First RUH patient praises new precision prostate cancer treatment

A new form of precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer is now being offered to eligible patients at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Photo courtesy of the RUH

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, known as SABR, is available to men with low and intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer.

The treatment uses advanced imaging and planning techniques to target the prostate with high accuracy, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Patients receive five high doses of radiation over one to two weeks. Standard radiotherapy usually involves around 20 sessions delivered over a period of up to a month.

Retired GP Derek Chase, 73, from Calne, became the first patient to receive SABR at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

He completed his treatment in June and described the service as “the NHS at its best”.

Derek Chase, who was treated at the RUH | Photo © RUH

Mr Chase said: “The new treatment is more convenient, uses state of the art technology and is wrapped up in a personal care approach – the NHS at its best.

“To be able to receive the treatment in five doses within a two-week window is so much more convenient, not just for patients but their loved ones too, who often need to transport them to and from the RUH.”

Mr Chase experienced some side effects during his treatment, including severe tiredness, but said he was now feeling well.

He added: “I did get some side effects, including profound fatigue, but I’m feeling good now and looking forward to the future.

“I’ve got follow-up appointments to come at the RUH where they’ll keep an eye on me and I’m feeling positive.”

Sian Smith, consultant radiographer at the RUH, said: “I am delighted we are now able to offer SABR treatment to some of our prostate cancer patients at the RUH.

“This approach allows us to provide the same high standard of clinical care and treatment over a much shorter course, thereby reducing the number of hospital visits for our patients and their loved ones.

“Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but if you think you may be, just contact your treatment team.”

The trust is hoping the shorter course will create more appointment capacity and help reduce waiting times once the treatment is fully established.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with more than 55,000 diagnoses and around 12,300 deaths each year.

Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer in England annually and could be offered SABR as a treatment option.