Giant magnet delivered to cancer centre

A FOUR-TONNE magnet has been delivered to The Christie as part of a revolutionary new radiotherapy machine that can "see and treat" cancer with pinpoint accuracy.

A FOUR-TONNE magnet has been delivered to The Christie as part of a revolutionary new radiotherapy machine that can "see and treat" cancer.

The MR-guided linear accelerator will be one of only seven in the world when it is built by the end of the year.

It combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and tumour-busting radiotherapy treatment in one hi-tech package and will potentially enable The Christie to deliver targeted and more personalised radiotherapy for patients.

The MR-linac will locate tumours, tailor the shape of X-ray beams in real time, and lock-on to the tumour during treatment, to accurately deliver radiotherapy even when tumour tissue is moving during treatment.

It will also see if a tumour changes shape, location or size between treatment sessions to ensure that the cancer is targeted accurately for treatment.

As the accuracy of MR-linac treatment is so good, it may be possible to deliver higher doses of radiotherapy while preserving healthy tissue, potentially resulting in more effective treatment for patients with fewer side effects and treatment visits.

Commenting on the MR-linac project at The Christie, Dr Ananya Choudhury, said: "The MR-linac will be a revolution in radiotherapy and I believe it will make a big difference to our patients. It lets us see tumours very clearly and treat them with pinpoint accuracy.

"We will be able to adapt the radiotherapy to a patient's shape in real time, bringing on a new era of personalised radiotherapy. As well as better outcomes, we expect MR-linac will lessen side effects."

Fundraisers at The Christie charity are aiming to raise £1 million towards the £5.3 million cost of the MR-linac. The remaining funding is being provided by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.