April 30, 2015 — Proton Partners International Limited announced the appointment of global partners in its plans to build three proton beam therapy centers in the U.K. Partner organizations will provide state-of-the-art clinical equipment and technology solutions to the company.
Proton Partners International Ltd is to open treatment centers in Cardiff, London and Northumbria by 2017 and the first - Cardiff - will be operational next year. The establishment of the centers will mark a significant breakthrough in the provision of cancer treatment in the U.K. The lack of access to the latest radiotherapy treatment options in the U.K. has been highlighted in a flood of patient dramas in the press. Proton therapy hit the headlines when the delay in provision of machines in the National Health Service (NHS) led to many patients, acknowledged to need proton therapy, being transported to the U.S. and elsewhere for treatment, which unsurprisingly is much more costly than could be available in the U.K.
IBA (Ion Beam Applications) has been selected by Proton Partners to install its single-room proton therapy system, Proteus One, in each of the three U.K. centers.
Philips has been appointed to deliver software and technology tools including Philips' Pinnacle Treatment Planning, which delivers an intuitive planning environment that simplifies workflow. Philips will also provide big bore computed tomography (CT) scanners at each centre and a positron emission tomography (PET/CT) in the Cardiff center.
Before appointing its suppliers, Proton Partners International conducted an exhaustive selection process across two continents, including visiting the Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, to see an IBA treatment room in operation. Final selection was made on technical and commercial merit.
Prof. Gordon McVie, senior consultant at the European Institute of Oncology and chairman of Proton Partners International, said: "These appointments are a significant milestone along the pathway to establishing the first proton beam therapy centers in the UK and reflect the quality and strength of our commitment to improve cancer treatment."
For more information: www.iba-worldwide.com
August 09, 2024 
