Almost 8,000 more cancer patients a year could benefit from the rollout of an advanced radiotherapy technique with fewer side effects, following the announcement of a £15 million investment by the Government.
The Cancer Radiotherapy Innovation Fund will expand the NHS’ capacity to deliver advanced radiotherapy techniques by April 2013. The money will be used to speed up the use of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) across the NHS. The technique targets more precise doses of radiation at a tumour, while minimising the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. It is particularly beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers, reducing the likelihood of side effects like damage to salivary glands, which make it difficult to enjoy and digest food.
