Proton therapy is the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. Unlike conventional x-ray radiation (photon therapy), which passes through the entire body, proton therapy delivers a precise dose of radiation to a specific depth and then stops. This means less damage to healthy tissues and fewer side effects—especially important for cancers near critical organs or in pediatric patients.

Proton therapy uses a high-speed subatomic particle (the proton), accelerated to two-thirds the speed of light. The beam can be shaped and controlled to “print” radiation layer by layer inside the tumor with millimeter accuracy. This precision significantly reduces radiation to healthy tissue.

Proton therapy is ideal for many types of cancer, particularly when tumors are near vital organs. Common indications include:

• Pediatric cancers

• Brain tumors

• Head and neck cancers

• Lung cancer

• Breast cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Liver and abdominal cancers

• Base of skull and spine tumors

• Esophageal cancers

The therapy is especially beneficial for young patients with long life expectancy after treatment.

Children are more vulnerable to long-term side effects from radiation. Proton therapy allows us to avoid exposing vital organs like the heart, lungs, brain, and reproductive system to unnecessary radiation. This reduces the risk of developmental delays, heart disease, infertility, and other lifelong complications—while still curing the cancer.

Item descriptionYes. Recent high-level studies—including randomized phase III trials—show that proton therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients. For example:

• Head and neck cancer patients had a 10% higher 5-year survival rate, fewer feeding tubes, faster recovery, and better quality of life.

• Glioblastoma (aggressive brain tumors) showed improved tumor control and longer survival when treated with escalated doses using protons.

Proton therapy remains limited. While there are thousands of x-ray radiation centers, only 47 proton centers currently exist in the U.S. Many patients must travel to large cities or out-of-state for treatment. This limits access for many who would benefit.

Until now, patients in Tampa had to travel to Orlando, Jacksonville, or South Florida to access proton therapy—uprooting their lives for several weeks. The new center at St. Joseph’s Hospital provides advanced, life-changing care closer to home, keeping families together during a difficult time and reducing the burden of travel.

St. Joseph’s Hospital will be home to only the second installation in the U.S. of the Mevion 250i with upright patient positioning—a groundbreaking system offering:

• Easier treatments for children and adults (many no longer needing anesthesia)

• State-of-the-art imaging for precise alignment

• Pencil beam scanning—the most advanced proton delivery system available

• Faster treatment times with less discomfort

This is one of the most sophisticated proton systems in the country.

In most cases, yes. Thanks to strong clinical evidence, insurance coverage for proton therapy has greatly expanded. Pediatric cancers, head and neck, brain, spine, and esophageal cancers are routinely approved. Dr. Snider and the care team are experienced in navigating insurance approvals and advocating for patients.

No. Proton therapy is a well-established, FDA-approved treatment supported by decades of research. It's particularly validated in pediatric cases and is becoming the standard of care for many adult cancers as well.

According to Dr. Snider, two things must happen:

1. Expand access – bring more centers like this one to patients across the country.

2. Advance the science – continue clinical trials to expand the range of treatable cancers and improve outcomes.