New Treatment for Prostate Cancer Available on the NHS

Thousands of men with prostate cancer in England are set to benefit from a new, highly targeted form of radiotherapy that can significantly reduce treatment time while maintaining effective cancer care.

NHS England has announced that eligible men with early-stage, localised prostate cancer will now be offered stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), a pioneering treatment that delivers high-dose radiotherapy directly to tumours with exceptional precision.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with more than 55,000 men diagnosed each year. Around 17,500 men in England are diagnosed annually with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer and could be eligible for this new treatment option.

Unlike conventional radiotherapy, which typically requires at least 20 treatment sessions, SABR can usually be delivered in just five sessions over two weeks. This means fewer hospital visits, less disruption to daily life, and more time spent with family, friends, and work commitments.

The treatment works by directing powerful beams of radiation at the tumour from multiple angles, helping to minimise damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision can reduce some side effects associated with traditional radiotherapy while continuing to provide effective cancer control.

The national roll-out has been made possible through government investment in new radiotherapy equipment and is expected to be available across all 48 radiotherapy providers in England.

As well as benefiting patients, the introduction of SABR could free up around 50,000 radiotherapy appointments annually, helping the NHS improve access to cancer services and reduce waiting times.

While SABR is not suitable for everyone with localised prostate cancer, patients who have questions about their treatment options are encouraged to speak with their specialist team.

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we welcome innovations that improve patient experience and access to care. If you or a loved one have experience of prostate cancer services, radiotherapy treatment, or cancer care locally, we would like to hear from you.

Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and where improvements may be needed.