Proton beam therapy

Lots in the news recently about proton beam therapy - and in brainstrust’s news too. What is this therapy that sounds like something out of Star Wars? Well – it wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

Proton beam therapy (aka as proton beam radiosurgery) is one of several radiation therapies available – but not necessarily in the UK (for more information about the types of therapies visit here). There are two proton beam therapy units in the UK, but these currently only deal with eye cancer. Funding has been made available for a full blown proton beam therapy unit and NHS Trusts have been invited to apply for this funding, so I think that having a centre in the UK is a way off yet. It is different because it uses a particular feature of protons to minimize the radiation given to normal tissue around the tumour and is therefore better for younger, developing brains. For more info about PBT in Boston click here. And to read more about proton beam therapy in general then this is a good site proton-therapy.org

So people needing this particular type of treatment have to go abroad. At great expense and at great emotional cost. Many of you will know about Alex Jones and his wonderful campaign.

Alex was supported by brainstrust and recently returned from Boston following his treatment, where he continues to make good progress. You can read about Alex here.

There has also been Melissa Huggins who has been through this and has come out the other side (http://www.melissasfightingfund.co.uk/). Melissa has had the same type of brain tumour, an ependymoma, as 3 year old Fletcher. Fletch is only half way through his treatment and his parents are finding it hard being away from home. It does seem a cruel twist of fate that at a time when you need to have friends and family around you, you have to be far away from them. We ran Meg’s blog when we were in Boston and the comments made us feel less isolated.

Fletcher’s parents have established Friends of Fletcher www.friendsoffletcher.com where you can read more about this wonderful little lad and his family. Please stay in touch with the family. They need to know they are not alone on their journey.