Private proton beam therapy for people with breast cancer
At Proton International London, the UK’s only private proton beam therapy service, we deliver precise, protective, and powerful treatment for breast cancer.
Who we are
At Proton International London we deliver the most effective and precise treatment to breast cancer patients at our specialist proton beam therapy treatment centre at UCLH.
Learn moreAbout Proton Beam Therapy
An advanced form of radiation therapy with sub-millimetre accuracy on targeting tumors while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Learn moreMeet our breast cancer specialists
Our treatment is provided by globally recognised consultant oncologists in the treatment of breast cancer.
Learn moreHere to help you
Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have about our treatment for breast cancer.
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About Proton International London
At Proton International London, our highly experienced consultant radiation oncologists are renowned for providing the highest quality of care to patients with breast cancer. They offer a first-class, comprehensive service that includes proton beam therapy (PBT).
We specialise in delivering private proton beam therapy for breast cancer. Proton beam therapy is a precise form of radiation treatment that can be used for breast cancer. It is delivered using a beam of proton radiation composed of positively charged particles, which can be targeted to the tumour with high accuracy. This precision allows delivery of the optimal dose of radiation to the tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Proton International London is the only private proton beam therapy centre in the UK. Our team of experienced radiation oncologists, physicists, and radiographers are dedicated to providing the highest quality proton beam therapy care to patients with breast cancer.
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Private breast cancer treatment at Proton International London
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a cutting-edge radiation therapy offered at Proton International London, located at University College Hospital (UCH). Proton International is a global leader in proton beam therapy, with over 30 years of experience treating cancer patients.
Our experienced radiation oncologists work closely with the first-class clinical team of radiographers and physicists from University College Hospital (part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) to provide private patients with the highest quality PBT treatment and care. Our doctors have a strong interest in clinical research, and we are constantly looking for new ways to improve the effectiveness and safety of proton beam therapy.
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How we treat breast cancer with proton beam therapy
Proton beam therapy for breast cancer is a precise form of radiation therapy that can accurately target tumours, while minimising the exposure of surrounding healthy tissues, including the heart and lungs. This can lead to fewer late side effects, such as radiation-induced heart (cardiovascular) disease, and helps to preserve lung function.
Proton beam therapy can be an excellent option for some breast cancer patients seeking effective treatment with reduced side effects when this cannot be achieved with standard photon radiotherapy. The availability of proton beam therapy as a treatment is very limited around the world. Despite its scarce availability, because it effectively treats certain cancers, including breast cancer, with reduced side effects, it should be considered as a treatment option for some breast cancer patients.
The benefits of proton beam therapy for treating breast cancers
Proton beam therapy targets and destroys cancer cells using high-energy protons rather than X-rays (photons) or other high-energy radiation sources. It is particularly suited to the treatment of head and neck cancer because of its ability to target radiation treatment precisely to the cancer while reducing radiation dose to normal tissues.
Sometimes called particle therapy, it is very precise in how it delivers a dose to the tumour while sparing normal tissues. It is this enhanced precision and normal tissue sparing compared with standard photon therapy and radiotherapy that provides particular benefits for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers
Proton beam therapy is considered an effective treatment option for some breast cancers for several reasons:
• It can be precisely aimed and controlled to deliver radiation to a tumour while avoiding exposing surrounding healthy tissue, organs and critical structures to unnecessary radiation, particularly beyond the tumour – called an ‘exit dose’.
• By sparing healthy tissue, proton beam therapy can potentially reduce acute toxicities during treatment which in turn can reduce the long-term risk of side effects and late toxicities.
• The accuracy with which proton beam therapy can be delivered and the normal tissue sparing can allow a high(er) dose of radiation to the tumour, which can be particularly effective for certain types of cancers that are resistant to other cancer treatments used.
Paying for your private proton beam therapy treatment
The treatment at Proton International London is available to insured and self-pay patients, both from the UK and abroad.
We have agreements with key medical insurance providers and can provide a range of payment options for patients who wish to self-pay. The cost of proton beam therapy will vary depending on the cancer site and the complexity of the treatment required.
Our team is available to discuss costs with you and to advise on payment options.
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Helping patients from overseas
At Proton International London, we warmly welcome patients from around the world.
Our friendly and experienced team are here to support our international patients through every step of their proton beam therapy journey.
We have a dedicated concierge team who can assist with all aspects of your care, including:
- Travel to Proton International London, including organising flights and visas
- Interpreters for all languages
- Accommodation for the duration of your stay
- Clinical/medical support
- Payment of treatment through insurance or sponsorship
We guide and support international patients through every stage of their proton beam therapy journey.
Make an enquiryYour next steps
To ask a question or enquire about private treatment:
Please complete our contact form or call us on 0203 9255 885. One of our friendly Patient Administration Advisors will be in touch as soon as possible.
To refer yourself for proton beam therapy treatment:
Please fill out the contact form and select ‘self-referral for a private consultation’. Kindly note that you will be asked to upload relevant medical documents to support your referral.
If you are an NHS patient seeking a referral:
Consult your care team and oncologist to discuss your suitability for proton therapy. Read more about getting a second opinion here.