Nebraska Medicine to pioneer breakthrough proton therapy treatment at Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Nebraska Medical Center will be home to the state’s first targeted particle therapy treatment. Construction is set to begin at the end of this month on a $36 million-dollar proton therapy project at Nebraska Medical Center, bringing new hope to patients.
Proton therapy provides a highly focused dose of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, reducing side effects. In past years, traditional proton therapy systems were considered too costly and too large to be used widely.
Nebraska Medicine is partnering with Massachusetts-based Mevion to bring a proton therapy system to the flagship Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Currently, there are less than 50 proton therapy centers in the United States, with the majority east of the Mississippi River. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Center – Nebraska Medical Center will be the first in a six-state region—which includes Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado – to offer proton therapy.
Proton therapy is the preferred treatment for tumors in sensitive locations, such as those near the brain, spine, heart and eye. It is considered especially beneficial for treating pediatric patients, whose bodies and brains are still developing.
“The main benefit of proton therapy is the reduction of the radiation dose to the adjacent normal tissue. That says it in a nutshell.” says Dr. Charles Enke, radiation oncologist and chair of the department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). “With pediatric patients, not only do we have to cure their cancer now, but we also have to make certain they are not experiencing side effects of cancer treatment in 15-20 years when they are still young adults.”
The proton therapy system, known as the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System™, will be integrated into an existing, unfinished treatment room at the cancer center. Mevion has adapted their technology to allow patients to be treated in an upright position, as opposed to lying down, which will allow the system to fit into that existing space. Nebraska Medicine is partnering with H&H Design-Build and Kiewit to ensure the installation meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
“Nebraska Medicine is committed to providing our patients with the most advanced cancer care available,” says Dr. James Linder, CEO and board chair of Nebraska Medicine. “The generous support of donors has enabled the addition of proton therapy to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at Nebraska Medical Center and marks another important step in fulfilling that commitment. I am grateful for the leadership of Drs. Enke and Sweasy, and for our partnership with Mevion Medical Systems that will allow us to offer this innovative life-saving treatment to our patients.”
Dr. Joann Sweasy, Director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, added: “This advanced proton therapy system opens doors for us to explore new frontiers in cancer treatment. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of proton therapy research and bringing the latest advancements to our patients.”
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the only institution in Nebraska with a prestigious National Cancer Institute, or NCI, designation and one of just 73 nationwide. This recognition, held since 1984, reflects the center's commitment to cutting-edge research in preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center locations in Omaha, Bellevue and Kearney proudly offer all Nebraskans access to world-class cancer care. Learn more at NebraskaMed.com/Cancer/.
*The MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System is not yet available for clinical use.
