This guide explains everything you need to know about accessing private proton beam therapy in the UK, drawing on Dr Ram’s experience as a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with over 14 years in proton beam therapy and a specialist private practice at Proton International London at University College Hospital, in partnership with UCLH.
IN THIS ARTICLE
There are currently two proton beam therapy centres in the UK: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, and University College Hospital in London.
For private patients, proton beam therapy is available exclusively at University College Hospital in partnership with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, through Proton International London, the UK’s only private proton beam therapy service. This state-of-the-art facility uses Varian ProBeam™ technology and operates from purpose-built treatment rooms within one of the country’s most respected hospital settings.
Dr Ram holds a private clinic at Proton International London at UCH and is one of a small number of Consultant Clinical Oncologists in the UK with specialist expertise in both proton beam therapy and the specific cancer types, particularly head and neck cancers and skull base tumours, for which it is most commonly indicated.
Choosing to access proton beam therapy privately means you are seen by a specialist consultant from the outset, with your entire pathway, from initial assessment through to treatment delivery and follow-up, coordinated around your individual circumstances.
The private pathway is not a shortcut around the clinical process. Proton beam therapy still requires careful assessment, detailed imaging, and thorough treatment planning before a single session can be delivered. What the private route offers is direct, timely access to that process, with consistent specialist care throughout.
The private pathway to proton beam therapy typically follows five stages:
The process begins with a consultation with Dr Ram, during which he will review your diagnosis, imaging, and existing treatment recommendations in detail. He will give you an honest, expert assessment of whether proton beam therapy is likely to offer meaningful clinical benefits in your specific case, and what the alternatives are. If you have existing scan results, biopsy reports, or letters from your current medical team, bringing these to the consultation allows for the most productive discussion. Virtual consultations are also available for patients who are unable to attend in person.
If Dr Ram believes proton beam therapy may be appropriate, the next step is a detailed clinical assessment. This includes a review of all relevant imaging and in some cases, additional diagnostic scans may be arranged to build a complete picture of the tumour and surrounding structures. This information is used to confirm suitability and to begin planning the treatment approach.
Proton beam therapy requires a detailed and highly individualised planning process before treatment can begin. Using advanced imaging, a team of specialists map the precise area to be treated and calculate exactly how the proton beam will be targeted and modulated. This planning stage ensures that the maximum dose reaches the tumour while the exposure to surrounding healthy tissue is minimised as far as possible.
Proton beam therapy is delivered on an outpatient basis, meaning you are able to go home after each session. Sessions are typically scheduled five days a week and last around 30 to 60 minutes, including preparation and positioning time. The total number of sessions depends on the type and location of the cancer and the dose required. The treatment itself is painless.
Once treatment has completed, Dr Ram will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, assess the response to treatment, and manage any side effects. He will liaise with your wider medical team, including your GP and any NHS specialists involved in your care, to ensure continuity and coordination. Detailed treatment summaries and follow-up recommendations are provided to support your onward care.
Many leading UK and international medical insurers now recognise proton beam therapy as a covered treatment for certain cancer types. Whether your policy covers PBT will depend on your specific plan, your insurer’s clinical criteria, and your consultant’s recommendation.
In most cases, your insurer will require a written recommendation from your consultant and pre-authorisation before treatment can begin. The team at Proton International London is experienced in working directly with insurers to provide the clinical evidence and documentation needed to support approval. BUPA, for example, now covers the five-fraction proton beam therapy pathway for eligible prostate cancer patients at Proton International London.
It is advisable to contact your insurer as early as possible in the process to understand what your policy covers and to avoid any delays. Dr Ram’s team can help coordinate with your insurer throughout.
For patients who are funding treatment privately, a personalised Treatment Package Letter is provided by Proton International London, clearly outlining all costs so you can plan with confidence. The cost of proton beam therapy varies depending on the cancer site, the number of treatment sessions required, and the complexity of the individual treatment plan.
International patients may also be supported through government programmes, embassy funding, or employer-sponsored healthcare. Dr Ram’s team has experience navigating these arrangements and can help guide you through the practicalities.
If you have questions about funding or insurance cover for proton beam therapy, contact Dr. Ram’s medical secretary Ann Clay on +44 23 8120 6598 or visit the contact page to make an enquiry.
There are a small number of Consultant Clinical Oncologists in the UK with hands-on experience in delivering proton beam therapy for head and neck cancers and skull base tumours. Dr Ram is among them, with over 14 years of experience in PBT and specialist training at some of the world’s leading proton centres, including the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in the USA and the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague.
What this means for patients accessing proton beam therapy through Dr Ram’s private clinic is that the consultant who assesses your suitability, plans your treatment, and oversees your care is the same specialist who has been doing exactly this for more than a decade, not a generalist overseeing a specialist modality.
Dr Ram’s private clinics are available at Spire Southampton, GenesisCare Southampton, GenesisCare Windsor, Phoenix Hospital London, and at Proton International London at University College Hospital in London. Virtual consultations are also available for patients who prefer not to travel or who are based outside the UK.
You can read more about Dr Ram’s background, qualifications and clinical innovations on his About page.
Private proton beam therapy in the UK is available through a well-established, clearly structured pathway at Proton International London at University College Hospital in London, the only private proton beam therapy centre in the country.
For patients who have been recommended PBT, or who believe it may be appropriate for their cancer and want an expert opinion, the private route offers direct access to specialist assessment and personalised care, without the eligibility constraints that apply to NHS referrals.
The process begins with a single consultation. Dr Ram will take the time to review your situation carefully, give you an honest clinical view on whether proton therapy is right for you, and guide you through every step of what comes next.
To learn more about proton beam therapy and the cancers Dr Ram treats, arrange a private consultation.
My approach combines advanced clinical expertise with compassion, honesty, and clear communication. Patients consistently describe my calm, approachable manner and my commitment to explaining every stage of treatment with care and to being there throughout their cancer journey.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer, exploring proton beam therapy, or seeking private oncology appointments in London, I offer expert, personalised cancer care focused on precision, evidence, and your long-term wellbeing.
Dealing with cancer can be a difficult and emotionally challenging situation. Dr Ram always has your best interests and wellbeing at heart.
Make an enquiry or book an appointment today to see how Dr Ram can help.
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