Icon Oncology Group has acquired Nova Healthcare, a cancer and haematology care provider based at Leeds Cancer Centre at St James’s University Hospital, expanding its specialist treatment services in Yorkshire.
The acquisition brings Nova Healthcare’s systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and haematology services into Icon Cancer Centre’s UK network, alongside its specialist Gamma Knife service, which treats NHS and privately funded patients.
Nova Healthcare works with consultants across SACT, radiotherapy and haematology, supporting patients across Yorkshire.
Its Gamma Knife service operates under an NHS England contract serving patients across the North of England, including the North-West and West Yorkshire.
Icon said its immediate priority following the acquisition would be to maintain continuity of care for Nova Healthcare’s patients, consultants, staff and healthcare partners.
“Nova Healthcare has developed important oncology and haematology services for patients across Yorkshire, supported by relationships with consultants from a wide range of specialities,” said Mark Middleton, Global CEO of Icon Oncology Group.
“We want to build on that full clinical offering, including its highly specialised Gamma Knife service, and support the expertise and relationships that patients already rely on.”
Acquisition adds to Leeds cancer centre plans
The deal follows Icon Oncology Group’s plans to establish a new Icon Cancer Centre at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
The proposed centre will provide advanced radiotherapy and oncology imaging services for patients across Leeds and Yorkshire.
Icon said the acquisition and the planned Headingley development could create opportunities to coordinate specialist cancer treatment pathways across the region, working alongside existing consultants and healthcare providers.
The group also plans to work with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and local oncology teams as it develops its regional services.
Specialist Gamma Knife service
Nova Healthcare operates the Gamma Knife service at Leeds Cancer Centre, a specialist form of stereotactic radiosurgery used to treat certain brain tumours and other conditions affecting the brain and base of the skull.
The non-invasive treatment delivers highly focused radiation to targeted areas while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is typically provided as a day-case procedure.
The Leeds service is one of a limited number of specialist Gamma Knife facilities in the UK and holds an NHS England contract covering patients across the North of England.
Icon said the contract is expected to continue following the acquisition.
Icon Oncology Group has international experience in Gamma Knife treatment and plans to make the service available to privately funded and insured patients as part of its wider offering.
Icon expands UK cancer care network
Icon Oncology Group entered the UK market in 2024 through its acquisition of Cancer Centre London.
Since then, it has pursued further radiotherapy developments in Derby, Brighton and Warwickshire, alongside its planned Headingley centre.
The group is also progressing plans to reopen three former Rutherford Health cancer centres in Bedlington, Newport and Reading, as part of its wider expansion of UK treatment capacity.
