Moffitt Cancer Center Activates Proton Therapy Center in Florida, USA

Moffitt Cancer Center recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, announcing the official opening of the Richard M. Schultz Family Foundation Proton Center at the Moffitt Speros Outpatient Center. Located in the Speros Global R&D Park in Pasco County, Florida, it is recognized as the first proton therapy center in the Tampa Bay area.

Moffitt Cancer Center stated that the activation of the proton therapy center will provide local patients with more precise radiotherapy options. Built in collaboration with IBA, a particle accelerator technology company, the center will use proton therapy to deliver targeted radiation to tumors, improving tumor targeting accuracy while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissues.

According to reports, the center is equipped with the Proteus®ONE proton therapy system, enabling high-dose radiation delivery with sub-millimeter precision. The system features a rotating gantry design, allowing clinicians to treat tumors from multiple angles, which helps protect normal tissues, reduce side effects, and improve the patient treatment experience.

Kosj Yamoah, Chair of Radiation Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center, stated that proton therapy is not intended to replace conventional radiotherapy, but rather to match patients with the most appropriate technology at the right time, thereby expanding personalized cancer treatment options. Moffitt Cancer Center patient Alexander Shaver will be the first patient treated at this proton therapy center.

The construction of the center was supported by a $15 million donation from Best Buy founder Dick Schultz and the Richard M. Schultz Family Foundation. Moffitt Cancer Center also plans to leverage the Speros platform to conduct research exploring the potential combination of proton therapy with immunotherapy, aiming to help the immune system better recognize and fight cancer.

Moffitt stated that the proton center is a key component of the Speros campus, integrating scientific discovery, technology development, and patient care. Following its activation, the center will work alongside outpatient services, cancer research, and subsequent innovation platforms to advance clinical and scientific work in radiotherapy, immunotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, and drug development.