Private proton beam therapy for people with head and neck cancer
At Proton International London we specialise in delivering private proton beam therapy treatment for head and neck cancer.
Who we are
Who we are
At Proton International London we deliver the most effective and precise treatment to our head and neck 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 head and neck cancer specialists
Our treatment is provided by globally recognised consultant oncologists in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Learn moreHere to help you
Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have about our treatment for head and neck cancers.
Learn more
About The Proton International London Centre for Head and Neck Cancer
Located at University College Hospital (UCH), our private proton beam therapy (PBT) service is offered by Proton International which brings unmatched global experience and expertise in providing this advanced and extremely precise form of radiotherapy, to communities across the world.
Our highly respected oncologists work in conjunction with the first-class team at University College Hospital (part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust). They have a strong interest in clinical research and provide a comprehensive and high-quality service to patients diagnosed with head and cancer. Our oncologists have extensive experience in treating head and neck cancer and offer PBT as a unique treatment option in the UK.
The availability of PBT as a treatment is very limited around the world. In spite of its scarce availability, however, it has been shown to be effective in treating certain cancers, whilst also having minimal side effects.
The head and neck cancers we treat
Proton beam therapy can be used to treat a variety of cancers in the head and neck, including but not limited to:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Some salivary gland tumours of parotid, sub-mandibular and minor salivary glands
- Throat, tongue and tonsil (oropharyngeal) cancer
- Complex skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma involving skin of the face, neck and scalp and/or lymph nodes of the neck
- Cancers of the nasal sinuses (sino-nasal/nasal cavity cancers)
- Soft tissue and bone sarcomas of the head and neck
At present at Proton International London we are treating cancers of the nasal sinuses, and some salivary gland tumours, although we will be expanding this to include other head and neck cancers in the near future.
Proton beam therapy precisely targets cancers while minimising radiation to healthy tissues and critical structures which is especially important when a tumour is located near critical organs like the brain stem the spinal cord, oral cavity, salivary glands, eye, optic nerve, and brain, such as those found in head and neck cancers. This means that we can reduce acute side effects during treatment, and late side effects in the months and years after treatment ,which can be a particular problem for head and neck cancer patients.
Meet the consultants
Dr Dawn Carnell
Clinical Oncologist
Head & Neck
Dr Ruheena Mendes
Clinical Oncologist
Head & Neck
The benefits of proton beam therapy for treating head and neck 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 certain types of head and neck 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, PBT 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 PBT 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.
• Studies suggest that PBT can result in improved outcomes for head and neck cancer
Paying for your private proton beam therapy treatment
The treatment at Proton International London is available to sponsored, insured and self-pay patients, both from the UK and abroad.
We work closely with embassies and 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.
Make an enquiry
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 enquiry
Contact us
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about the use of proton beam therapy to treat head or neck cancers, please contact our team using the form below. We will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.