A tumour-specific form of radiotherapy will be made available in the UK through the establishment of a global network of treatment centres.

Proton Therapy Global Management (PTGM) is a new company formed to make proton therapy available to cancer patients worldwide.

Proton therapy is a precise form of radiation treatment that treats localised tumours while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue mostly intact.

This treatment is currently not available in the UK for most cancers: patients - especially children - requiring it are sent abroad.

PTGM will develop a global network of proton therapy centres, providing facilities in partnership with hospitals that are leaders in cancer care.

Letters of intent have been signed to build five centres in the US and UK, including one in central London.

The founding PTGM team have held senior executive positions in leading healthcare service organisations and global corporations.

Vernon R. Loucks, the Chairman of PTGM, is a former Chairman of Baxter International. He commented: "The formation of PTGM represents the combination of a highly focused vision, a compelling business strategy and a disciplined operating plan orchestrated by one of the most experienced management teams in the global healthcare industry."

"Cancer patients are increasingly demanding access to proton therapy because it's non-invasive, effective and unlike standard X-ray radiation causes significantly fewer side effects," said Ronald Anderson, President and CEO, Proton Therapy USA.