Patients in Kent are now benefiting from a major step forward in cancer care, as the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital treats its first patient with liver SABR (stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy).

This important development means patients can now access a highly specialised radiotherapy treatment much closer to home. Previously, many of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s (MTW) patients needing liver SABR had to travel to London, often over several weeks.

This type of radiotherapy treatment can normally require up to 10 separate hospital visits, so being able to receive care locally is saving patients many hours of travel, as well as reducing stress and time away from family, work and support networks.

Liver SABR is a highly precise form of radiotherapy and MTW is now one of just a few trusts in the country provided this type of care. It delivers a high dose of radiation in a small number of treatment sessions, carefully targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

This approach helps improve treatment accuracy while supporting a better experience for patients, with the Kent Oncology Centre continuing to be one of the top performing centres in the country, providing some of the quickest access to care.

The new service ensures people across Kent and the south east can benefit from advanced cancer treatments without the additional burden of long-distance travel.

Because the liver moves as patients breathe and is located close to other vital organs, extensive preparation was required before caring for patients with this new method of treatment.

The team put in place advanced systems to manage movement, improve imaging and thoroughly test treatment delivery. Robust clinical protocols and safety checks are now embedded to ensure accurate dose delivery and patient safety at every stage.

The launch of liver SABR at the Kent Oncology Centre comes as the trust joins organisations around the world in marking World Cancer Day on 4 February.

The timing highlights MTW’s ongoing commitment to improving access to innovative cancer treatments and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care for local communities.

63-year-old Denise from Sidcup who was the first patient treated, on 23 January, said: “Having my care at the Kent Oncology Centre has saved me having to travel into central London and everyone from my consultant to the registrar to those delivering treatment have been really supportive.

“It’s really impressive and hopefully it will go on to help many others that are living with cancer. My treatment was done very quickly and I could not fault the care I have received.”

Amanda Williams, Head of Radiotherapy said: “Starting liver SABR at the Kent Oncology Centre is a significant step forward for our patients. This treatment allows us to deliver highly precise radiotherapy while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

“Most importantly, it means patients can receive the best possible care closer to home, reducing the physical and emotional burden of travel at an already challenging time.”

Source & picture credit: Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust