THE team behind pioneering treatment at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has been honoured with a prestigious British Medical Journal award.

Their entry, Papillon for rectal cancer was winner of the Cancer Care Team category.

The life-changing technique was introduced by Professor Arthur Sun Myint, lead papillon Clinician, to the United Kingdom 25 years ago.

Since it was established at Clatterbridge, 1450 patients have been treated.

Prof Myint said the honour was reward for the dedication of the team and their patient centered care.

He added: "I was very humbled. This is a reward for 25 years of blood sweat and tears and championing the rights of our patients.

"Patient care is at the centre of everything we do.

"Since 1993 we have been offering an alternative to surgery and a stoma for our patients.

"As demand grows for Papillon treatment, we are also helping to educate and train clinicians to provide a wider service in the UK and beyond."

Papillon is recommended for patients who are not fit enough for general anaesthesia or those who want to avoid major surgery.

It is low energy contact radiotherapy delivered to the tumour via a treatment tube.

Another benefit is that it avoids the need for patients to have surgery which can result in them requiring a temporary or permanent colostomy bag.

Ann Farrar, interim chief executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: "A very warm congratulations to Prof Myint and the Papillon team on this very well-deserved award.

"This is fantastic recognition for their hard work and their ethos of always putting patients first."

The BMJs are the UK's leading medical awards and were presented at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in London.