A new high-powered precision radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer is now being offered to patients at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is available to eligible men with low and intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer.
The treatment uses advanced imaging and treatment planning techniques to deliver radiation to the prostate with pinpoint accuracy, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
It delivers five high doses of radiation to patients over one to two weeks, compared to standard radiotherapy, which delivers more moderate doses over a longer period of time – usually around 20 sessions for patients in the UK, which can take up to one month.
Derek Chase, 73, a retired GP from Calne, is the first person to receive SABR at the RUH. He said: “The new treatment is more convenient, uses state of the art technology and is wrapped up in a personal care approach – the NHS at its best.
“To be able to receive the treatment in five doses within a two-week window is so much more convenient, not just for patients but their loved ones too, who often need to transport them to and from the RUH.”
Derek, who finished his treatment in June, added: “I did get some side effects, including profound fatigue, but I’m feeling good now and looking forward to the future.
“I’ve got follow-up appointments to come at the RUH where they’ll keep an eye on me and I’m feeling positive.”
Sian Smith, Consultant Radiographer at the RUH, said: “’I am delighted we are now able to offer SABR treatment to some of our prostate cancer patients at the RUH.
“This approach allows us to provide the same high standard of clinical care and treatment over a much shorter course, thereby reducing the number of hospital visits for our patients and their loved ones.
“Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but if you think you may be, just contact your treatment team.”
Once SABR is fully embedded at the RUH, it is hoped the shorter course of treatment will free up more appointment slots, reducing waiting times for patients.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 55,000 men being diagnosed every year and around 12,300 still losing their lives.
Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in England each year and could be offered the option of SABR radiotherapy.
You can find more information about SABR on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
There’s more information about prostate cancer, including its symptoms and causes on the NHS website.
