Our oncology innovations
The Kent Oncology Centre is one of the top performing cancer centres in the country.
We pride ourselves on our innovation and developing new ways of delivering care to provide the best outcomes for our patients.
New radiotherapy treatments put patients at the heart of cancer care
The first volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) breast radiotherapy session was successfully delivered at the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital in March 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in advanced radiotherapy.
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.
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.
First patient begins advanced liver radiotherapy
The Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital treated its first patient with liver SABR (stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy) in February 2026, an important development which means patients can access a highly specialised radiotherapy treatment closer to home.
Liver SABR is a highly precise form of radiotherapy and MTW is now one of just a few trusts in the country provided this type of care.
It delivers a high dose of radiation in a small number of treatment sessions, carefully targeting tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Because the liver moves as patients breathe and is located close to other vital organs, extensive preparation was required before caring for patients with this new method of treatment.
The team put in place advanced systems to manage movement, improve imaging and thoroughly test treatment delivery.
National award for outstanding myeloma care
Patients living with myeloma – an incurable form of blood cancer – are benefitting from high-quality, patient-centred care, as Maidstone Hospital was recognised with the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award in December 2025.
The award recognised the commitment of the Kent Oncology Centre's teams to compassionate care and improved quality of life for people with myeloma.
Maidstone Hospital was the first in Kent to receive this accolade.
Judges praised the team for listening to patients, responding to their needs, and delivering consistently high-quality support throughout diagnosis, treatment and beyond.