The first person to be given new high-precision radiography treatment for prostate cancer at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) has said it was “the NHS at its best”.<\/p>\n
Derek Chase, 73, a retired GP from Calne, Wiltshire, is the first patient to receive Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) at the Bath hospital – a treatment that cuts the number of sessions from 20 to five.<\/p>\n
The treatment, which is already offered to some lung and brain cancer patients, will now be available to thousands of men across the country with low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer.<\/p>\n
Chase said the five doses over two weeks were “so much more convenient, not just for patients but their loved ones too”.<\/p>\n
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The NHS estimates that around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer in England every year and could be offered SABR radiotherapy.<\/p>\n
This makes up nearly a third of the 55,000 diagnosed annually with the most common form of cancer among men.<\/p>\n
The treatment uses advanced imaging to deliver radiation to the prostate with pinpoint accuracy, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue – and therefore reducing side effects.<\/p>\n
NHS England said in June it expected all 48 radiotherapy centres around the country to start offering the treatment “within weeks”.<\/p>\n
Chase, who finished his treatment in June, said it was more convenient and “wrapped up in a personal care approach”.<\/p>\n
“I did get some side effects, including profound fatigue, but I’m feeling good now and looking forward to the future,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve got follow-up appointments to come at the RUH, where they’ll keep an eye on me, and I’m feeling positive.”<\/p>\n
Sian Smith, consultant radiographer at the RUH, said: “This approach allows us to provide the same high standard of clinical care over a much shorter course, thereby reducing the number of hospital visits for our patients and their loved ones.”<\/p>\n
She said it could also free up more appointment slots and reduce waiting times for other patients.<\/p>\n
“Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but if you think you may be, just contact your treatment team,” Smith said.<\/p>\n
Trials are already under way to see if the treatment can be used on high-risk prostate cancer patients.<\/p>\n
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