Media coverage
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Media coverage
Title Cancer: Better technology at NI Cancer Centre 'boosting cure chances' Degree of recognition Regional Media name/outlet BBC Media type Television Duration/Length/Size 1:49 minutes Country/Territory United Kingdom Date 14/06/2023 Description Specialist radiotherapy equipment at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre has increased the chances of curing the disease in some patients, according to its clinical director for oncology.
The clinic uses stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR).
Prof Gerry Hanna said this targets the tumour with more precision than conventional radiotherapy.
This allows high doses to be delivered where the cancer is with normal tissue nearby less affected, he added.
"This allows us to increase the chances of curing that cancer because the dose that we use is much higher and safer than what was previously used."
According to statistics, SABR has improved the control rate of early-stage lung cancer from 50% using standard radiotherapy to 85%.
SABR treatment is non-invasive for patients with localised and secondary tumours and especially for those with lung cancer who cannot undergo surgery.
'Taking away the cancer'
Jennings Moffett, 79, who is attending the cancer centre, said the treatment has "kept him alive".
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March but it has now spread to his right lung.
He said the diagnosis scared him but attending the cancer centre has given him peace of mind.
Due to heart complications, Mr Moffett is unable to have surgery so this less invasive treatment is treating the cancer instead.
Heading into a session, he said it felt good that it was "taking away the cancer on the lung".Producer/Author Marie Louise Connolly URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65884181 Persons Gerry Hanna
Keywords
- SABR
- Radiotherapy