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Radiotherapy Physics Mission Statement

Radiotherapy physics acts in synergy with Oncology at UHPNT. Our objective is to be a resilient service providing innovative and evidence-based scientific support, building the reputation of Plymouth in delivering world-class treatment to our patients.

Radiotherapy Physics (RTP) provides supporting services for Oncology, Urology and Neuroscience services in the provision of Radiotherapy using External Beam or Sealed Radioactive Sources. Services are certified to ISO9001:2015.

Radiotherapy Physics supported services :

• External Beam Radiotherapy including Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric Modulated Arc radiotherapy (VMAT)
• Gynaecological Brachytherapy
• Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery/therapy (SRS/T)
• Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR)
• Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

Radiotherapy (RT) is the high precision targeting of tumour cells with radiation, most commonly high energy x-rays and electrons from a linear accelerator. Radiotherapy can target even undetectable microscopic disease, and is most often delivered in small daily doses of radiation called fractions over a period of a few weeks.

The radiotherapy physics team provide scientific and engineering support for the whole of radiation oncology. We are involved in every step of the patient journey, from diagnosis to the delivery of the therapy.
 
We make certain that the radiotherapy is properly targeted and ensure that the amount of radiation is exactly as prescribed for the patient. We work with Therapeutic Radiographers and Doctors to optimise the patient treatments to maximise the benefits of the therapies.

Radiotherapy has been successfully used for over 100 years in the fight against cancer. It can be a stand-alone treatment, or combined with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these. About 40% of patients cured of their disease have radiotherapy as part of their treatment, second only to surgery