Private second opinions for cancer treatment

What is a cancer treatment second opinion?

A cancer treatment second opinion is when you seek the expertise of another cancer specialist or team of doctors to review your diagnosis and treatment plan.

A second opinion can:

• Help confirm diagnosis – You may want confirmation that your diagnosis is accurate. This is especially important for rare or complex cancers where the initial diagnosis might be uncertain.
• Explore treatment options – You may want to explore different treatment options. Different doctors may have varying experiences and approaches to treatment, and a second opinion can provide insights into alternative therapies, clinical trials, or newer treatments including proton beam therapy.
• Clarify information – You may want help in clarifying any doubts or confusion you may have about your diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment side effects.
• Offer peace of mind – You may want further reassurance that you are on the right path and receiving the best care possible.
• Verify a treatment plan – You might seek a second opinion to confirm that the recommended treatment plan is the most appropriate and up-to-date option for your specific type and stage of cancer.

It’s important to note that seeking a second opinion does not necessarily mean that your initial doctor was wrong. Cancer treatment can vary based on many factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences.

Will a second opinion tell you if you are eligible for proton beam therapy?

The consultant radiation oncologists who work with Proton International London are experts in the treatment of cancers using proton beam therapy.

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is an exact form of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimising the radiation dose to surrounding normal tissues. This makes it an excellent option to treat patients, as it can deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumour while reducing the risk of side effects to normal tissues.

PBT is more expensive than traditional radiation therapy, but the reduced risk of side effects may offset the cost.

Proton beam therapy isn’t suitable for everyone and isn’t widely available. At Proton International London we are trying to change that and hope to improve access for those seeking a safe and effective treatment with potentially reduced side effects.

What to expect during your second opinion consultation

Before your appointment with our consultant radiation oncologists, you will be asked to share your medical notes and history, including scan reports and biopsy/surgical pathology reports. Our helpful and friendly team can work with your Hospital Trust to ensure we have all the relevant information we need, and will transfer your scans for our doctors to review.

A consultant oncologist who specialises in your field of cancer will review your medical information and scans. We will invite you for a consultation with the oncologist which can either be online, over the phone or in person in clinic in Central London.

During this appointment, the oncologist will go through your medical histology and answer any queries you may have and will discuss your eligibility for proton beam therapy or other treatments. A report will be prepared after the appointment to summarise the discussion, which you will be able to take to your original doctor.  You can also request that the oncologist you meet liaises directly with your doctor on the opportunities discussed.