A new £38 million cancer treatment centre has opened in Northumberland.
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East currently provides a full range of conventional cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, imaging and diagnostics and will offer high energy proton beam therapy from 2019.
It has been described as a 'new chapter in the provision of advanced cancer care'.
Proton beam therapy is a highly-targeted type of radiotherapy that can treat hard-to-reach cancers, such as spinal tumours, with a lower risk of damaging the surrounding tissue and causing side effects.
A study has been published in The Lancet showing the significant sparing of damage to critical tissues by the use of proton beam therapy, particularly in children.
"We are delighted to be working with the world's leading technology partners to ensure that our centres are equipped with the most advanced technology available in cancer care. We offer a full range of cancer treatments as well as proton beam therapy which we are particularly proud to be bringing to the North East."
The Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales was the first clinic in the country to treat a patient with high energy proton beam therapy and patients are now travelling from across the UK and abroad for treatment there.
"Each Rutherford Cancer Centre will bring around £20 million in additional revenue to the local region through the construction and running of each, as well as the employment opportunities a centre of this kind affords. Wherever possible, we sourced all materials for the centre's completion locally, and we see this centre as being an integral part of the community for those who need access to high quality cancer treatment."