Cornwall patients play key role in new NHS prostate cancer treatment
Trials were run at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
Patients in Cornwall have played a crucial role in pioneering a new, faster form of prostate cancer treatment now being implemented across the NHS.
NHS England has announced that thousands of men with prostate cancer will benefit from high-powered precision radiotherapy, known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), helping reduce side effects and the number of courses of treatment required.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) supported patients to take part in the clinical trials that helped demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Dr John McGrane, Consultant Oncologist, said: “We’re proud that patients from Cornwall contributed to the research behind this national rollout. We are delighted to have taken part in the PACE trials that have transformed radiotherapy delivery for prostate cancer patients."
SABR operates by delivering radiotherapy to the tumour from multiple directions, aiming to lower the risk of cancer spreading or recurrence.
Treatment can be delivered in just five sessions over two weeks, compared to the traditional method of around 20 sessions throughout a month.
John added: “For our patients, and especially those who live in rural areas, this means fewer hospital visits and less disruption to their daily lives, which can make a significant difference to both their wellbeing and their families. This is a significant step forward in prostate cancer care, offering treatment that is not only highly effective but also far more convenient for patients.”