Varian Medical Systems UK has signed contracts to equip and service two new national NHS proton therapy centres in England with the Varian ProBeam proton therapy system.
Earlier this year, Varian announced that it was selected as the preferred supplier for two three
room NHS centres to be constructed in London and Manchester.
The UK Government is investing £250m in building and equipping the two NHS centres at UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) in London and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Varian is contracted for up to £80 million for equipment supply and service. Equipment installation is expected to take place from August 2017, with patient treatments expected to begin from 2018.
Proton therapy makes it possible to treat certain types of cancer more precisely and with potentially fewer side effects than is possible with conventional radiation therapy. With proton therapy, the risk of damage to healthy tissues and potential side effects are reduced because proton beams can be controlled so that they deposit their energy within the tumour site rather than passing all the way through the patient.
