Full Breakdown
First Prostate Cancer Patient Receives High-Precision SABR at Bath’s Royal United Hospital
7/27/2026, 8:28:30 AM
Core Event
Derek Chase, a 73-year-old retired GP from Calne, Wiltshire, became the inaugural patient to undergo Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath. The five-session, two-week regimen replaces the conventional 20-session course, delivering radiation with pinpoint imaging to spare surrounding tissue. Chase completed treatment in June and reported feeling “positive” while noting “profound fatigue” as a side effect.
Background and Context
SABR, already employed for selected lung and brain tumours, is now being extended to prostate cancer. The NHS estimates that roughly 17,500 men in England are diagnosed each year with low or intermediate-risk disease—about one-third of the 55,000 annual prostate-cancer cases. NHS England announced in June that all 48 radiotherapy centres across the country are slated to introduce SABR “within weeks,” aiming to broaden access for thousands of patients.
Data and Statistics
- 17,500 men annually in England could be offered SABR for low/intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
- This group represents nearly 30 % of the 55,000 men diagnosed each year with the most common male cancer.
- The new protocol reduces treatment visits from 20 to five, potentially freeing appointment slots and shortening waiting times.
Official Statements & Responses
She noted that eligibility is limited and encouraged patients to discuss options with their treatment teams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've got follow-up appointments to come at the RUH, where they'll keep an eye on me, and I'm feeling positive.” — Sian Smith, consultant radiographer at the RUH
- “Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but if you think you may be, just contact your treatment team,” — Sian Smith, consultant radiographer at the RUH
