A London hospital was today leading a revolution in cancer treatment by unveiling a new double scanner and opening a £100 million outpatient unit.
Thousands of patients will benefit after University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust became the first in the UK to install the machine, which allows doctors to detect early stage tumours by carrying out PET and MRI scans at the same time.
The scanners enable doctors to see tumours in detail so they can identify drugs which will work for individual patients at an early stage. They also use less radiation which is better for young patients whose bodies are more sensitive.
The scanner is in the trust’s new cancer centre which opened today.
University College Hospital’s Macmillan cancer centre is the first outpatient-style unit for dealing with the disease. The aim is to improve survival rates and focus on helping patients get on with their lives.
More patients with the disease are being cured thanks to advances in treatment. Others live with chronic forms of cancer which would have been a death sentence.
Sir Robert Naylor, UCLH’s chief executive, said: “Many patients with cancer don’t need to be in hospital but we’re still admitting patients and keeping them in beds unnecessarily.
Our own calculations have revealed that about 35 per cent of patients admitted didn’t need to be. With advanced diagnostics to detect cancer they can be at home and come in for treatment.”
The building was designed by Hopkins Architects, the firm responsible for the Olympic velodrome, in consultation with patients.
Macmillan Cancer Support made its largest ever investment, £10 million, in the centre. Chief executive Ciarán Devane said: "This is a momentous occasion for the two million people living with cancer. This partnership with UCLH will be a blueprint for how we can work with trusts in the future to deliver innovative services that redefine standards for cancer care and improve the lives of cancer patients for years to come."
Read More
As part of the centre, the Teenage Cancer Trust has contributed £2.6 million to develop an area called the Hub, which will provide outpatient care and consultations for 13- to 24-year olds. It will include a gym, DJ booth, computer gaming facilities and a family space.
Patients at the Macmillan centre will also get early access to the latest drug research by taking part in clinical trials at the UCL Institute, across the road.
Scientists there are extending the understanding of cancers and developing smarter therapies which target specific cell abnormalities.
