New imaging technology set to transform precise targeted radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatment in Leeds is set to be revolutionised thanks to a new MRI simulator that has been installed at Leeds Cancer Centre.

The state-of-the-art machine produces high-definition, high-contrast images will enable patients to receive more precise, targeted treatments whilst reducing the risk of treatment related side-effects. This new technology has the potential to benefit patients with a wide range of cancers, including the head-and-neck, pelvis, and brain.

The machine, known as an MR-Sim, was purchased following a £2.4m fundraising appeal launched in 2017 by the Leeds Hospitals Charity. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Leeds, and significant contributions from Sovereign Health Care, the Wilby family, Caravan Guard, the Cavill family and the Scarcliffe family, the target was met in 2019.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, installation of the machine was delayed until late 2022 and it first opened to patients in April 2023.

Leeds Cancer Centre is housed within St James’s University Hospital, part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Its radiotherapy department at is one of the largest in Europe, delivering 80,000 treatments to almost 7,000 patients from across Yorkshire during 2022.

It is among only a handful of radiotherapy departments in England to offer this cutting-edge imaging technology to patients.

One of the first patients to benefit is 47-year-old Joanna Williams from Temple Newsam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour called a high-grade glioma in March 2023.

She said: “I am about to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for my brain tumour. I recently came to the radiotherapy department at Leeds Cancer Centre to have my radiotherapy mask mould and underwent an MRI scan using the new charity-funded machine. The team told me about this new technology and how this will improve treatment and outcomes for thousands of patients who are treated in Leeds every year.

I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated to help cancer patients like me. The whole experience was less daunting than my previous scans as the machine told me how long each scanning process would take.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated to help cancer patients like me. The whole experience was less daunting than my previous scans as the machine told me how long each scanning process would take. This which helped reassure me that the scan would be finished soon and made me feel calmer and more comfortable.”

David Sebag-Montefiore, Professor of Clinical Oncology in Leeds’ School of Medicine and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and Director of the Leeds Cancer Research Centre and the CRUK RadNet Centre of Excellence in Leeds, said:

“For decades we have been limited to using CT scans to see the tumour and plan radiotherapy for our patients. Through ground-breaking research performed here in Leeds and other research centres across the world we are now able to use MRI scans to provide more targeted treatment.

“The Leeds radiotherapy team worked closely with Leeds Hospitals Charity, and world-leading industry partners to realise this project which will be transformational, allowing us to more precisely target tumours. As well as benefiting patients treated today, the MR Sim provides the opportunity for patients to participate in radiotherapy research that will help us make progress quicker and find new ways to develop “smarter, kinder” radiotherapy treatments.

“We are so grateful to Leeds Hospitals Charity and all of the donors for their amazing support - this would not have happened without it.”

Major donors with charity staff and radiotherapy team

The Leeds radiotherapy team worked closely with Leeds Hospitals Charity, and world-leading industry partners to realise this project which will be transformational, allowing us to more precisely target tumours.

The Leeds radiotherapy team worked closely with Leeds Hospitals Charity, and world-leading industry partners to realise this project which will be transformational, allowing us to more precisely target tumours. 

Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, said she was delighted that the new scanner is now benefiting cancer patients in Leeds.

She said: “As the charity for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we are committed to funding the best cutting-edge equipment to improve outcomes for patients. The new MR Simulator is already making a huge difference to patients undergoing radiotherapy every week by providing more targeted treatment.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our donors who contributed to this appeal, it’s thanks to your support that we’re able to help Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provide patients with the best possible care and support.”

Helen Christodoulides, Chief Nurse at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The installation of the MRI Sim machine will transform the way radiotherapy treatment is delivered to cancer patients. This will also enable the team here to significantly improve radiotherapy treatment planning and ensure as much of the tumour area is targeted without irradiating surrounding areas.

“It will reduce the short-term and long-term side effects for patients. It sits perfectly alongside the equally important emotional, physical, and psychological support we can give to our patients and their families.”

The installation of the MRI Sim machine will transform the way radiotherapy treatment is delivered to cancer patients. This will also enable the team here to significantly improve radiotherapy treatment planning and ensure as much of the tumour area is targeted without irradiating surrounding areas.

Stephen McMillan, Solutions Lead at MRI-Sim manufacturers Philips UK & Ireland, said: “At Philips, we truly work in partnership with our customers to deliver innovative technologies that drive transformation and have a positive impact on patient outcomes. We are delighted to mark another exciting milestone with the new Philips MRI-Simulator at Leeds Teaching Hospitals; revolutionising radiotherapy treatment for people across Yorkshire.

“It has been a true team effort, with our clinical science and applications specialists providing support and training during the clinical commissioning phase to optimise the MR-Sim with all the radiotherapy supporting equipment, ensuring that it gives the Leeds radiotherapy team high image quality, adapted to their treatment planning needs.”

John Muolo, Executive Vice President and Director of Strategic Relationships at Ergea, said:

“At Ergéa, we support our partners in delivering clinical care and excellent patient experience by facilitating a strategic selection and implementation of the best equipment, technology and systems that fit their present and future needs.

“For this project, we have worked closely with the hospital staff through the design, commissioning, and installation of the equipment to ensure its full functionality, and we will continue providing ongoing support, including maintenance and training. We take pride in being part of this project that allowed us, working collaboratively with other key stakeholders, to create a place of care and cutting-edge treatment for the people in Yorkshire and even further afield.”