Radiographers at the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre are celebrating a significant milestone in cancer treatment, as their 500th rectal cancer patient receives radiotherapy.
The trust is one of only four centres in the UK which offer “cutting edge” contact brachytherapy treatment, using a Papillon machine. The Royal Surrey serves not only the south of England and Wales, but also patients from overseas.
Earlier this month, the 500th rectal cancer patient passed through the trust’s doors to receive treatment using the machine.
'A testament to dedication'
Gemma Vose, team lead radiographer, said: “The achievement of 500 treated patients marks an important moment in Royal Surrey’s journey, reflecting the impact of Papillon-contact brachytherapy therapy on the lives of countless individuals.
“The hospital’s commitment to offering alternatives to traditional surgery has helped patients preserve organ function and quality of life while effectively managing their cancer. This milestone is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the clinical team, whose tireless work ensures that patients receive access to this innovative treatment.”
Named after a French professor of medicine who first used the treatment in the 1940s, the Papillon machine delivers targeted internal radiotherapy using low-energy X-rays close to the tumour.
This enables it to pinpoint the treatment area very precisely, limiting potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
'The team was unbelievably good'
Contact brachytherapy has been proven especially effective for patients with early stage rectal cancer who seek organ preservation and wish to avoid surgery whenever possible. It is also very suitable for older and less fit patients in whom surgery could carry health risks.
Barry Groves, 78, was the 500th patient to have received treatment using the Papillon machine. He said: "I was amazed. The team were unbelievably good. It gives you the opportunity to get treatment without having surgery, which is a good thing.”
Dr Alex Stewart, clinical lead for brachytherapy, said: "The Papillon machine allows patients to make choices in their treatment based around what they want their future quality of life to be. It’s not only important to live after cancer treatment but to live well, with the best quality of life possible.
“This is why Royal Surrey led the CITRuS trial, which continues in 26 centres around the country, and is assessing quality of life in colorectal cancer patients, including our Papillon patients. The more we know what symptoms that treatment may cause, the better placed we are to resolve them quickly."
'Unwavering dedication'
The introduction of Papillon to the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre was made possible thanks to a £200,000 donation from local charities BRIGHT and GUTS (funding cancer care and digestive disease care respectively).
Their “unwavering dedication” to advancing cancer care research has played a critical role in the hospital's progress, a spokesperson for the Cancer Centre added.
The trial runs with the continuing support of the BRIGHT and GUTS charities.
(Image: 500th rectal cancer patient with treatment team, via the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust)