Machine boosts cancer treatment

A state-of-the-art machine to treat cancer patients is being introduced at a Teesside hospital.

The linear accelerator can focus radiation more accurately on cancer tumours making treatment less toxic for the patient, health bosses say.

Treatment is also quicker meaning less wait for patients.

A special bunker with walls of thick concrete and steel has been built at James Cook University Hospital to house the machine.

All cancers

Dr Peter Dunlop, Clinical Director of Radiotherapy and Oncology, said: "The machine produces high-energy x-rays and we can focus better on the primary tumour.

"We hope toxicity is less than people have associated with radiation and the speed of treatment will be better so we may be able to get more patients through on a daily basis."

Around £1.5m has been spent on the machine and bunker and it can be used to treat all kinds of cancer.

Mr Dunlop said: "The machine produces high energy x-rays which penetrate normal materials so the materials of the room have to be a mixture of concrete and steel to protect the outside world."