a machine called a gantry. The gantry can rotate through 360 degrees. This means it can accurately aim the proton beam at the area requiring treatment.
Proton technology in the UK offers pencil-beam scanning on each gantry. Pencil beam scanning uses a narrow beam of protons to move back and forth across the tumour site at a range of energies to meet the required depth of the tumour.
What is the difference between proton therapy and traditional radiation therapy?
Proton therapy is an advanced type of external beam radiation therapy that destroys cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Unlike x-ray radiation therapy, proton therapy uses a high-energy proton beam delivered directly into the tumor, depositing all its energy at the target site and minimising radiation exposure to healthy tissue. Traditional radiation therapy with x-rays continuously deposits energy, potentially damaging surrounding healthy tissue and causing side effects.
How does your clinical approach differ?
I specialise in state-of-the-art cancer and lung cancer treatments that offer powerful alternatives to surgery and traditional radiotherapy. As a leading UK cancer doctor, I am now able to offer more people with cancer and lung cancer treatments the potential for a cure than ever before.
I am one of the few radiation oncology health professionals in the UK who can offer proton beam therapy, along with advanced treatment options such as clinical trials, combined drug therapy, and immunotherapy approaches.
Can proton therapy be used for small cell lung cancer?
Yes, proton therapy can be used for both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The decision depends on the stage of your cancer, the location of the tumour, and your overall treatment plan. Small cell lung cancer is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and proton therapy can be used as part of that approach.
Can I have proton therapy if I've had radiotherapy before?
Yes. In fact, proton therapy is particularly valuable for patients who need re-irradiation (radiotherapy to an area that's already been treated before). The precision of the proton beam allows us to deliver effective treatment while minimising the risk of damage to tissue that's already been exposed to radiation.
What are the side effects?
The side effects of proton therapy are generally similar to those of standard radiotherapy, but often less severe because less healthy tissue is exposed to radiation. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes in the treatment area, and some irritation to the oesophagus (which can cause difficulty swallowing). Most side effects are temporary and manageable. I'll work closely with you to monitor and manage any side effects throughout your treatment.
Do you offer consultations by video?
Yes. If you're not based in London, I offer initial video consultations so we can discuss your case and develop a personalised treatment plan before you travel. Many patients find this reassuring, as it allows them to ask questions and understand what to expect before committing to travel.
We can then discuss how we can support you in coming to London for treatment.
Our Reviews
What people are saying
“At all times, James is excellent. He is open and trustworthy and avoids speaking in jargon. He provides a very high level of care – you would never believe he had other patients to deal with. Given that interactions with him are inevitably about difficult issues and he cannot always deliver good news, he is fantastic to deal with. He is also very responsive at all times of day and really puts himself out to help his patients as best he can.”
If you're considering proton beam therapy for lung cancer, the first step is a consultation.
During your consultation, we'll review your scans, discuss your diagnosis, and talk through all your treatment options. I'll explain whether proton therapy is likely to benefit you, and I'll give you an honest assessment of what to expect.
There's no obligation. You're welcome to ask questions, get a second opinion, or simply explore your options before making any decisions.
Many patients tell me that the consultation itself is valuable, even if they decide not to proceed with proton therapy. Just having clarity, understanding their choices, and feeling heard makes a difference.
What happens
Request a consultation: Use the form below or call my practice directly.
We'll review your case: Before your appointment, my team will gather your medical records and scan images so I can review them in advance.
Consultation: We'll meet (in person or by video) to discuss your situation. I'll explain your options clearly and answer all your questions.
Treatment plan: If proton therapy is right for you, we'll create a personalised treatment plan and provide a detailed cost estimate.
Start treatment: If you decide to proceed, we can often begin treatment within two to three weeks.
You are welcome to get in touch
Whether you're ready to book a consultation or you simply have questions, I'm here to help.
