AXREM launches “The Radiotherapy Puzzle” to highlight the full picture of investment needed to deliver world-class cancer care
07 September 2025
AXREM, the UK trade association representing suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy and healthcare IT, has today released a new visual document ‘The Radiotherapy Puzzle’ to mark World Radiotherapy Awareness Day 2025 on 7th September.
The publication provides a clear, accessible breakdown of the wide range of technologies, infrastructure, and expertise that together enable safe, effective, and modern radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients across the UK.
While radiotherapy is often discussed in terms of linear accelerators alone, The Radiotherapy Puzzle highlights the essential supporting systems and services that make treatment possible, including:
- Treatment planning software to personalise therapy for each patient.
- Record & Verify systems ensuring treatment accuracy and safety.
- Surface Guided Radiotherapy and gating equipment to improve precision and reduce side effects.
- Immobilisation devices and consumables that ensure reproducibility across sessions.
- Critical IT infrastructure and digital AI-driven solutions that integrate workflows and support innovation.
- Comprehensive QA and ongoing service support to guarantee safety and longevity of equipment.
Each element is interdependent removing one piece of the puzzle risks undermining patient care and delaying access to treatment.
David Kynaston, AXREM’s Radiotherapy Special Focus Group, said:
The radiotherapy SFG have been continually working together to raise awareness around the importance on RT within the cancer plan and there is a growing understanding about the strength and importance of radiotherapy in over 50% of cancer patient’s treatment journey. With recent funding for machine replacements, we are starting to see some positive steps to strengthen the tools we have available to deliver world class treatments for our patients. This puzzle further highlights some of the considerations needed, which are often overlooked when centralised funding for machine replacements and expansion takes place. In order to deliver real efficiencies and improved quality within departments, many smaller pieces also need to be accounted for and it is important to highlight that the treatment machines alone are only a part of that puzzle. With the AXREM RT Puzzle document the SFG want to demonstrate visually how the puzzle, and the clinical service, is only complete once all of the pieces are in place.
Sally Edgington, AXREM’s CEO, said:
“Radiotherapy is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer, but it cannot operate in isolation. With ‘The Radiotherapy Puzzle,’ AXREM is proud to shine a light on the full ecosystem of technologies, expertise, and infrastructure that underpin world-class cancer care.
Every component from planning software to QA systems is vital. Remove one, and the whole system falters. This publication is more than a visual guide, it’s a call to action. We urge policymakers, NHS leaders, and stakeholders to recognise that meaningful investment must reflect the complexity of modern radiotherapy. Only then can we ensure equitable access, reduce waiting times, and deliver the precision and compassion that every patient deserves.
On World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, we stand united with our members and clinical partners in championing innovation, safety, and the future of cancer treatment.”
The Radiotherapy Puzzle is available to download from HERE