News Room – What’s been happening

At GenesisCare, we’re proud of our record in maximising patient access to MR-guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).

For patients with locally advanced or medically inoperable cervical cancer, the standard-of-care typically includes five weeks of external beam radiotherapy combined with weekly chemotherapy, followed by a high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost to intensify treatment at the tumour site.

For some women with particular medical, technical or personal circumstances, brachytherapy may not be possible. In these cases, an MR-guided SABR boost offers a non-invasive alternative. State-of-the-art MR Linac technology available at our centres in Oxford and London enables us to deliver highly targeted treatment in just five sessions over alternate days. Each session lasts around one hour, with the patient able to go straight home after each treatment.

“MR-guided radiotherapy is an innovative technology offering an alternative  treatment opportunity for patients with cervical cancer, when brachytherapy is not feasible”

Dr Eminowicz, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at GenesisCare

This advanced form of external beam radiotherapy combines the superior soft-tissue imaging of MRI with adaptive dose delivery, enabling clinicians to target the tumour more accurately while sparing healthy tissue. The result is a treatment that not only minimises side effects but also maximises tumour control.

MR-guided SABR for cervical cancer is not routinely available on the NHS, and so our Expanded Access Pathway has been established to provide uninsured patients who otherwise would have limited options with a viable alternative. Oncologists looking after women with private medical insurance are also encouraged to consider referral. All patients who participate will be offered enrolment in a prospective patient-reported outcome measure scheme.

How to access this service

A direct referral from the patient’s consultant oncologist is required and clinicians wishing to know more about the service or who feel their patients could benefit can read more about the programme here.

To refer a patient, please email our expert teams today.

Watch out for more information on GenesisCare’s website, X and Facebook.