Proton Therapy
The Proton Therapy Center at The University of Kansas Cancer Center offers the most advanced and precise form of radiation therapy available for cancer today. We were the first proton center in Kansas and in the Kansas City region, and we have the most experienced team of proton experts, each of whom was hand-selected from across the country. Our nationally renowned team was first in the region to offer this next generation treatment, which delivers high-powered energy squarely onto the tumor, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Leading-edge proton therapy treatment
Proton therapy offers numerous advantages over traditional X-ray or photon radiation. The highly specialized and technologically advanced form of radiation targets tumors and spares surrounding healthy tissues by using a pencil-thin beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumor. People receive proton therapy treatments, which are noninvasive and painless, on an outpatient basis. Most patients retain a high quality of life during and after treatments.
One of the chief benefits of proton therapy is that it conforms to the shape of your tumor. This allows for more effective treatment and prevents surrounding organs and tissues from receiving unnecessary radiation. Proton therapy is an option for many types of cancer and is particularly beneficial in treating pediatric cancers. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy and surgery.
For precision proton therapy, leave it to the experts
Our proton center is staffed by a powerhouse team of experts with more than 115 years of combined proton therapy experience all under 1 roof. These 30 proton experts include nationally and internationally renowned radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists and proton radiation therapists – all of whom were recruited from across the US to join The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s proton therapy team. This expertise is important to ensure patients receive the right treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our nationally renowned team was first in the region to offer this next generation treatment, which delivers high-powered energy squarely onto the tumor, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Hundreds have already benefited from our lifesaving care.
Many experts. One team.
(Music)
Erin's voice:
"And. All right. Let me give you an arm here."
Jessica Lovell (The University of Kansas Cancer Center reporter):
"Coming for proton therapy. Five days a week for a month or more means a lot of face time with Aaron, Sarah, Carly and Dennis. They are the proton therapists handling each treatment."
Erin:
"I mean, it doesn't have to be a horrible, unpleasant experience. Let's, like, try to make it as pleasant as we can."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"All 4 say connecting with patients is the best part of the job."
Dennis:
"Me or my family... If if they were in this position, like, I would want them to be treated with compassion along with the science."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"Behind the scenes. And before treatment can start..."
Joseph's voice:
"This is the target and this is the spinal cord."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"...Medical dosimetrists like Joseph Vaughn create the best possible radiation plan for each patient's tumor."
Joseph:
"As the spinal cord goes through, we're kind of able to push the dose off."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"Complex treatment plans can take days to create. Find the best route for radiation means the most healing with the least harm."
Joseph's voice:
"How you arrange your beams can determine how you're able to spare healthy tissues."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"The team is back up by medical physicists like Dr. Yu Ting Lin. They are board-certified specialists who are experts in the proton machine and the technology itself."
Dr. Lin:
"I love my job. I also love physics."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"Long story short - they make subatomic particles are doing exactly what doctors order."
Dr. Lin:
"Long story short. Long story short."
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"It's a tight family in here so..."
Erin:
"It's a very tight family in here. (laughter)"
Jessica Lovell (reporter):
"Together, this team collaborates on every single patient's case to deliver a powerful beam of medicine in the accurate, effective and compassionate way."
Erin:
"Okay, we'll see you tomorrow, right?"
Patient:
"Yep."
Erin:
"We'll see you then."
(music to end)
- Learn more about proton therapy at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Watch Cancer: Choices, Hope and Science, Episode 4 - Proton Therapy.
World's leading proton technology
Not only do we have the most experienced and expert proton therapy team, but our center uses the world’s leading proton equipment from IBA ProteusONE®, the global leader in proton technology. More than 100,000 patients worldwide have been treated with IBA equipment, far more than any other proton manufacturer. The precise imaging on the IBA ProteusONE allows the most accurate proton treatment to the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding organs and tissues.
Since our proton center opened in April 2022, we have successfully treated hundreds of patients. Because we are part of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, proton therapy is but one treatment option of an overall comprehensive cancer care plan patients receive.
As leaders in our field, we pride ourselves on giving our patients the best possible odds for beating cancer. This means providing the most appropriate and advanced care and access to cancer clinical trials, which can lead to potential advancements in treatment and innovations in cancer prevention.
Why choose us for proton therapy care
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and 1 of fewer than 60 nationwide. Comprehensive designation is the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI and is bestowed only on cancer centers with the deepest and broadest knowledge of cancer. Patients treated at NCI-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival than patients treated at other cancer centers.
When you choose The University of Kansas Cancer Center for your proton therapy treatment, you’ll receive personalized, precision medicine from a multidisciplinary care team like no other in the region. Each of our proton radiation oncologists is disease-specialized (brain, breast, gastrointestinal, pediatric, prostate, etc.) and works as part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team that includes disease-specific surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and other team members. Together, these experts work with the patient at the center to create a personalized care plan with the most leading-edge treatment options available.
In addition, because we understand that having cancer isn’t easy, affordable or convenient, we offer support for our patients and families, connecting you with necessary resources, including nurse navigators, financial counselors, social workers, onco-psychologists, dietitians and scheduling assistance.
Proton therapy physician referral
If you have a patient who may benefit from proton therapy, we can help. We partner with referring physicians to ensure your patients receive top-of-the-line care and work closely with you to answer questions and ease the referral process.
Learn more about proton therapy care
Start your path today.
Your journey to health starts here. Call 913-588-1227 or request an appointment at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.