IBA ProteusONE at Southwest Florida Proton. -COURTESY PHOTO
Southwest Florida Proton has delivered its first proton therapy treatment, officially becoming the first cancer center on Florida’s west coast to offer this highly advanced and precise form of radiation therapy.
The first treatment on Dec. 30 marks a major milestone in cancer care for the region, giving local patients access to leading-edge technology that previously required hours of travel to Florida’s east coast or points north. Proton therapy uses charged proton particles to destroy cancer cells with exceptional precision, often resulting in fewer side effects and less radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Dr. Arie Dosoretz. -COURTESY PHOTO
“This opening reflects years of careful planning and collaboration, driven by a singular focus on improving patient care,” said Dr. Arie Dosoretz, CEO and managing partner of Southwest Florida Proton. “Our vision for Southwest Florida Proton has always been to serve as a beacon of hope, bringing together advanced technology and clinical expertise to deliver the highest level of cancer treatment.”
“With the launch of proton therapy in Estero, Southwest Florida patients now have access to one of the most advanced cancer-fighting technologies in the world right here at home,” added Dr. Shannon MacDonald, senior medical director at Southwest Florida Proton. “Our goal is to give patients more options and the highest level of personalized care, close to where they live.”
Southwest Florida Proton delivers treatment using the IBA ProteusONE, a state-of-the-art system widely regarded as the most innovative and effective proton therapy platform available. The center recently completed formal installation and acceptance of the ProteusONE, allowing clinical teams to begin treating patients following extensive testing, calibration and training.
Proton therapy is often recommended for pediatric malignancies, curable brain tumors, tumors of the skull base and spine, eye tumors, and for select patients with breast, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, prostate, lymphomas and sarcomas. Because protons can be directed to stop at a precise depth within the body, patients frequently experience fewer complications during and after treatment when compared to traditional photon radiation.
IBA engineers will be permanently based at Southwest Florida Proton and work collaboratively with the center’s local leadership team, which includes Dosoretz, MacDonald, Associate Medical Director Dr. Todd Pezzi, Senior Director of Proton Medical Physics Mark Artz, Ph.D., and Director of Medical Dosimetry Linnae Campbell.
Southwest Florida Proton Leadership Team – Dr. Todd Pezzi, Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Mark Artz, Linnae Campbell. -COURTESY PHOTO
In addition to proton therapy, the Estero campus houses complementary services through its clinical partners. Advocate Radiation Oncology provides traditional photon-based radiation on site, and Lee Health operates a diagnostic imaging center offering PET, CT and MRI technologies.
Patients considering proton therapy may schedule a consultation with MacDonald, Pezzi and the center’s oncology team. Consultations include a medical history review, imaging evaluation and an educational overview of potential radiation approaches. Not every patient receiving radiation will require proton therapy, but physicians emphasize its importance for specific tumor types and for reducing long-term treatment impact.
Southwest Florida Proton is located at 9961 Estero Oaks Drive in Estero. To schedule a consultation, visit SWFLproton.com or call 239-516-0009.
About Southwest Florida Proton
Southwest Florida Proton in Estero is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center that features IBA’s ProteusONE, widely considered the most innovative and effective cancer-fighting machine in the world. Its board-certified physicians use cutting-edge technology to deliver world-class care to patients with a range of cancers, including prostate, head and neck, breast, brain, spine, esophageal, liver, lung, eye, pancreas, lymphomas and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as pediatric cancers. Its clinical partners include Advocate Radiation Oncology, which offers traditional photon therapy at the center, and Lee Health, which operates an on-site diagnostic imaging center. Please visit SWFLproton.com for additional information.
Southwest Florida Proton. -COURTESY PHOTO