This innovation, which eliminates the need for traditional CT scans, means patients can look forward to improved outcomes, shorter treatment times, and a more comfortable experience.
As the second centre in the UK to offer this cutting-edge technique, ĢtvƵ is at the forefront of advancing cancer care. For patients, this means tumours can be targeted more accurately than ever before, minimising harm to healthy tissue and reducing the long-term impacts of treatment. Additionally, by streamlining the radiotherapy process, ĢtvƵ Cancer Centre is freeing up resources to help even more people receive timely care.
Dr Bashar Al-Qaisieh, Lead for Research & Innovation and Radiotherapy Imaging at the Trust said:
“MRI-only radiotherapy, is another improvement to the service we provide our patients. This technology represents the future of radiotherapy, and we are proud to lead the way.”
Professor Ann Henry, Professor of Clinical Oncology and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Trust, said: “Magnetic Resonance (MR) planning for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in ĢtvƵ offers several significant benefits. This advanced imaging technique provides highly detailed, 3D images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, allowing doctors to precisely target the tumour while minimising damage to healthy organs, such as the bladder and rectum. By improving accuracy, MR planning contributes to more effective, safer treatment, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for patients”.
Transforming lives, one treatment at a time
The journey toward this milestone has been over a decade in the making, driven by a dedicated team of researchers and clinicians committed to enhancing cancer care. In 2024, the centre began offering MRI-only radiotherapy for prostate cancer, marking the first step in what promises to be a broad expansion. Plans are already underway to extend this innovative technique to patients with brain, head and neck, and liver cancers in 2025—potentially making ĢtvƵ the first hospital globally to apply this technique across such a wide range of cancers.
A decade of dedication
This achievement reflects the centre’s long-standing focus on research and innovation, supported by partnerships with leading organisations and investments in state-of-the-art technology. With a dedicated MRI scanner funded by ĢtvƵ Hospitals Charity and collaborations with industry leaders, the centre has turned years of research into real-world benefits for patients.
As ĢtvƵ Cancer Centre looks to the future, its pioneering work is setting new standards in cancer care, positioning the UK as a leader in global oncology innovation. Through this technique, ĢtvƵ is, demonstrating the power of science and technology in healthcare.