Key facts
- The NHS in England is introducing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for eligible men with early prostate cancer.
- SABR reduces treatment sessions from at least 20 to five, delivered over two weeks.
- This precision radiotherapy focuses beams directly on the cancer, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
- The treatment is expected to be available across all 48 English radiotherapy providers within three months.
- An estimated 17,500 men diagnosed annually with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer could be eligible.
The NHS in England is set to offer a new precision radiotherapy treatment, known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), to eligible men with early prostate cancer starting next week. This advanced approach significantly reduces the number of treatment sessions required, from at least 20 with traditional external beam radiotherapy to just five, typically delivered over a fortnight.
SABR utilizes high-powered, precise beams fired from multiple directions directly onto the tumor, aiming to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted delivery is expected to reduce the risk of certain side effects and lessen the physical and emotional burden on patients and their families by cutting down on hospital visits.
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, stated that this "cutting-edge approach" will transform treatment for thousands, offering more powerful and convenient care. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, highlighted the technology's ability to focus radiation precisely, aiding recovery. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 55,000 diagnoses annually.
Around 17,500 men in England are diagnosed each year with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer, and NHS England modeling suggests nearly a fifth of them, approximately 3,500, may choose SABR. The rollout is planned across all 48 radiotherapy providers in England within three months, with some centers commencing next week. This initiative is anticipated to free up around 50,000 treatment appointments annually, potentially reducing waiting lists.
Prostate Cancer UK has welcomed the news, with Amy Rylance noting that the treatment will "massively reducing the burden" on patients. The charity is also supporting trials to explore SABR's use for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Edwin Lambert, a trial participant, described the precision radiotherapy as a "godsend" compared to traditional methods, allowing him to quickly resume his planned activities.