What is proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is an advanced form of radiotherapy that uses a high energy beam of protons rather than high energy X-rays to deliver radiotherapy. The Christie is the first NHS high-energy PBT centre in the UK as part of a £250m programme for a national PBT service.

PBT directs the radiation treatment to precisely where it is needed with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. A second PBT centre is also currently being built at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The new facility is due to open in 2020 with the PBT service ramping up in 2021.

The national PBT service is a key component of the Government's Cancer Strategy Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer (2011).