Radiotherapy Treatment

Radiotherapy is the provision of high energy ionizing radiation treatment to control or destroy malignant cancer cells and can be curative or palliative, depending on the patient’s histology and staging. A variety of cancer types and sites can be treated with radiotherapy, allowing its provision to reach the wider cancer population. Each treatment is delivered using a linear accelerator machine.

Radiotherapy is categorised under the Oncology speciality, and can be delivered in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.

The department currently provides the following types of radiotherapy, depending on each patient’s individual treatment regime.

• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): radiation beams are precisely tailored to conform to the shape of the cancer site or tumour, and less radiation dose is delivered to normal, healthy tissue. IMRT minimises the side effects that patients may experience from a course of treatment.
• Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT): radiation beams are delivered in an ‘arc’ shape around the patient, providing accurate, and efficient treatment delivery.
• Surface guided radiotherapy: SGRT uses sophisticated 3D camera technology to allow real time visualisation of the patient and any physical movements during Radiotherapy. This maintains the precision required for specific radiotherapy treatments.
• Adaptive radiotherapy: the treatment is adapted during each fraction, to account for patient internal anatomical changes. This maximises the dose to the cancer site or tumour.

All patients receiving a course of radiotherapy will have the opportunity to discuss their treatment plan and any side effects with their Consultant Oncologist, and the Therapeutic Radiographers, including advanced level Practitioners. Patients can also benefit from further support provided by the onsite MacMillan Information centre, and MacMillan trained professionals employed within the department. 

We have a variety of staff, including Therapeutic Radiographers, Assistants, Apprentices and Admin team members. The Therapeutic Radiographers specialise across a range of clinical and non-clinical areas including: advanced clinical practice; consultant practice; education and training; research and development; image guided radiation therapy; brachytherapy; superficial radiotherapy; dosimetry and radiotherapy planning; on treatment support for cancer patients; and localisation and planning for palliative care

The department also contributes to the training of the future Therapeutic Radiographer workforce through its provision of undergraduate clinical placements for students and apprentices from the University of Hertfordshire, and Sheffield Hallam University.

The Radiotherapy department is open Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.

Where to find us: The nearest car park is located at the London Road entrance. The Berkshire Cancer Centre and Radiotherapy department is accessed through the entrance in the top right-hand corner of the car park. For patients on regular treatment schedules in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the department will issue a car parking permit for the length of their treatment. Disabled parking is also available on West Drive, which can be accessed via Redlands Road.

For general enquiries please contact:

The Radiotherapy Department
Berkshire Cancer Centre
Royal Berkshire Hospital
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN

Telephone: 0118 322 7872

For patient queries regarding Radiotherapy treatment side effects please contact our on-Treatment Review Radiographers: 0118 322 8869

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Social Media - Keep up-to-date with radiotherapy service improvements and department updates:

On Instagram: @BccRadiotherapy
On Facebook: @BCC Radiotherapy RBNHSFT

Refreshment points:

• Convenience store (Main Entrance Block)
• Coffee bar (Main Entrance Block)
• Restaurant on level 1 (South Block)
• League of Friends shop and tea bar (Maternity Block)

As a Therapeutic Radiographer, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team helping people who are dealing with cancer. The role involves the use of highly advanced and complex Radiotherapy technology to treat tumours, whilst supporting patients at a more holistic level.

To enquire about a career in Radiotherapy, arrange a work experience visit, or to explore any prospective job opportunities within the department please contact the Radiotherapy Education and Workforce Lead for further information: azma.siddiqui@royalberkshire.nhs.uk