Proton Therapy Center Proposed for Illinois

Experts estimate that every year, more than 10,000 Illinois cancer patients would benefit from proton therapy, an alternative to traditional radiation treatment but without the short- and long-term side effects. Typically, a proton therapy center can only treat 1,500 patients a year which means that more than six centers are needed in Illinois just to meet the needs of Illinois cancer patients. Nationwide, 250,000 cancer patients only have access to an estimated 6,000 treatment slots available at the five proton therapy centers currently operating.

To make proton therapy available and accessible to more patients in need, Central DuPage Hospital partnered with a team of experts to develop a proton treatment center including: Radiation Oncology Consultants - experienced physicians from the state’s largest radiation oncology practice; and ProCure Treatment Centers - whose staff members have been involved in the development of six of the eight proton therapy centers that are currently operating or under development in the U.S.

The proposed Proton Therapy Center of Central DuPage Hospital is pending the approval of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (IHFPB), the regulatory agency that controls the building of new medical treatment centers. If granted approval this summer, the center could begin treating patients by 2010.

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