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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.

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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.

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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 skull-based 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 skull-based cancers.

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Proton Beam Therapy Consultant for Skull Base Tumours

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.

Private proton beam therapy treatment London for skull base tumours

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. 

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.

Oncologist speaking to a skull base tumour patient

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:

  1. Meningiomas: These usually benign tumours develop from the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.
  2. 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.
  3. Craniopharyngiomas: These benign tumours arise close to the pituitary, most commonly in children and young adults.
  4. Chordomas and chondrosarcomas: These rare malignant tumours commonly occur in the bone of the skull base and spine.
  5. Schwannomas: Originating from Schwann cells in the nervous system, these benign tumours are very rare and emerge from the tissue surrounding nerves.
  6. 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.

skull base tumour treatment

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 specialist team at Proton International London

Proton International London offers PBT for the treatment of skull base tumours. Our radiation oncologists are internationally recognised for their work in the research and treatment of skull-based tumours. 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 a skull base tumour 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 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.

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 proton beam therapy journey.

Skull base tumour patient

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.

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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 skull base cancers

How can I access proton beam therapy for skull base cancer?

Not all skull base tumours can be treated with PBT. However, at Proton International London, we can provide second opinions to determine the suitability of this treatment option for your specific case.

It is crucial to consult with your local healthcare team, who will evaluate your medical history, conduct necessary diagnostic tests, and discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to proton beam therapy based on your individual circumstances.

Your case will be thoroughly reviewed at a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) comprising specialists in skull base tumour treatment, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiologists. They will consider factors such as tumour type, location, size, age, and general health.

If PBT is deemed appropriate, your consultant will present your case at a UCH at the Technical Advisory Panel, to confirm that proton beam therapy is technically feasible for treating your tumour.

If the panel agrees that PBT is a suitable treatment for you, our team will contact you to provide the necessary practical information for having treatment with us. We will coordinate with all involved in your care to promptly arrange treatment and ensure that any concerns you may have are addressed and minimised.

How can proton beam radiation therapy be used to treat skull base tumours?

Not all skull base tumours can be treated with proton beam therapy. However, at Proton International London, we can provide second opinions to determine the suitability of this treatment option for your specific case.

It is crucial to consult with your local healthcare team, who will evaluate your medical history, conduct necessary diagnostic tests, and discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to PBT based on your individual circumstances.

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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