UK's first high energy proton beam therapy machine begins installation in Wales

The Rutherford Cancer Centre, South Wales, has received the first high energy proton beam therapy system to be installed in the UK.

The 55-ton cyclotron Proteus One machine will take a year to install and marks the final phase of the cancer unit being built in Newport, Gwent by Proton Partners International (PPI).

PPI is building a number of other oncology centres in the UK names Rutherford Cancer Centres. The centres under development are located in Northumberland, Reading and Liverpool with London also being considered.

The machine generates protons used in proton beam therapy treatment. Proton beam therapy treatment uses high-energy protons rather than X-rays to deliver radiotherapy, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Professor Gordon McVie, chairman of Proton Partners International, said: “This is a milestone for cancer treatment in the UK. We are committed to transforming cancer care and that is why we are installing the most advanced proton therapy technology available.

“Around 10% of cancer patients will benefit from proton beam therapy by having significantly less long-term side effects. The availability of this treatment in the UK will mean over time that patients will no longer have to endure travelling abroad for treatment, which is the case at present.”

Mike Moran, chief executive officer of Proton Partners International, said that the centre has “recently opened to receive referrals for conventional treatments”.

Olivier Legrain, chief executive officer of IBA said the machine “consumes less energy” which “minimises the impact on the environment and reduces treatment cost”.