Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy proton beams instead of photon x-ray beams or electrons. Carefully measured doses of protons are delivered to the precise area needing treatment, using the latest IBA ProteusONE technology. This ensures that the delivery of proton beam therapy is highly accurate and prevents the risk of radiation reaching surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy is used to kill and destroy cancer cells. It utilises radiation in the form of high-energy x-rays, known as photons, to kill and damage the cancerous cells and prevent their growth and reproduction. It can be used as a non-surgical option to treat cancer, and it can also be used to shrink a tumour or in combination with other treatments.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres and Elekta are bringing the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology centres across the UK, with the new MR-linac Elekta Unity now available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
We support you at every step of your cancer journey, with personalised treatments including proton therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and supportive care services. We’re here for self-paying and privately insured patients, and patients from the NHS (where agreements apply).
Proton therapy is available to you across our Rutherford Cancer Centres network. This advanced form of cancer treatment is highly targeted and accurate, it benefits patients with tumours in hard-to-reach areas of the body while reducing side effects.
Our clinical teams work alongside leading consultant oncologists across the Rutherford Cancer Centres network, with many trained in the specialised delivery of proton beam therapy. Our experts focus on providing you with high-quality cancer care and are always on hand to support you from diagnosis and consultation through to recovery.
Everyone is different, which is why we deliver personalised cancer care and support. Our innovative cancer treatments include proton therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a range of supportive care services, all carefully designed around your individual needs.
International cancer patients can expect five-star service, with state-of-the-art treatments and a patient pathway that goes beyond best practice. Your journey with us will be straightforward and without delay. Our concierge service will support you throughout your travel, treatment and care.
The first and only UK network of proton beam therapy centres
At the Rutherford Cancer Centres, we provide personalised cancer treatment with an exceptional level of patient care. We are the only UK network of centres to offer proton beam therapy, in addition to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, alongside our supportive care services.
Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy protons instead of photon x-rays or electrons. This treatment can better target harder to reach tumours in sensitive locations or near vital organs in the body. Proton beam therapy ensures the best possible outcomes, with minimal side effects and is beneficial for cancers such as those diagnosed in the prostate, spine, liver and breast. You can find out more about the cancers we treat with proton beam therapy by using our treatment finder below.
Proton beam therapy is highly accurate in targeting a treatment area. It can be used to treat hard-to-reach tumours, while lowering radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs.
Simon made history in 2018 when he became the first adult patient to have proton beam therapy here in the UK, leading the way for various others who have since embarked on this treatment option in their own fight against cancer.
Proton beam therapy at the Rutherford Cancer Centres
The Rutherford Cancer Centres give you access to the latest cancer treatment options, including proton beam therapy. Our team is here to support you on your cancer journey, with treatments and wellbeing services available across the UK at our state-of-the-art oncology centres.
Get started with our treatment finder
Our team is here to support you on your cancer journey, with treatments and wellbeing services.
Everyone is different, so treatment options for certain cancers will vary from person to person. An oncologist will discuss which treatment options will be best for you.
This treatment finder is designed to help you find out more about certain types of cancers and how they might be treated at the Rutherford. To get started, simply click a gender option below, and an area of the body for more information.
Proton beam therapy can be used as a sole method for treating certain cancers or used in combination with other cancer services, such as chemotherapy, or to ensure that any remaining cancerous cells are destroyed following tumour removal surgery.
This type of treatment can be beneficial for cancers in certain areas of the body. You can find out more about the cancers we treat with proton beam therapy by using our treatment finder.
These are some of the body areas we can treat with proton beam therapy:
Bowel
Brain
Breast
Head & Neck
Lung
Lymphoma
Oesophagus
Prostate
Sarcoma
Skull base
Spine
Vaginal
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Return to region selection
Cancer care and support with a difference
We understand that cancer affects so much more than your physical health. We are here to support you at every step of your cancer journey, with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, delivered in a supportive environment. Our clinical teams work alongside leading consultant oncologists across the Rutherford Cancer Centres network, with many trained in the delivery of proton beam therapy. No matter where you are in your treatment plan, you will have access to innovative treatments and our dedicated treatment and support team, that will ensure you always receive high-quality care.
All the staff were fabulous. First class treatment and care was given on each visit.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre North East
October 15, 2020
One of the best facilities I’ve ever seen. Staff are lovely and really helpful.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre North East
June 1, 2019
Thank you for looking after me so well. You are all brilliant.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
February 1, 2019
Staff were very approachable, nothing was to much trouble.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
June 2, 2020
All the staff took great care of me, made me feel welcome and all were friendly and polite. I will never have any doubts that I made the right choice coming here for treatment.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
May 1, 2020
A clean, quiet, peaceful environment with individual rooms for privacy (and security during the pandemic). Welcoming, friendly, professional nurses. Flexible timings of appointments.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre North East
July 1, 2020
The pleasant welcome and attitude of all the staff made the treatment sessions more relaxed and less stressful. All staff were prepared to give you time, answer questions, give help and never gave the impression of get in and get out.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 1, 2020
The whole treatment was completed by very caring and polite and caring staff who did everything to ensure my comfort and care. The premises were immaculate in cleanliness.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
August 2, 2020
Why go private at the Rutherford Cancer Centres?
We offer rapid consultations and deliver personalised cancer treatment in our state-of-the-art cancer centres, to enable you to get back to your daily life as soon as possible. We are the only private healthcare provider to offer proton beam therapy here in the UK and are registered with many of the leading healthcare insurance providers including Bupa, Aviva, Axa, and Vitality. Please contact us to find out more about the insurers we work with.
State-of-the-art facilities
We provide access to state-of-the-art cancer treatments, we are the only private healthcare provider to offer proton beam therapy here in the UK.
Rapid patient response
We offer rapid consultations and the latest cancer treatment options, to enable our patients to get back to their daily life as soon as possible.
Highest standards of care
We deliver personalised support from the point of diagnosis and referral through to post-treatment and recovery, tailored to meet our patient's needs.