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RapidArc hovers over a patient in order to trace tumours from 360 degrees in just two minutes, instead of 20 minutes of exposure, which was the case with older systems. It does so with the help of a unique tumour mapping system linked to it as part of the processor. It delivers radiation, following the contours of cancers, in one rotation giving better coverage of the tumour volume with far less damage to nearby healthy tissue. In the case of prostate cancer this new system is safer and more comfortable for the patient. 

The Harley Street Clinic’s RapidArcs have been used to treat patients with gastro-oesophageal cancers, lung cancer patients and others with tumours affecting the pelvis.It is considered to be the center point of the HCA Cancer Care network, the largest provider of cancer care in the UK outside the NHS.  The £3.5 million radiotherapy machines are the latest additions to a £25 million investment programme in the latest technology.  The Clinic’s cancer centre last year became the first hospital in the UK to install the revolutionary robotic CyberKnife radiosurgery system. 

Chief Executive Neil Buckley said “In the past year we have opened the new CyberKnife centre, The London Gamma Knife center for the treatment of brain tumours at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, a new cancer center, Harley Street at Queen’s at Queen’s Hospital in Romford, the new Molecular Imaging Center in Harley Street and these two RapidArc machines – in addition to a range of new CT, PETCT and MRI scanning and mapping equipment,” he said. “And this is in addition to our special blood and bone cancer centre at University College Hospital where we are also opening a young person’s unit.” 

“We now have the most comprehensive cancer care service in Europe as we treat every type of cancer for every age,” said Mr Buckley.  “As well as all the new technology, we are growing our network of diagnostic and treatment centres around London so that patients can get fast access to see one of our 500 top consultants closer to where they live or work.” 

Source: The Harley Street Clinic in central London