Proton Therapy

The Proton Therapy Center at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and 1 of fewer than 60 nationwide, offers the most advanced and precise form of radiation therapy available for cancer today. We were the first proton center in Kansas and in the Kansas City region, and we have the most experienced team of proton experts, each of whom was hand-selected from across the country.

Proton therapy offers numerous advantages over traditional X-ray or photon radiation. The highly specialized and technologically advanced form of radiation targets tumors and spares surrounding healthy tissues by using a pencil-thin beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumor. People receive proton therapy treatments, which are noninvasive and painless, on an outpatient basis. Most patients retain a high quality of life during and after treatments.

One of the chief benefits of proton therapy is that it conforms to the shape of your tumor. This allows for more effective treatment and prevents surrounding organs and tissues from receiving unnecessary radiation. Proton therapy is an option for many types of cancer and is particularly beneficial in treating pediatric cancers. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy and surgery.

Nationally recognized and experienced proton therapy team

Our proton center is staffed by a powerhouse team of experts with more than 115 years of combined proton therapy experience all under 1 roof. These 30 proton experts include nationally and internationally renowned radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists and proton radiation therapists – all of whom were recruited from across the US to join The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s proton therapy team. This expertise is important to ensure patients receive the right treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.

World’s leading proton technology

Not only do we have the most experienced and expert proton therapy team, but our center uses the world’s leading proton equipment from IBA ProteusOne®, the global leader in proton technology. More than 100,000 patients worldwide have been treated with IBA equipment, far more than any other proton manufacturer. The precise imaging on the IBA ProteusOne allows the most accurate proton treatment to the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding organs and tissues.

Since our proton center opened in April 2022, we have successfully treated hundreds of patients. Because we are part of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, proton therapy is but one treatment option of an overall comprehensive cancer care plan patients receive.

As leaders in our field, we pride ourselves on giving our patients the best possible odds for beating cancer. This means providing the most appropriate and advanced care and access to cancer clinical trials, which can lead to potential advancements in treatment and innovations in cancer prevention.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and 1 of fewer than 60 nationwide. Comprehensive designation is the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI and is bestowed only on cancer centers with the deepest and broadest knowledge of cancer. Patients treated at NCI-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival than patients treated at other cancer centers.

When you choose The University of Kansas Cancer Center for your proton therapy treatment, you’ll receive personalized, precision medicine from a multidisciplinary care team like no other in the region. Each of our proton radiation oncologists is disease-specialized (brain, breast, gastrointestinal, pediatric, prostate, etc.) and works as part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team that includes disease-specific surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and other team members. Together, these experts work with the patient at the center to create a personalized care plan with the most leading-edge treatment options available.

In addition, because we understand that having cancer isn’t easy, affordable or convenient, we offer support for our patients and families, connecting you with necessary resources, including nurse navigators, financial counselors, social workers, onco-psychologists, dietitians and scheduling assistance.