NEWS & EVENTS

Pioneering proton beam cancer treatment

IN BRIEF - 10TH OCTOBER 2016

Advanced Oncotherapy is set to open the first proton-beam therapy unit of its kind in the Harley Street Medical Area

A pioneering cancer treatment that causes minimal damage to surrounding cells will soon be available for Middle East cancer patients to use.

Advanced Oncotherapy, a global leader in proton therapy, is set to open the first proton-beam therapy unit of its kind in the heart of the world renowned, Harley Street Medical Area, London.

Proton beam therapy is a form of radiotherapy that uses an accelerated beam of protons to kill cancerous cells.

The unique way in which the proton beam travels through tissue results in only a small amount of energy being delivered along the path to the tumour. This means that most of the dose is delivered precisely to the cancerous tissue being targeted.

As a result, proton therapy overcomes one of the major limitations associated with conventional radiotherapy, irradiating healthy tissue leading to unwanted side effects, such as secondary tumours.

The therapy causes less damage to surrounding tissues and can target cancers that are difficult to reach or closely associated with sensitive structures such as the brain and spinal cord.

More accessible
Historically, the use of protons to treat cancer has been limited by two factors - the immense size of the machines required and the cost to house the equipment. These limitations have led to the treatment becoming extremely exclusive and only available to a minority around the globe.

The new clinic, which is set to open in Harley Street, aims to overcome this by making the treatment more accessible and ultimately save more lives.

It will feature innovative and more clinically effective technology with the aim of making proton beam therapy significantly less expensive and more accessible for people living in the Middle East.

Dr. Sinclair, Chairman and CEO of Advanced Oncotherapy, said: “We understand the current cost limitations of proton beam therapy and we are committed to radically changing this trend.”

“Our aim is to make the treatment significantly less expensive so that Middle Eastern patients can come to Harley Street for treatment. Harley Street is the most prestigious medical address in the UK and recognised globally as a centre for medical excellence.”

The Harley Street Medical Area has been famed for its medical excellence in treating complex and life threatening conditions for over 200 years and continues to attract best-in-class clinics.

Behind its Georgian facades lies the latest in cutting edge medical technology and naturally it embraces the introduction of a proton beam therapy unit into the area.

The proton therapy centre in Harley Street will be just one of the world-leading clinics from the Harley Street Medical Area. The system manufacturer Advanced Oncotherapy will be attending Arab Health 2017 to showcase London’s medical excellence.

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East. It is taking place from 30th January to 2nd February at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.