A WOMAN from Northwich has become the first skin cancer patient to benefit from a new high-tech machine at The Christie hospital.
Muriel Large from Davenham, has completed a course of treatment on the new £175,000 machine.
The superficial treatment is a form of low-energy radiotherapy used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
The Christie administers this treatment to approximately 130 patients annually, spread out over 550 sessions, known as fractions.
Muriel, 76, noticed a growth on her nose last December and was referred to a specialist under the two-week urgent cancer referral standard.
The growth was diagnosed as cancer, and she had a successful operation in November 2024.
However, her surgeon recommended post-operative radiotherapy to reduce the possibility of the cancer returning.
In January 2025, Dr Agata Rembielak arranged for Muriel to undergo superficial treatment at The Christie.
This week, she completed her fifth and final treatment.
"They have all been absolutely brilliant.
"My consultant, Dr Agata Rembielak, has been lovely, and the staff member who helped fit my treatment mask had a great bedside manner.
"I feel like I am in safe hands with the radiotherapists who treat me.
"And, despite the hospital being so busy, everyone has looked after me with kindness and respect."
Superficial treatment has shown highly successful clinical outcomes for patients, with many being cured after the treatment.
The Christie has invested approximately £370,000 in upgrading its superficial treatment service, including building work for a more pleasant patient environment and the new machine, which replaces a decade-old model.
The Xstrahl 150 X-ray system was chosen for its adaptable energy range and ability to treat larger skin lesions while maintaining pinpoint accuracy.
Treatment typically lasts less than five minutes, although the session may take around 15 minutes to include discussion, skin checks, and machine setup.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in every three cancers diagnosed is skin-related.
While surgery remains the gold standard in treating non-melanoma skin cancer, radiotherapy options, including superficial treatment, are also viable.
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancer may be offered other radiation treatments, including electron or brachytherapy treatments or photon radiotherapy, depending on the nature of the tumour.
All these types of radiation treatment are available at The Christie.
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