A cutting-edge cancer treatment is now available at Royal Preston Hospital thanks to an investment of £40,000 from Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The money has been used to help the Plastic Surgery Department buy an Electrochemotherapy (ECT) machine.

ECT is a new, innovative therapy for cancer patients with recurrent tumours.

The arrival of the ECT machine at RPH means the hospital is one of only a handful in the UK able to offer this new procedure.

The treatment combines low dose chemotherapy with brief and intense electric pulses using needle electrodes directly into the tumour. The electric pulses make the cancer cells more permeable to enable the chemotherapy medicine to reach exactly where it is most needed.

Sofiane Rimouche, Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, said: “Electrochemotherapy is hugely beneficial to patients as it is an alternative to recurrent surgery or higher dose chemotherapy on its own or with radiotherapy, which all potentially have significant side-effects.

“Different shaped electrodes or plates are used depending on the tumour size, extent, shape and location. As a team, we were extremely lucky to be given the opportunity to trial ECT equipment at no cost. From this trial, we were able to demonstrate patient experience and outcome benefits, especially for breast and skin cancer.

“At the trial’s end, we felt the prospect of not being able to continue to offer ECT was a significant backwards step for patient care and quality of life, which is why we approached Rosemere Cancer Foundation for help. Thankfully, the charity supported our bid and we’re now able to continue to provide ECT on an as needed basis.”

Read more: Eid charity lunch with Dr Munavvar raises £4,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation

Find out more about Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s work to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria on the Rosemere website.

What do you think of RPH getting an ECT machine? Let us know in the comments below.