New service for long-term radiotherapy side effects

Adults in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas who have been treated for cancer with radiotherapy can now benefit from a new specialist service that supports them with any long-term consequences.

Although radiotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer and many people make a full recovery, some people experience ongoing physical or psychological effects months or even years after treatment has finished.

The OUH Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Service is provided by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) and funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.

The service has been open to internal OUH referrals since August 2024. As of this month, January 2025, patients can now self-refer or be referred by their GP.

Late effects following radiotherapy treatment for cancer can present in a variety of ways depending on the type of treatment and the area of the body treated.

Symptoms are highly variable; for example those treated with pelvic radiotherapy may have a change in bowel habit, other gastrointestinal symptoms and sexual dysfunction, and those treated with head and neck radiotherapy may have symptoms that affect neck movement and voice.

Collectively, symptoms affect people psychologically and physically, with the potential to significantly impair quality of life. Macmillan estimates that around one in four (25%) people with cancer are living with the long-term consequences of cancer or its treatment.

Mitch Sharman-Else, Macmillan Consultant Late Effects Therapeutic Radiographer at OUH, said: "The OUH Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Service is a vital resource for people who have undergone radiotherapy for cancer.

"It provides specialised care and support for managing the long-term physical and psychological consequences of radiotherapy, helping people improve their quality of life, cope with chronic symptoms, and access appropriate rehabilitation and follow-up services.

"We are very grateful to Macmillan Cancer Support for their generous funding and partnership in establishing this service. Their contribution enables us to offer a comprehensive and holistic service that meets the needs of our patients and their families."

The service was established with the input and support of patient representatives. One of those representatives said it "will play an important part in providing essential information, advice, and active help for patients before, during and following their radiotherapy".

The team, which cares for people across Oxfordshire, Swindon, Milton Keynes, and parts of Buckinghamshire, runs clinics at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, as well as the OUH-run radiotherapy centres at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and Milton Keynes University Hospital.

Appointments for adults (aged 18 years and over) are offered in-person, over the phone, or as a video consultation, to suit different patients' needs. People will be seen by the team as many times as required to manage their symptoms.

Emma Dowie, Macmillan Cancer Support Communities Manager, said: "We are really proud to have launched the OUH Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Service – this represents a real step forward in cancer care.

"Co-designed by brilliant and committed professionals at Oxford University Hospitals, the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance, and a team of patient representatives, this service aims to fill what was a gap in support for people who are often suffering from life-changing effects caused by cancer treatment."

Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "More people are living longer following a cancer diagnosis, and there is therefore a greater proportion of people living with the late adverse effects of cancer treatment.

"Late Effects services are being set up across the country, and the multi-disciplinary team here at OUH is providing this much-needed type of care for many more people.

"We are proud and thankful to be working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to enhance care for people after treatment to improve their quality of life. We are looking forward to establishing the service for the communities we serve."

Pictured: From left, Mitch Sharman-Else (Consultant Late Effects Radiographer), Marios Spindler and Sinead Sullivan (both Advanced Practice Late Effects Radiographers)