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What is proton beam therapy?

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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 opened at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2021.

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

Clinical benefits of proton beam therapy

Proton beam therapy works a little differently from standard radiotherapy

Read Clinical benefits of proton beam therapy Article

Development of proton beam therapy

Over 115,000 patients have been treated in 50 proton centres

Read Development of proton beam therapy Article

How proton beam therapy is delivered

Find out about the inner workings of proton beam therapy

Read How proton beam therapy is delivered Article

Information for patients eligible for treatment overseas

Information for patients eligible for treatment overseas

Read Information for patients eligible for treatment overseas Article
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