Ashya King: This story isn't quite what it seems
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In this instance, the Kings did their own research on the internet and read about a form of radiotherapy known as proton beam treatment, which isn't available in the UK. Because his parents disagreed, the doctors referred his case to a body called the NHS Specialised Services Proton Clinical Reference Panel. Last week, NHS Choices issued a clear warning about the marketing of "emerging" treatments, stating unequivocally that "some overseas clinics providing proton beam therapy heavily market their services to parents who are understandably desperate to get treatment for their children". Southampton General Hospital denies releasing this information to the media, and it does not seem to have had any bearing on Ashya's treatment to date.
History of this topic
Ashya King: Five-year-old boy free of cancer after family flees Britain for proton therapy
The Independent
Ashya King arrives in Prague for crucial proton therapy
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