Patients in Cornwall are set to benefit from improved access to a minimally invasive treatment for kidney cancer following the successful completion of the first microwave ablation procedure for the treatment of renal cancer at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT).
The pioneering procedure involves inserting a fine antenna into a renal tumour while the patient is under general anaesthetic. Using CT imaging for precise guidance, clinicians deliver microwave energy to destroy the tumour without the need for major surgery.
Until now, patients from Cornwall requiring this specialist treatment had to travel to Plymouth. An audit carried out by RCHT found that up to 30% of eligible patients were unable to make the journey due to social, personal or practical reasons, often choosing major surgery instead because it was available closer to home.
The first patient treated at RCHT recovered well and was able to return home the following day. The procedure was lead by a multi-disciplinary team including interventional radiology consultants Helena Barton, Rhys Llewelyn and Angie Rogers as well as Dr Jonathan Skinner from Exeter Hospital, who is supporting RCHT for their first few cases, and Dan Canning, a representative from Angiodynamics Solero who are offering expert support from industry.
The introduction of the service marks a significant milestone for cancer care in Cornwall, following more than five years of work to secure approval and establish the procedure locally.
Head of Cancer Services, Mark Mantle, said: “We’re delighted that the first case went so well. This is an important development for patients in Cornwall, providing access to a minimally invasive treatment closer to home. We hope to expand this service to treat some types of liver cancer and liver metastases in the coming months.”
The new service is expected to improve outcomes and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment, ensuring more people across Cornwall can benefit from this advanced cancer therapy.
