An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center’s choice of ProteusONE
Dr. Ronald Chen, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas, specializes in genitourinary (GU) cancers, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer. The University of Kansas is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and is the sole NCI cancer center in its region. This designation underscores their commitment to providing the best treatment options for their cancer patients, which include proton therapy.
The importance of proton therapy
Since launching their proton therapy program in May 2022, the center has emerged as a crucial resource for patients needing advanced cancer treatment. Proton therapy is not merely an option; it is essential for a variety of cancers, including pediatric cancers, head and neck cancers, and brain tumors, alongside prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. The collaboration with the region's largest children's hospital enhances their responsibility to offer effective treatments that minimize long-term side effects, particularly for younger patients.
Increased patient referrals for proton therapy
The center has experienced a significant increase in patient referrals since the introduction of proton therapy. This surge highlights the pressing need for such advanced treatment options such as proton therapy in the region. Patients from not only local areas but also from different states are seeking proton therapy treatment and consultations at this NCI-designated cancer center in Kansas City.
Discover how IBA’s ProteusONE helps increase hospital attractivity and patient referrals here.
Choosing IBA and ProteusONE
When selecting the technology for their proton therapy program, the University of Kansas opted for IBA's ProteusONE. The decision was driven by several factors, including the desire to start with a single-room proton program with the potential for future expansion if the patient needs increase. Their decision was also guided by the precision offered by the ProteusONE system and its appealing characteristics in terms of treatment spot size, Bragg peak and other physics aspects, compared to other options on the market.
IBA's ongoing research and technical development in areas such as arc therapy, with DynamicARC®*, and FLASH therapy, with ConformalFLASH®*, is aligned with the center's goals for continuous improvement in clinics and research. The ability to upgrade the technology over a 20–30-year investment period was also an important part of the decision-making process, to ensure that the center stays at the forefront of cancer treatment for years to come.
Discover IBA’s ProteusONE high-quality beam and other innovations here.
Considerations for proton therapy upscaling
Buying a proton therapy unit is a major financial investment for a hospital, and the University of Kansas took it into consideration when choosing IBA. ProteusONE offers the ability to scale smart, which was an important factor in their decision-making process. The University of Kansas did not want to commit to a major proton therapy unit with three or four rooms but preferred to start with one unit and be able to expand based on patient demand. This approach avoids the risks associated with service interruptions if a single unit fails and allows proton therapy centers to have a backup to transfer patients and minimize treatment interruptions.
Discover IBA’s ProteusONE solutions for scalability and sustainability here.
In conclusion, the choice of ProteusONE for the proton therapy program at the University of Kansas demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy to enhance cancer treatment options in the region. By prioritizing precision, the ability to expand, and a collaborative approach with IBA, they are well-positioned to meet the growing needs of their patient population while minimizing risks associated with treatment interruptions.
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.
* DynamicARC and ConformalFLASH are registered brands of IBA’s Proton Therapy which are currently under research and development. DynamicARC and ConformalFLASH will be available for sale when regulatory clearance is received. Due to a continuous research and development program, IBA reserves the right to make changes in design, technical descriptions, and specifications of its products without prior notice. Some features are under development and may be subject to review by competent authorities.
