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Private proton beam therapy treatment for brain & neurological cancers

At Proton International London we specialise in delivering private proton beam therapy treatment for brain and central nervous system cancers.

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Who we are

At Proton International London we deliver the effective and precise treatment to our brain & neurological cancers patients at our specialist proton beam therapy treatment centre at UCLH.

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About proton beam therapy

An advanced form of radiation therapy with sub-millimetre accuracy on targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

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Meet our cancer specialists

Our treatment is provided by globally recognised consultant oncologists in the treatment of brain & neurological cancers.

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Here to help you

Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have about our treatment for brain & neurological cancers.

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male patient receiving proton beam therapy in london

About Proton International London

Located at University College London Hospital (UCLH), our private proton beam therapy (PBT) service is offered by Proton International which brings extensive global experience and expertise in providing this advanced and extremely 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 primary brain cancer or brain tumours. Our oncologists have extensive experience in treating brain and other central nervous system cancers 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 cancers, whilst also minimising side effects.

Brain cancer proton centre London

The brain, spinal and skull-base cancers we treat

PBT can effectively treat certain brain tumours and central nervous system (including spine) cancers. The approach that offers the best results for each patient depends on the type, location, grade and stage of the brain tumour, spinal and skull-base cancer, and many other factors.

PBT precisely targets cancers while minimising radiation to adjacent healthy tissues and critical structures, which is especially important when a tumour is located near critical organs like the brain, optic structures, brain stem and the spinal cord. This means that PBT can reduce acute side effects during treatment, and late side effects in the months and years after treatment.

Proton beam therapy can be particularly beneficial in the following cases:

  • Brain tumours located near critical areas in the brain responsible for vision, hearing, memory and other essential brain functions.
  • Tumours situated in parts of the brain that are difficult to access surgically.
  • Patients who have undergone surgery and require post-operative radiotherapy
  • Tumours with irregular shapes that are challenging to target with other treatment methods.

PBT can also be particularly beneficial when treating children with brain and spinal tumours, to reduce the long term side effect of radiotherapy.

Powering the future of cancer care

Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy which offers added precision, and delivers better life outcomes.

Treating brain & neurological cancers with proton beam therapy

PBT targets and destroys cancer cells using high-energy protons rather than X-rays (photons) or other high-energy radiation sources. It is particularly suited to the treatment of brain, spinal and skull base cancers because of its ability to target radiation treatment precisely while reducing radiation dose to adjacent normal tissues.

Sometimes called particle therapy, it is precise and accurate in how it delivers a dose to the tumour while sparing normal tissues. It is this enhanced precision and normal tissue sparing compared with standard photon radiotherapy that provides particular benefits for patients diagnosed with brain tumours, spinal and skull-base cancers.

Brain cancer proton beam therapy treatment

What are the benefits of proton beam therapy for treating brain tumours and cancer?

PBT is considered an effective treatment option for certain types of brain, spinal and skull base cancers for several reasons:

• It can be precisely aimed and controlled to deliver radiation to a tumour while avoiding exposing surrounding healthy tissue, organs and critical structures to unnecessary radiation, particularly beyond the tumour – called the ‘exit dose’.

• By sparing healthy tissue, PBT can potentially reduce acute toxicities during treatment, and late side effects and toxicities in the months and years after treatment

• The accuracy with which PBT can be delivered and the normal tissue spared can allow a high(er) dose of radiation to the tumour, which can be particularly effective for certain types of cancers that are resistant to other cancer treatments used.

• Research studies suggest that PBT can result in improved outcomes for brain, spinal and skull base cancers in terms of potentially increasing tumour control, and reducing long term side effects of treatment

Meet the specialist team at Proton International London

Proton International London offers PBT for the treatment of brain & neurological cancers. Our radiation oncologists are internationally recognised for their work in the research and treatment of brain tumours & central nervous system cancers. We work as part of a first-class multidisciplinary team of cancer experts and clinical colleagues to provide patients with the highest quality care, from diagnosis to treatment, follow-up, and rehabilitation.

We understand that a diagnosis of brain & neurological cancers can be a daunting experience. We are committed to providing our patients with the support and information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Committed to innovation and excellence

Our cancer specialists are involved in world-class research within UCLH. Allowing us to stay at the forefront of cutting-edge cancer treatment and to deliver the latest innovations to our patients.

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Meet the consultants

Laura Geer service lead manager

Paying for your private proton beam therapy treatment

The treatment at Proton International London is available to sponsored, insured and self-pay patients, both from the UK and abroad.

We work closely with embassies and 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.

meet our consultants here at Proton International London

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 PBT journey.

Brain cancer patient

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the use of proton beam therapy to treat brain, spinal and 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.

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Make an enquiry to determine your eligibility for PBT

If you’d like to determine your suitability for proton beam therapy at Proton International London, please complete our patient information form.

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  • Although I was very happy to get to the end of my treatment, I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to the team. Testament to the relationship we developed, we still exchange occasional messages. All in all, I could not have wished for a better experience during a very difficult time.

    Jeanette Longfield

  • Throughout the entire process the care and attention to detail provided by the team was outstanding.

    Jeanette Longfield

  • Thank you for leading such an extraordinary team at Proton International London at UCLH. Your efforts have not only aided my recovery but have also greatly enhanced my treatment experience.

    Rohit Singh

  • I am writing to convey my deepest appreciation for the exceptional care I received during my recent Proton Beam Therapy at Proton International London. It was truly a remarkable experience, supervised by the brilliant Dr. Dawn Carnell. The warmth and professionalism shown by the entire PBT team have been profoundly impactful. Their competence clearly reflects your commitment to excellence in leadership, training, and patient care.

    Rohit Singh

Frequently Asked Questions about proton therapy for brain & neurological cancers

Who is at risk for brain tumours?

Brain tumour risk factors include age, with increasing risk as one gets older, and genetic factors such as a family history of genetic conditions including neurofibromatosis.

Previous exposure to radiation, particularly therapeutic radiation, also raises the risk. Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, a weakened immune system, and lifestyle factors like obesity may contribute to a higher likelihood of developing brain tumours.

Is a skull base tumour a brain tumour?

A skull base tumour is not necessarily the same as a brain tumour, though they can be related. Skull base tumours develop in the bones at the base of the skull, which are close to the brain, nerves coming out of the brain, and blood vessels.

Some skull base tumours can invade or compress brain tissue, while others might involve the nerves and structures near the brain. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While they are closely associated with the brain and its functions, not all skull base tumours originate from brain tissue itself.

If my brain tumour is inoperable, will I still be able to receive proton beam therapy?

Yes, proton beam therapy can often be an option for treating inoperable brain tumours. This type of therapy uses highly precise radiation to target tumours while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, making it particularly useful for tumours that are difficult to remove surgically or are located near critical structures.

Your healthcare team will consider factors like the tumour’s location, size, type, and your overall health to determine if proton beam therapy is suitable for you.

Will proton beam therapy shrink the size of the tumour?

Proton beam therapy can be effective in shrinking the size of certain brain tumours. It works by delivering targeted radiation that damages the DNA of tumour cells, which can slow their growth or cause them to die.

The extent to which the tumour shrinks depends on factors such as the type of tumour, its size, and its location. Proton beam therapy can be particularly beneficial for treating tumours near sensitive areas in the brain or for those with irregular shapes.

Do you have a question?

If you still have questions regarding the treatment of cancers using proton beam therapy, please do contact us – we’re here to help.

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