FRIDAY, 6 MAY, 2022

Immediate release. Photo attached – l-r Sarah Butt, Clinical Scientist, Fiona Robertson, Team Leader Therapeutic Radiographer and Ashley Lambert, Radiotherapy Treatment Advanced Practitioner

Tayside cancer service receives funding for specialised radiotherapy services

A Tayside cancer service has received £213,753 of funding from the Scottish Government to increase the availability of a specialist radiotherapy service for the treatment of Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) cancer patients.

SABR is a precise form of high dose radiotherapy generally used on small, well-defined tumours. The treatment requires fewer sessions and limits the impact on surrounding organs to minimise adverse side effects.

SABR will treat Oligometastatic Disease, which is when the cancer has only a few, usually small growths that have spread beyond its origin point. It provides patients with cutting-edge treatment options that were not technically feasible just a few years ago.

Dr Hannah Lord, Co-Clinical ​Lead at the Tayside Cancer Centre said, “The funding will allow the expansion of the SABR service in Dundee, allowing us to meet the challenges of more complex treatments and of increasing patient numbers in the years ahead. 

“NHS Tayside is committed to providing world class cancer services and this award supports the Tayside Cancer Centre to deliver outstanding patient-centred care.”

Damian Parr, Head of Therapeutic Radiography Services said, “This funding provides the opportunity for staff in radiotherapy to develop techniques and processes that will enable access to the latest advances in radiotherapy for patients.”

Radiotherapy plays a key role in treating and curing cancer, with approximately half of all cancer patients expected to receive radiotherapy treatment. After surgery, radiotherapy is the next most effective form of cancer treatment and is given to 40% of all patients who are cured.

The funding was announced by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf along with the publication of a new National Radiotherapy Plan for Scotland.

Notes to editors:

The Tayside Cancer Centre, based at Ninewells Hospital, delivers treatments for cancer to the population of Tayside and North Fife. The centre sees over 2,400 new patients per year, treating all adult cancer types and aims to deliver high quality, compassionate and person-centred cancer care.

Treatments available include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted tablet therapies. The team works closely with other departments including particularly Radiology, Pathology, Surgery and Palliative Care.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718