Proton beam therapy for Australian patients

Proton International London, supporting Australian cancer patients every step of the way

If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, you naturally want to understand the treatment options as quickly as possible. If you are researching options beyond conventional radiotherapy, you may have heard of proton beam therapy (PBT).

PBT is an advanced treatment that targets cancer cells while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. For many types of cancer, including head and neck, prostate and bowel cancer, this can help avoid common symptoms that affect quality of life.

If you are based in Australia, the other big consideration is whether travelling overseas for PBT is worthwhile. Treatment is usually given Monday to Friday over several weeks. There are lots of things to consider, such as the travel arrangements, timing, cost, potential funding, and the impact on your life and family.

At Proton International London, we support our Australian patients at every stage of their journey. Alongside expert clinical care, you can expect dedicated, personalised support to help ensure your experience is as smooth, well-coordinated, and reassuring as possible.

This page is here to guide you through your decision-making process and answer common questions about travelling to Proton International London for private treatment.

For advice or to start a referral, please use our Live Chat or complete our enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

The referral process for Australian patients

Here are the typical steps to start your treatment journey at Proton International London:

Speak with your current medical team – If you are researching proton beam therapy (PBT), first speak to your doctors. They can help you determine whether you are eligible. You can also contact our team directly for a private second opinion.
Start the referral process – You or your doctor can start a referral online. You must attach the relevant medical records as prompted, such as CT scans and pathology reports, which will be shared securely with our consultants.
Assessment and eligibility – Your case will be carefully reviewed by our esteemed clinical oncologists. They will consider your diagnosis, tumour location and stage, your wider treatment plan (such as chemotherapy and surgery), overall health, and other clinical evidence. Not all cancers require or benefit from proton therapy, so this step is important to ensure it is the right treatment for you.
Treatment recommendation and next steps – If PBT is recommended, you will receive a personalised treatment plan, including timelines and what to expect.
Assessment and eligibility – Your case will be reviewed by our consultant team. They will review your diagnosis, tumour location, stage, previous treatment, and overall health to decide whether proton treatment is appropriate.

Practical support for you and your family

If you are travelling to London for treatment, you will have to relocate for several weeks, which is naturally an upheaval for you and your family. But rest assured, if you do decide to travel from Australia to the UK, our team is here to support you at every stage.

We can help with:

Travel and accommodation in London
Help with flights, visa requirements and accommodation.
Coordinating appointments
You will receive a clear plan, including your consultations, imaging, and treatment sessions so you know what to expect.
Practical day-to-day support
Help with finding your way around, transport options, groceries, and things to do.
Communication and continuity of care
We’ll coordinate closely with your medical team in Australia to ensure everyone is informed and aligned.

Throughout your stay, you can expect clear communication at all times. We’re here to make the experience as seamless as possible, keep you well-informed and provide a friendly ear, so you feel cared for from the moment you arrive until you return home.

Find out more about how we help our international patients and our concierge services.

Proton International London treatment centre

What is proton beam therapy, and how does it work?

Proton beam therapy (PBT) is an advanced type of radiotherapy used to treat cancer. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, it uses high-energy protons instead of X-rays (photons). This allows clinicians to deliver a precise radiation dose to the tumour while limiting exposure to healthy cells.

This makes it an especially effective treatment for tumours near to critical structures, like the bowel, brain and spine.

The benefits of proton beam therapy include:

Highly effective – Like all other forms of external beam radiation therapy, proton beam therapy is highly effective at killing cancer cells to stop them from spreading.
Lower risk of side effects – PBT is more precise than traditional radiation therapy, offering greater protection to healthy tissues and organs. This can result in fewer short and long-term side effects.
Greater tumour control – PBT’s precision means that (for some tumours) it is possible to deliver a higher radiation dose than other conventional radiation therapy.
Less harmful to young, developing bodies – Proton beam therapy is particularly effective for treating children with cancer as it reduces the impact of radiation on normal, developing cells.
Painless and non-invasive treatment – While the side effects can include skin irritation, proton therapy is painless and delivered externally.

Find out more about how proton beam therapy works, what to expect while having proton beam therapy and visit our journal for further insights.

Conditions treated at Proton International London

At Proton International London, we treat both children and adults with cancer in sensitive parts of the body where precision is important.

We support ongoing research into proton beam therapy for a wider range of cancers, and are hopeful that, as the evidence grows, we’ll be able to offer it to even more patients in the future.

Why choose us for proton beam therapy in the UK?

Choosing where to have private cancer treatment is a significant decision, especially if it involves travelling overseas. Our role is to make that decision clearer and to fully support you if you choose to come to London.

Consultant-led care

Your treatment is planned and led by our team of esteemed consultant oncologists.

Part of a leading global network

Part of Proton International, a globally recognised provider of proton beam therapy.

Advanced technology

Highly advanced proton therapy technology within the world-class setting of a leading London hospital.

Dedicated support

A multidisciplinary clinical team, alongside a dedicated patient care team to support you throughout.

Speak to us about proton beam therapy in London

If you are keen to explore proton beam therapy in London, feel free to ask us a question using our enquiry form. Alternatively, our team would be happy to speak to you via Live Chat.

If you are ready to go ahead, you can start a referral online. We accept referrals directly from patients, parents and guardians, as well as from doctors, healthcare professionals, embassies, and government representatives.

If you are applying for funding from the Medical Treatment Overseas Program, please note that you must submit documentation showing a comparative proton-versus-photon plan (find out more here).

It was a truly wonderful experience, thank you ALL again. I am in your eternal debt for this.

Rory Lyons
I came for proton beam for prostate cancer ending on 31.05.24. Yesterday I got the first PSA blood test check up results after the treatment and …. 0.35…. Dr Lester says ‘thats it nothing more to do, enjoy my life’. Just a simple PSA check every 6 months to make sure it stays low like that. What this means is that every single person at Proton International who touched my case got it 100% absolutely correct. Fantastic. Thank you so much.

Rory Lyons
Although I was very happy to get to the end of my treatment, I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to the team. Testament to the relationship we developed, we still exchange occasional messages. All in all, I could not have wished for a better experience during a very difficult time.

Jeanette Longfield
Throughout the entire process the care and attention to detail provided by the team was outstanding.

Jeanette Longfield
Thank you for leading such an extraordinary team at Proton International London at UCLH. Your efforts have not only aided my recovery but have also greatly enhanced my treatment experience.

Rohit Singh

Frequently asked questions about proton beam therapy for Australian patients

Can Australian patients receive proton therapy in London?

As of April 2026, there is no provision for proton beam therapy in Australia. However, Proton International London welcomes eligible patients from Australia for private proton therapy in London, including those funded by the Medical Treatment Overseas Program.

Do I need a referral for treatment in London?

Proton therapy treatment is not suitable or necessary for all cancers. To find out if you are eligible, speak to your current doctors in the first instance for advice. You can then begin a referral for treatment in London, which must include a clinical letter from your consultant oncologist, along with relevant scans and reports. You can also contact us for a private second opinion.

Can I have consultations before travelling to the UK?

You and your team in Australia can speak with our team in London via a video call during the enquiry, referral and treatment-planning process. On your arrival in the UK, your consultations will take place at our private treatment centre in central London.

Will my doctors in Australia be involved in my care?

We will ensure your doctors and care team in Australia are actively involved throughout your treatment. We work closely with them from the initial assessment and treatment planning stages, through to delivery of your treatment and follow-up care once you have returned home.

Do you support Australian patients under the Medical Treatment Overseas Program?

Yes, we provide guidance and information on the Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP). This is an Australian Federal Government initiative that provides funding for eligible patients with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions to receive necessary medical treatment overseas when no suitable alternative is available locally.

Funding under this program may contribute towards the cost of treatment, accommodation, and air travel for the patient and, in many cases, one support person.

Get in touch

You can start a live chat with our care team, call us or send us a detailed enquiry using our enquiry form. Our team is available to help and answer any questions you may have.

Cancers we treat

About Proton Beam Therapy