Private proton beam therapy for skull base tumours
At Proton International London we specialise in delivering private proton beam therapy (PBT) treatment for skull-base tumours.
Latest
Who we are
At Proton International London we deliver the effective and precise treatment to our skull based cancer patients at our specialist proton beam therapy treatment centre at UCLH.
Learn moreAbout proton beam therapy
An advanced form of radiation therapy with sub-millimetre accuracy on targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Learn moreMeet our cancer specialists
Our treatment is provided by globally recognised consultant oncologists in the treatment of skull-based cancers.
Learn moreHere to help you
Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have about our treatment for skull-based cancers.
Learn more
Located at University College London Hospital (UCLH), our private proton beam therapy service is offered by Proton International which brings extensive global experience and expertise in providing this advanced and precise form of radiotherapy, to communities across the world.
Our highly respected oncologists work in conjunction with the first-class team at UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. They have a strong interest in clinical research and provide a comprehensive and high-quality service to patients diagnosed with skull base tumours. Our oncologists have extensive experience in treating skull base tumours and offer PBT as a unique treatment option in the UK.
The availability of PBT as a treatment is very limited around the world. In spite of its scarce availability, however, it has been shown to be effective in treating certain skull-base tumours, while minimising side effects.
About The Proton International London Centre for skull base tumours
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a cutting-edge radiation therapy offered at Proton International London, located at University College Hospital (UCH). Proton International is a global leader in PBT, with over 30 years of experience treating cancer patients.
Our experienced radiation oncologists work closely with the first-class clinical team of radiographers and physicists from University College Hospital (part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) to provide private patients with the highest quality proton beam therapy treatment and care. Our doctors have a strong interest in clinical research, and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the effectiveness and safety of PBT.
Skull base tumours we treat
Skull base tumours can be classified based on their location and the tissues they affect.
Common types we treat with proton beam therapy include:
- Meningiomas: These usually benign tumours develop from the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.
- Pituitary adenomas: These benign tumours arise in the pituitary gland, a small gland situated at the base of the skull, behind the eyes, which produces various hormones.
- Craniopharyngiomas: These benign tumours arise close to the pituitary, most commonly in children and young adults.
- Chordomas and chondrosarcomas: These rare malignant tumours commonly occur in the bone of the skull base and spine.
- Schwannomas: Originating from Schwann cells in the nervous system, these benign tumours are very rare and emerge from the tissue surrounding nerves.
- Glomus tumours: Also referred to as paragangliomas, these benign locally aggressive tumours frequently occur in the middle ear or along the carotid artery.
The treatment approach for skull base tumours depends on various factors, such as the tumour type, location, size, aggressiveness, and the patient’s overall health.
Your proton beam therapy treatment with Proton International London
Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy that uses high-energy protons to target and eliminate cancer cells. Unlike x-rays or other radiation sources, PBT offers several advantages when treating certain types of skull base tumours:
– Precise targeting: Proton beams can be precisely directed and controlled to deliver radiation specifically to tumour cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is crucial when skull base tumours are located near critical structures. This is especially important for benign tumours, for which minimising side effects is a key aim of treatment.
– Reduced side effects: By minimising radiation exposure to healthy tissue, PBT has the potential to reduce the risk of side effects and improve patient outcomes.
– High dose delivery: Proton beams can deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumour while sparing the dose to surrounding healthy tissues, increasing the chances of controlling the tumour in the long term.
– Favourable outcomes: Clinical studies suggest that PBT can achieve high rates of tumour control while minimising side effects for specific types of skull base tumours.
Proton beam therapy, also known as particle therapy, offers high precision in delivering radiation doses to tumours, which reducing dose to normal tissues. This enhanced normal tissue sparing compared to photon therapy provides specific benefits for the treatment of certain skull base tumours.
Meet the consultants
Paying for your private proton beam therapy treatment
The treatment at Proton International London is available to insured and self-pay patients, both from the UK and abroad.
We have agreements with key medical insurance providers and can provide a range of payment options for patients who wish to self-pay. The cost of PBT will vary depending on the cancer site and the complexity of the treatment required.
Our team is available to discuss costs with you and to advise on payment options.
Helping cancer patients from overseas
At Proton International London, we warmly welcome patients from around the world.
Our friendly and experienced team are here to support our international patients through every step of their PBT journey.
We have a dedicated concierge team who can assist with all aspects of your care, including arranging:
- Travel to Proton International London, including organising flights and visas
- Interpreters for all languages
- Accommodation for the duration of your stay
- Clinical/medical support
- Payment of treatment through insurance or sponsorship
We guide and support international patients through every stage of their proton beam therapy journey.
Get in touch with us today
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the use of proton beam therapy to treat skull base cancers, please contact our team using the form below. We will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
If you’d like to determine your suitability for proton beam therapy at Proton International London, please complete our patient information form.