Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Tender description

Through collaboration with University College London the potential for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy to provide a benefit to the patients of University College London Hospital has been identified. The Trust is therefore exploring the possibility of installing this novel technology on our estate with the intention of developing clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of Neutron Boron Capture Therapy - we hope this would lead to the development of new cancer treatments for patients. <br/><br/>To progress this the Trust are looking to identify potential suppliers who can provide further information on the capability of the equipment, its functionality and operability. Several potential sites are being reviewed with their suitability depending on the infrastructure requirements of the proposed solution - size, access and power are of particular concern. Collating this information shall enable UCLH to determine the viability of the project from both a technical and financial perspective. <br/><br/>If deemed viable then UCLH will be seeking a collaborative arrangement with a supplier to design, install and maintain the equipment. Furthermore, we would look for enhanced training for our staff and ongoing engagement with a supplier to aid further research and development of treatment possibilities for patients.<br/><br/>The equipment will be used initially to offer treatment access, within the context of a clinical trial, to patients with relapsed brain tumours and relapsed head and neck cancers using current, approved boron agents - The Trust are therefore looking for equipment which has a history of patient use. In parallel we intend to explore new indications and new pharmaceuticals in trial in partnership with University College London. Additional research will study drug uptake and monitoring.<br/><br/>To our knowledge this would create the only service in the UK able to offer this treatment. The estimated capacity when fully operational could be ~2000 patients per year. Lot 1: As indicated in the description above the Trust are looking at the potential for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy to benefit patients of UCLH. It is likely that the infrastructure requirements of any potential solution will be the largest factor in determining whether this project is viable. <br/><br/>This PIN is aiming to identify potential suppliers of this technology who we can liaise with to identify the construction nuances which will have to be considered both in the feasibility study stage and during any initial design stages. Further competition will be completed at a later stage if a viable option emerges. <br/><br/>Once potential suppliers have been identified following this process it is likely that our construction teams will be in touch to request more specific information. Additional information: The financial envelope open to the Trust is also unknown at this stage. We would also be looking for feedback from suppliers as to indicative costs of their proposals which would also feed into any feasibility study. With this technology being very new to market we are unable to estimate the cost of this requirement at this stage.