Dr Alex Stewart is proud to announce that the highly specialised Papillon treatment is now available on the NHS, offering eligible rectal cancer patients a proven, less invasive alternative to major surgery—and in many cases, the possibility of avoiding a stoma bag.
The introduction of Papillon treatment to the NHS comes after fundraising and support from cancer charities BRIGHT Cancer Care and GUTS, which together raised more than £200,000 in 2013 to bring the first Papillon machine to the Southeast. Their investment has enabled many patients to access this innovative therapy and has played a crucial role in its broader adoption across the NHS.
Papillon is a form of brachytherapy that delivers low-energy X-rays directly to rectal tumours using a small internal applicator. This targeted approach allows doctors to treat cancer effectively while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now recommends Papillon for fit rectal cancer patients whose tumours measure 3cm or less, particularly for those who wish to avoid surgery or are considered high-risk surgical candidates. For some patients with larger tumours, Papillon may become an option if other treatments successfully reduce their tumour size.
Avoiding surgery can also allow many patients to bypass the need for a stoma—a procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to divert waste. According to NICE, the ability to avoid a stoma can “substantially improve” quality of life for patients.
Clinical experience shows that Papillon is effective in 93% of rectal cancer cases involving tumours of 3cm or less, making it a valuable addition to the NHS’s cancer treatment options.
BRIGHT continues to fund essential equipment and innovative cancer treatments for patients across the region. To support its ongoing work, the charity welcomes donations via its online donate button.
