Cancer patients across Kent and Medway are set to benefit from more advanced and personalised breast radiotherapy, following the introduction of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) alongside Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB).

The first VMAT breast radiotherapy session was successfully delivered at the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital last month, marking the beginning of a new chapter in advanced radiotherapy at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW).

VMAT represents a significant step forward from standard radiotherapy techniques. Instead of delivering radiation beams from a series of fixed positions, VMAT delivers treatment continuously as the machine moves in a smooth arc around the patient. This allows clinicians to shape the radiation dose with exceptional precision to both the primary tumour site and surrounding areas, such as lymph nodes.

This advanced treatment works alongside Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB), which changes how the radiation dose is given. In the past, different areas – such as the whole breast and the tumour site – were treated one after the other. With SIB, both areas are treated at the same time, with a higher dose focused on the tumour during each session.

This integrated approach shortens the overall course of treatment, improves local control of the disease, and reduces the risk of cancer returning, while protecting vital organs and reducing side effects.

The introduction of breast VMAT and SIB builds on a series of recent enhancements to radiotherapy services at MTW. Earlier this year, the Trust successfully treated its first liver SABR patient, offering a highly targeted option for people with liver metastases who may not be suitable for surgery. Together, these developments reflect MTW’s commitment to continually improving the quality, precision and patient experience of cancer treatment.

These advances come as MTW continues to provide some of the quickest access to cancer treatment in the country. The Trust has consistently met the national 62-day cancer treatment target for more than six years, ensuring patients begin treatment sooner and spend less time waiting during an already stressful period.

Radiotherapy Planning Clinical Lead, Norma Simpson, said: “Introducing Breast SIB and VMAT is a fantastic achievement for our service and a real benefit for our patients. It gives us the ability to deliver treatment with even greater accuracy and efficiency, which can make a meaningful difference to someone’s experience at what is often a very challenging time.

This has been a huge team effort, involving colleagues from across radiotherapy service, all working together with a shared determination to keep improving the care we provide.”