- The Papillon treatment, which uses low-energy X-rays, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for use on the NHS.
- This treatment is approved for fit rectal cancer patients whose tumours measure 3cm or less, and who choose not to have surgery or are considered high-risk.
- Papillon is a type of brachytherapy that delivers low doses of radiation directly to tumours, allowing patients to potentially avoid surgery and the need for a stoma.
- NICE stated that avoiding a stoma substantially improves patients' quality of life, and people with larger tumours may become eligible if their tumour size is reduced.
- Pioneered by Professor Sun Myint, who hailed the news as a “great victory”, the treatment has shown 93 per cent organ preservation in relevant cases and is expected to reduce surgical waiting lists and costs for the NHS.
IN FULL
‘Great victory’ as cancer therapy given the go-ahead for NHS use
