A radiotherapy device which targets cancerous cells in the body has been rolled out in three cancer centres across the UK.

The Novalis Tx has gone into service at the Clatterbridge Centre for Onocology in Liverpool and at two other specialist NHS cancer centre in Manchester and Edinburgh.

The machine uses a `sat nav` like system to destroy cancerous cells anywhere in the body in a single session, while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Around 800 patients are expected to be treated with the device at Clatterbridge in its first year.

Dr Brian Haylock, consultant oncologist and clinical director for radiotherapy at the centre, explained: "Unlike some other highly specialised radiation treatment machines, the Novalis Tx can treat many different types of cancer all over the body allowing us to treat more cancer patients with a single device.

"This coupled with the speed with which we can treat patients - in some cases in as little as 15 minutes in just one session - means the equipment will be available for the benefit of more patients here in the UK."

Almost 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year and recent estimates show that of these almost 50,000 people develop either primary or secondary brain tumours.

Malignant primary brain tumours take more years off the average person`s life than any other cancer and are the most significant cause of cancer death amongst men under 45 years and women under 35.

Sue Farrington-Smith, director of the charity Brain Tumour Research, said: "We are delighted that advanced brain tumour treatments like the Novalis Tx are now available to cancer patients on the NHS.

"The work of Clatterbridge and The Walton Centre Trusts in Liverpool will undoubtedly provide the best cancer care for their patients. This is inspirational stuff."

Copyright ⌐ Press Association 2011