Radiotherapy for cancer
Radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment option for cancer, with a variety of techniques and treatment plans.
Quick glance:
- Helps treat and control cancer, with the latest technology helping to minimise side effects
- Advanced radiotherapy techniques available, including intensity modulated and imaged guided radiotherapy (IMRT and IGRT) and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR)
- State of the art delivery systems including MR
- Linac and Cyberknife treatment devices
- Private treatment at GenesisCare cancer centres and private hospitals in the West Midlands, Oxford and across the UK
Birmingham Prostate Clinic are a team of leading urologists and oncologists, who specialise in diagnosing and treating prostate, bladder and kidney conditions
Our expert oncologists are experienced in a range of the latest radiotherapy techniques, aiming for the best possible outcomes and minimising side effects.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a treatment for cancer. It kills cancer cells using high energy radiation, which is targeted at tumours. Radiotherapy can aim to cure cancer or to manage the condition and reduce its symptoms.
Radiotherapy continues to evolve, changing how people experience treatment. The latest techniques target cancer more precisely than before, in fewer treatment sessions, and aim to minimise side effects.
These are key to living well during cancer treatment and beyond, which is our goal for every patient we care for.
Our consultants are highly trained in advanced radiotherapy techniques, and our partnership with GenesisCare means our patients can access world-class cancer treatment with radiotherapy.
“The recent advances in radiotherapy have been impressive. We’re incredibly excited about the potential for these new treatments to offer better outcomes to patients.”
– Mr Alan Doherty, Clinical Director, Birmingham Prostate Clinic
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Advanced radiotherapy may be suitable for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread to other parts of the body (localised or locally advanced).
Radiotherapy can control prostate cancer progression, and may have less impact on your sexual and urinary health compared to surgery1.
Our oncologists are dedicated to finding the right treatment for you, and we work with you closely from the start to make this choice together.
Advanced radiotherapy treatments for prostate cancer include:
- SABR – Delivers high doses of focused radiotherapy to the prostate and surrounding areas in as little as 5 sessions, with the aim of curing cancer.
- SABR can be delivered by cutting-edge radiotherapy technologies including the MRIdian MR Linac and Cyberknife. Both techniques allow high accuracy treatments to minimise potential side effects.
Routine IMRT and IGRT radiotherapy are delivered using TomoTherapy.
Our consultants also use palliative radiotherapy. Rather than aiming for a cure, this treats painful symptoms of prostate cancer, like bone pain and spinal pressure.
Radiotherapy for kidney cancer
GenesisCare offer SABR treatment for localised kidney tumours, including treatment on the MRIdian for kidney cancer. Combined radiotherapy and immunotherapy are used for advanced kidney cancer, which is when it has spread beyond the kidneys. The latest treatments can control advanced kidney cancer for some time2.
Radiotherapy for bladder cancer
Advanced radiotherapy techniques can be used to treat muscle-invasive or locally advanced bladder cancer. It’s combined with chemotherapy and can be an alternative to surgery.
Additionally, GenesisCare offer VMAT radiotherapy for bladder cancer.
What to expect during radiotherapy for cancer care
Our expert consultants care for patients at modern and fully-equipped private clinics and hospitals, supporting outstanding patient experiences.
Being dedicated to excellent cancer care means meeting your every need, helping you to feel comfortable, informed and confident during treatment.
Your team of urology cancer specialists include highly experienced urologists, oncologists, radiographers, and advanced nurse practitioners.
“To us, excellence means an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care, making sure every person’s cancer care is as effective as it is caring.”
– Dr Dan Ford, Clinical Oncologist, Birmingham Prostate Clinic
Recovery and side effects
With the help of advanced techniques and expert care, treatment can be designed to help you recover as quickly as possible, and get back to doing the things that matter to you.
Just like all cancer treatments, radiotherapy often has side effects. There are ways to help manage these during your treatment and beyond. The latest advancements in radiotherapy techniques are also helping to minimise these risks.
Depending on where in the body you’re being treated (kidney, prostate or bladder), immediate side effects can include:
- sore skin
- tiredness
- feeling sick
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- sexual side effects
For some people, radiotherapy has long-term effects, including on your bowel habits, urinary symptoms and sexual function.
For every patient, our consultants make sure the potential benefits outweigh the risks of treatment, and will help you understand how treatment could impact you.
Why choose Birmingham Prostate Clinic
We are a leading group of urological cancer experts with a seamless pathway for personalised treatment.
Our team includes specialists experienced in a range of the latest radiotherapy techniques, who work with you to find the best possible plan for your cancer.
Birmingham Prostate Clinic is part of GenesisCare, the UK’s leading independent provider of cancer care. Together, our consultants provide a complete pathway to expert care for cancer and benign conditions at a range of private hospitals in the West Midlands and the wider UK.
