Why Choose Us for Proton Therapy
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, proton therapy is not just a targeted treatment; it’s part of a carefully coordinated, state-of-the-art cancer care program. As the first and only center in the Mountain West offering this advanced radiation option, we combine cutting-edge technology, oncology-trained specialists, and personalized patient care, all under one roof.
Proton therapy at Huntsman Cancer Institute is designed to maximize treatment effectiveness while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Because proton therapy reduces the radiation dose to healthy tissues, patients often experience fewer side effects and a lower risk of long-term radiation-related complications.
Moreover, the Senator Orrin G. Hatch Proton Therapy Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute is expanding. The Proton Therapy Center is doubling capacity and broadening eligibility for more cancer types so more patients across Utah and the Mountain West can access this advanced therapy nearby, without needing to travel far.
Proton Therapy Close to Home
The Proton Therapy Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute is the very first in the Mountain West. Currently, the closest proton therapy centers are more than 700 miles away in southern Arizona, California, or Washington. Having proton therapy at Huntsman Cancer Institute is a major benefit for our patients and caregivers who don't have to travel far distances or incur the cost of long-term stays out of state.
“We're lucky that we have a proton machine so close. We feel incredibly blessed to have access to such a world-class facility.”
—Amanda Kellum, mom of Huntsman Cancer Institute patient Porter
"Proton therapy is one of many types of radiation treatments we can offer. Our expert care teams work with patients to determine the very best options for each unique person."
Frequently Asked Questions About Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is a newer type of radiation therapy. Similar to other types of radiation therapy, it uses invisible, high-energy beams to treat cancer. The difference is that proton therapy uses particles called protons instead of photons or electrons used in other radiation treatment beams.
This difference allows us to decrease radiation dose to healthy tissue. With proton radiation, we can provide the same effective dose of radiation to treat the cancer with a lower amount of radiation going to the surrounding tissues. Proton therapy is one of the many tools Huntsman Cancer Institute radiation oncologists have available and is not always the best solution for everyone. Radiation is often just one part of a person’s cancer treatment plan. Cancer treatments may also include surgery and chemotherapy.
Proton therapy can be used to treat adults and children with many different types of cancer. The usual treatment course happens five days a week over four to eight weeks.
Proton therapy is recommended based on many factors:
- The location of the cancer, such as a part of the body that affects the brain or brain development, the heart, lungs, or areas with nearby structures that are very sensitive to radiation.
- The health of the patient.
- The age of the patient. Children and young adults have some of the greatest benefits due to their long life expectancy and the fact that they are still growing and developing. Learn more about pediatric proton therapy.
Proton therapy will not be the right option for every patient. Huntsman Cancer Institute offers a wide range of state-of-the-art radiation treatments. Our doctors and care teams work with patients, considering their unique situation, to offer a personalized plan.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with personalized guidance, resources, and answers to your questions.
We are still learning more about the benefits of proton therapy compared to other types of radiation therapy. In general, proton radiation and the more standard photon radiation are equally effective at killing cancer cells.
These are some known benefits of proton therapy:
- More direct targeting of tumors
- Lower radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue
- Potentially, reduced short- and long-term side effects
- Sometimes, by reducing expected side effects an increase in radiation dose can be given
For these reasons, some experts believe that proton therapy is more effective than traditional radiation, but research is ongoing.
If you receive proton therapy treatments, there are potential side effects that your doctor will discuss and manage with you. A study published in JAMA Oncology indicated that patients may have fewer, less serious, side effects from proton therapy than traditional radiation therapy.
The side effects of proton therapy are similar to other radiation treatments and greatly depend on where the radiation is being delivered. Side effects can include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Hair loss where the treatment is given
- Skin changes
Proton therapy can be expensive. Many, but not all, insurance policies cover proton therapy for the appropriate patient and cancer type. All patients considering proton therapy should talk to a financial counselor and their insurance provider before having this treatment.
Please contact our clinic at 801-587-4631 or protons@hci.utah.edu.
