NEW equipment to help lung cancer patients control their breathing for more targeted radiotherapy treatment is being tested at the new Wade Centre for Radiotherapy Research at the Christie Hospital.

The Christie is one of only three specialist centres in the country trialing the equipment with patients (and the only centre in the North).

The equipment helps patients pause their breath in time with doses of high-energy radiation beams so healthy tissue around the lungs is preserved.

Dr Ron Stout, Medical Director and lung cancer consultant at the Christie Hospital said;

" When we inhale the diaphragm moves and the lungs expand. In the case of lung cancer patients this means that their tumour will move as they breathe in. As it's important not to miss any of the cancerous tumour whilst we're delivering radiotherapy we therefore normally target an area about 2 cm larger than the tumour.

"A stationery target is easier to hit than a moving one. If we know the exact position of the lung at specific times we can tighten our target area and save healthy tissue."

Active Breathing Coordinator(tm) helps people follow a repeatable breathing cycle. A mouthpiece with an inflatable valve to block breathing enables them to pause their breathing for 15-20 seconds at the same point. The mouthpiece is connected to a propeller which monitors breathing and allows it to be paused at the same point each time allowing more accurate delivery of the radiotherapy treatment. The equipment is portable so it can be used in any treatment room.

Dr Ron Stout;

" We are working with patients to see how long they can manage the breathing cycles. The patient has a button to stop the breathing co-ordinator at any point so they feel confident and in control throughout the process. "

" It's early days, but the results have been hopeful in the lung cancer patients we have trialed so far. This equipment could eventually allow us to increase the dosage of radiotherapy as it will be targeted to millimeter precision. A higher dosage would help treat the tumour even more effectively."

The trial started in December and will run until the summer. Around 40 patients will take part in the trial.

The Wade Centre for Radiotherapy Research is a purpose-built research facility for advanced radiotherapy - the only one of its kind in the UK. It was built and equipped through donations from the Christie's centenary appeal. Active Breathing Coordinator(tm) was bought with the help of a generous patient legacy of L20,000.

Dr Ron Stout;

" It's thanks to the great generosity of people that we are able to undertake this trial. Without their overwhelming support we would not be are able to continue important research projects such as this. "

FactFile

The Wade Centre for Radiotherapy Research opened in June 2002. The GUS Group (Great Universal Stores) donated L500,000 to help build the new centre, L46,000 of which was raised through fundraising efforts by Manchester based GUS Home Shopping staff.

Active Breathing Coordinator(tm) made by Elekta - ELEKTA is the world's 2nd largest supplier of radiation oncology and radiosurgery solutions for precise radiotherapy and neurosurgery. Elekta works with leading institutions to make technology innovations practical clinical solutions. With a global network of clinical, technical and financial support services, Elekta provides a comprehensive range of non-invasive cancer care and minimally invasive neurosurgery solutions.

The other centre to be testing Active Breathing Coordinator(tm) equipment is Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hertfordshire and the Royal Marsden in London.