Light Beam Radiotherapy Appeal

We’re raising money for new technology that will revolutionise radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E). 

Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) uses light beams and advanced cameras to create a unique 3D outline of a patient’s body to further improve accuracy and reduce treatment time. It enables motion-controlled treatment that automatically pauses if it detects patient movement, as well as any changes that affect treatment effectiveness, such as swelling or weight loss. 

Currently, patients are often fitted with immobilisation devices, including restrictive closed-face masks, which can be uncomfortable and claustrophobic. Patients may also require permanent tattoos to guide their radiotherapy treatment and ensure powerful X-rays target and kill cancer cells, while protecting surrounding tissue and organs. 

With SGRT, patients can be quickly and accurately positioned without the use of tattoos, and the continual monitoring means that treatment can be delivered safely with less restrictive immobilisation, such as open-face masks. 

Cutting edge SGRT cameras will deliver enhanced treatment to 1,800 cancer patients a year in Devon. 

• Most accurate and comfortable treatment.
  
  
• Tattoo-free radiotherapy. 
  
  
• Quicker and more efficient service.
  
  
• Increased staff and patient confidence.
  
  
• New technology will enable hospital to attract and retain the best staff, and allow implementation of future advanced techniques.

Your donation will help us to install SGRT cameras and software in the three linear accelerator (linac) treatment rooms at the RD&E. It will also help to install an additional camera in the radiotherapy CT room to provide accurate breathing monitoring for motion-controlled treatments. 

SGRT is not currently funded by the NHS because it is not essential to the success of radiotherapy. However, we want to invest in this technology to deliver the best possible experience for our patients in terms of comfort, speed and accuracy. 

Thank you for supporting our Light Beam Radiotherapy Appeal. 

If you have any questions or would like to find out other ways to get involved please give us a call at 01392 402040 or email rduh.charity@nhs.net.