Benefits of proton therapy for patients and hospital
One of the primary advantages of proton therapy is its ability to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.1
Proton therapy also presents significant benefits in terms of recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. The availability of proton therapy enhances the educational programs at the University of Kansas, serving as a career ladder for residents and medical trainees. By offering cutting-edge technology and treatment modalities, the center attracts top talent, enriching its training programs in radiation oncology, medical physics, and dosimetry.
The halo effect of proton therapy
The introduction of proton therapy has created a "halo effect" that extends beyond its direct benefits. The center has observed a notable increase in patients traveling longer distances for treatment, with approximately 40% of patients coming from over 50 miles away. This influx is indicative of the center's growing reputation and the trust patients place in its capabilities. Moreover, as patients come for proton therapy, they often explore other treatment options available at the center, such as brachytherapy, leading to an overall increase in patient volume and service utilization. This halo effect showcases how investing in advanced treatment options, such as proton therapy with ProteusONE, can enhance not only patient care but also institutional growth.
Find out more about ProteusONE’s halo effect here.
Considerations for proton therapy implementation
While the benefits of proton therapy are compelling, there are essential considerations for institutions looking to implement this technology. Dr. Kistler emphasizes the importance of choosing a reliable proton therapy provider with a long-term partnership perspective, that can provide continuous development and support in addition to excellence from a medical physics standpoint. The University of Kansas Cancer evaluated many proton therapy system providers before choosing IBA for its track record, technological advancements and ProteusONE’s unequaled beam quality, they provide the best-in-class cancer care to their patients.
Read more about IBA’s ProteusONE high-quality beam and long-term excellence commitment here.
In conclusion, the integration of proton therapy at the University of Kansas Cancer Center exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to cancer treatment that prioritizes patient care while fostering institutional growth. By focusing on both patient outcomes and the professional development of their staff, they illustrate the profound impact that proton therapy with IBA’s ProteusONE can have on the cancer treatment landscape.
References
1 Hu, Man et al. “Proton beam therapy for cancer in the era of precision medicine.” Journal of hematology & oncology vol. 11,1 136. 12 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13045-018-0683-4
Notes
Disclaimer: The statements of the healthcare professional included in this testimonial reflect only his opinion and personal experience. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any institution with whom he is affiliated or IBA.
