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DID YOU KNOW THAT WIRRAL IS HOME TO
A PIONEERING EYE CANCER TREATMENT?
Proton Beam Therapy is a pioneering treatment which is used to
treat eye cancer. It is only available in the UK at The National Centre
for Eye Proton Therapy based at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre,
Wirral. The treatment is available to private patients from across the
UK and Europe at Clatterbridge Private Clinic.
Wirral Life spoke to Dr Andrzej Kacperek, Head of The National
Centre for Eye Proton Therapy at Clatterbridge to find out more.
Proton Beam Therapy is a unique treatment for certain types of eye
cancer. It was first introduced into the UK in 1989 and is now delivered
by The National Eye Proton Therapy Centre, a dedicated and modern
facility on the Clatterbridge site in Wirral, which remains the only place
in the UK to offer this type of treatment.
Proton Beam Therapy has been available to private patients via
Clatterbridge Private Clinic, since the purpose-built, private cancer care
centre opened its doors in 2013, and patients come from all over the
world to access the expertise we have here.
The most prevalent type of eye cancer in the UK, and one which we
treat here at Clatterbridge, is melanoma. We also treat tumours of the
iris and conjunctiva, and benign lesions such as types of choroidal
haemangioma.
Cases of eye cancer are much rarer, and less well-publicised than other
types of cancer, with around 750 diagnoses per year. Many people
actually find it surprising that cancer can occur in the eye. It is, therefore,
a good idea to have an understanding of the signs and symptoms, and
to seek medical advice if you experience any of them. The average age
of patients is 65, however we have treated patients from as young as
nine, so regular eye check-ups whatever your age are also important in
monitoring for changes in eye health.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SYMPTOMS OF EYE CANCER?
In regard to the types of eye cancers we treat via Proton Beam Therapy,
signs to look out for include:
• Blurry, or loss of, vision
• A dark spot on the iris (coloured part of the eye), especially if it is
growing
• Seeing spots, lines or floaters in your field of vision, or sudden
flashes of light
• Loss of some of your field of sight
WHAT IS PROTON BEAM THERAPY?
Proton beam therapy is used to treat those with conditions that are
difficult to treat by alternative means, because it would mean removing
the entire eye. They include melanoma of the iris, tumours near the
optic nerve and very large tumours at the front of the eye. The treatment
66 wirrallife.com
uses low energy protons which are particularly suited for treating these
types of tumours.
Unlike other types of radiotherapy, the low-energy of the beam stops at
a specified depth within the body, so healthy tissue beyond the beam is
spared unnecessary radiation and possible side effects. The results vary
depending on the size and position of the lesion, but for small lesions
the success rate is extremely high.”
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHOOSE TO HAVE TREATMENT AT
CLATTERBRIDGE PRIVATE CLINIC?
Choice is a fundamental part of any cancer treatment. If you’ve recently
been diagnosed, deciding how you want to receive your care can be a
complex process. Your consultant will help you to explain some of the
benefits private cancer care can offer.
At Clatterbridge Private Clinic, we provide private patients with rapid
access to the latest treatments and technologies – all delivered in
surroundings, which have been purposely designed to ensure patients
are as comfortable and relaxed as possible the minute they walk through
the door.
Proton Beam Therapy at Clatterbridge Private Clinic takes place in five
sessions, from Monday to Friday, during the same week.
The first stage of the treatment is a ’simulation’, where our friendly
and knowledgeable team of Proton experts will run through how the
treatment will work, what to expect and be there to answer any questions
you have.
Th is is followed by four identical daily treatment sessions from Tuesday
to Friday. The whole procedure, from start to finish, takes about 20
minutes each day, with the actual treatment taking just 30 seconds.
While the local anaesthetic wears off you will be given an eye pad to
wear, which can be removed after about one hour and you are free to go
about your day.
If you choose to move forward with your treatment privately, or are
an international patient coming from overseas, we can support you
throughout your treatment. Patients who do not live in close proximity
to the local area will be able to stay in Liverpool for the week. During
your treatment period, we will find you a hotel, arrange travel for
appointments, recommend activities and help you to get the most out
of your stay.
For more information about Proton Beam Therapy, or other cancer
treatments at Clatterbridge Private Clinic, please contact 0151 556 5391
or visit www.clatterbridgeprivate.co.uk.