LONDON: Advanced Oncotherapy, developer of next-generation proton therapy systems for cancer treatment, announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The London Clinic, the UK’s leading private independent hospital, to operate Advanced Oncotherapy’s first commercial LIGHT facility on Harley Street in London.
The London Clinic has selected Advanced Oncotherapy as its partner for proton therapy not only because LIGHT’s reduced volume and modularity allow for implementation in existing clinical sites and densely populated areas where space is scarce, but also because Advanced Oncotherapy’s LIGHT system has been designed to generate a much smaller beam and, as such, is able to deliver more precise treatment due to the electronically-controllable energy modulation of the proton beams.
Under the terms of the MoU, it is intended that Advanced Oncotherapy will provide the LIGHT proton accelerator and treatment room equipment and The London Clinic will source and manage staffing, governance and other services necessary for the clinical operation of the facility.
Advanced Oncotherapy and The London Clinic will receive a share of the profit generated by the centre. The full terms of the partnership between Advanced Oncotherapy and The London Clinic remain confidential.
The London Clinic, one of the UK’s largest private charitable hospitals, has a pioneering cancer treatment centre in its Duchess of Devonshire wing, which is at the forefront of advancing healthcare. Current innovation includes offering cancer patients advanced diagnostic scanning, adaptive radiotherapy for bladder cancer and the use of hydrogel spacers to minimise the side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy. The London Clinic, as part of its charitable purpose, also offers free of charge survivorship programmes for cancer patients.
Al Russell, Chief Executive Officer of The London Clinic, commented: “Proton beam therapy is a very exciting new treatment but access has been limited due to the costs and size of equipment. Until now. Advanced Oncotherapy’s LIGHT system reduces size and cost, while providing the same high success rate for patients. We’re excited to be the first hospital in London to offer this new treatment. The new service will adjoin our main site on Harley Street, and enable The London Clinic to help even more patients fight and survive cancer while furthering our aim of advancing healthcare.”
Nicolas Serandour, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Oncotherapy, commented: “We are delighted to announce that The London Clinic will now operate our Harley Street LIGHT facility, the agreement with Circle Health having lapsed. The site is expected to allow us to treat a wide group of patients and help drive further awareness to proton beam therapy for the treatment of cancer. The London Clinic is one of the leading private cancer treatment hospitals in the UK and its decision to select our LIGHT system for proton beam therapy is a significant validation of our technology and capabilities. The proposed profit-sharing agreement with The London Clinic ensures that Advanced Oncotherapy retains an interest in the future success of the facility.”