Adrian Crellin on pioneering smarter radiotherapy for treating cancer

Professor Adrian Crellin originally set out to be a forensic medic but a chance encounter with an oncologist set him on a path to work in radiotherapy. Whilst unfashionable at the time, it satisfied his latent desire to both work in high end physics along with helping patients on the hospital wards.

As a result, he's been a cancer specialist for more than 40 years - during which time radiotherapy has undergone a dramatic transformation, now being used to treat nearly half of all cancer patients more quickly and safely than ever before.

As NHS England’s Clinical Lead for Proton Beam Therapy, Adrian pioneered the introduction and use of this precise high-energy radiation treatment within the UK. It accurately targets tumours with less harm to surrounding healthy tissue compared to conventional radiotherapy. Alongside a detailed research programme, his work has transformed treatment of children and young adults with cancer, reducing long-term side effects and improving quality of life.

But Adrian’s life has also transitioned from doctor to patient: in 2016, he received treatment for metastatic prostate cancer in the Bexley Wing at St James's Hospital in Leeds - the same centre which he had helped to launch. He’s since become an advocate for cancer research; and says we need to reshape how we describe life with incurable cancer, now that smarter, kinder treatments allow patients to live fulfilling lives alongside the disease.

Presented by Jim Al-Khalili
Produced by Adrian Washbourne
A BBC Studios Production