Prostate cancer treatment that takes just five sessions to complete hailed an 'absolute godsend'

Approximately 3,500 men each year are expected to opt for this precision approach, which has already proven effective for lung and brain cancer patients.

All 48 radiotherapy centres throughout England are anticipated to begin offering SABR within weeks, marking the first time low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients can access the treatment outside clinical trials.

Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, described the development as a significant advancement, though he acknowledged it would not suit every patient.

"This technology lets us focus a powerful and precise beam of radiotherapy directly onto the cancer, limiting the damage to healthy cells," he explained.

"And the fact that it can be delivered in 15 fewer doses will help men get back to living their lives far more quickly."

Senior medical professionals have emphasised SABR targets tumours with greater accuracy than conventional radiotherapy whilst simultaneously minimising unwanted effects on surrounding tissue.

Amy Rylance, representing Prostate Cancer UK, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement.

"It's wonderful news that thousands of men in England will now have access to this revolutionary targeted radiotherapy," she said. "It will massively reduce the burden that cancer places on them and their loved ones."

The charity has voiced optimism that SABR could eventually become available to a broader range of prostate cancer patients.

Research is currently ongoing to determine whether this precision treatment might also benefit those diagnosed with high-risk forms of the disease, potentially expanding access to even more men in future.

Edwin Lambert, a 70-year-old from Suffolk currently participating in one of the clinical trials, has spoken of his positive experience with the new approach.

Following his prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2025, Mr Lambert initially underwent hormone therapy, which brought challenging side effects including fatigue, mood changes and hot flushes.

The SABR treatment, which targeted both his prostate and nearby lymph nodes, proved far more manageable by comparison.

Mr Lambert observed fellow patients receiving conventional radiotherapy who appeared "dreadful" due to their repeated sessions.

Within five weeks of completing his treatment, he was participating in a long-planned archaeological dig.

"This treatment was an absolute godsend," he said.