Proton International London was honoured to be part of the Healthcare London delegation to Riyadh from 11–13 May 2025, representing the UK’s world-class expertise in proton beam therapy and supporting efforts to expand global access to advanced cancer care.
The visit, led by Healthcare London, a collaboration of leading private healthcare providers and teaching hospitals, focused on deepening clinical partnerships and connecting referring clinicians in Saudi Arabia with London-based specialists in highly complex fields.
Our delegation, including Chief Medical Officer Dr James William Snider, III, M.D. and Chief Operating Officer Tina Dunworth, engaged in a series of high-level meetings and clinical events that reinforced a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in cancer care.
Clinically led engagement at the forefront
A central feature of the visit was the Clinical Forum, hosted in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Health’s Referral Committee. The forum brought together expertise in proton beam therapy, CAR-T cell therapy, paediatric cardiac surgery, and complex orthopaedics and was designed to foster meaningful clinical exchange.
Dr Snider presented outcomes and clinical data from Saudi patients treated at Proton International London, delivered in partnership with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). He also outlined the rapidly expanding clinical indications for proton beam therapy, including its proven benefits in treating head and neck, brain, breast, lung, GI, lymphoma, sarcoma, and prostate cancers.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our experience treating patients from Saudi Arabia, and to explore how proton therapy can play a wider role in meeting the Kingdom’s growing oncology needs,” said Dr Snider.
“We’re especially excited to collaborate with Saudi colleagues, physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, and clinical teams, as new particle therapy centres become operational.”
Connecting with Saudi Centres of Excellence
The visit also included in-depth discussions with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) and the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA).
These meetings explored opportunities for deeper partnership in specialised cancer care, and highlighted a shared dedication to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred treatment.
At the Saudi Proton Therapy Center, the first proton beam therapy facility in the Middle East, our team was warmly welcomed by Dr Jailan Alshaikhi, Head of Physics, and the Varian engineering team. The exchange was a valuable opportunity to discuss treatment planning, technology integration, and clinical development with a common goal of expanding access to precision cancer therapies.
“It was a privilege to be part of such thoughtful and future-focused conversations,” said Tina Dunworth, COO. “The shared commitment to improving patient outcomes through collaboration and innovation was clear at every meeting. We look forward to building on these connections in the months ahead.”
Strengthening International Collaboration
The delegation concluded with a formal reception at the British Embassy in Riyadh, where senior figures from across the Saudi health system met with London’s clinical leaders to discuss shared priorities. It provided a platform for open dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of future initiatives.
This mission marked the second visit to Saudi Arabia by Healthcare London, following its 2024 launch at the Health Tourism Future Forum. The 2025 delegation underscored London’s position as a centre of excellence for international patients seeking advanced care and its commitment to sharing that expertise through training, joint research, and cross-border collaboration.
Proton International London is proud to be part of this effort to build global partnerships that support better care, greater access, and improved outcomes for people living with cancer.
