Construction of the first proton therapy facility at the BayCare Cancer Institute at St Joseph's Hospital in the Tampa Bay area, Florida, US, has officially commenced.

The milestone was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony, in the presence of BayCare representatives, local healthcare providers, community members, and other special guests.

With the first patients anticipated to be treated by 2025, the new proton therapy centre aims to provide access to various “technologically advanced” treatment options for cancer patients closer to their homes.

Once open, the centre will allow BayCare to provide this new therapy to patients on a faster timeline, mainly due to the development of new technology, developed by Mevion Medical Systems.

This new technology will showcase the “most compact” proton therapy system on the market, integrating high-precision radiation delivery techniques with an upright patient positioning system aimed at improving comfort.

It is expected to be smaller in size and can easily be incorporated into the available infrastructures.

According to St Joseph's Hospital, the proton therapy administers radiation for treating cancerous tumours by utilising protons instead of X-rays. 

This method allows healthcare providers to target cancer more precisely while minimising radiation exposure more precisely to healthy tissue.  

Consequently, patients typically experience fewer side effects and have a reduced risk of developing secondary malignancies. 

Mevion chief operating officer Curt Kienast said: “This partnership will lead to the first of its kind proton therapy centre opening in the Tampa Bay Area.” 

With a $33m investment, the new system will be housed within the St Joseph's Hospital's Fred J Woods Radiation Therapy Center.  

This system is anticipated to enhance cancer treatment services throughout BayCare, complementing the accredited radiation oncology programmes at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, and St Anthony's Hospital in St Petersburg. 

BayCare president and CEO Stephanie Conners said: “We are the best place to work, practice and receive care, enabling us to continue to fulfil our vision and our mission.

“Innovative technologies like proton therapy are why we continue to be the No. 1 health system and provider of choice in the Tampa Bay region.”