Choosing Proton Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Proton therapy for cancer is an advanced form of radiation that uses protons, rather than X-rays. Protons can be precisely controlled, allowing our physicians to pinpoint your tumor and deliver powerful doses of radiation with:
- Less damage to healthy tissue
- Fewer side effects
- Low risk of secondary cancers
- Better quality of life during and after treatment
The benefits of proton therapy can be seen in all aspects of treatment. Proton radiation therapy allows precise doses of radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor site. Because proton beams release most of their energy on the targeted treatment area with no exit dose, you’ll receive treatment that’s harder on cancer and easier on you.
Conditions We Treat
Medicine is always moving forward. With leading technology and compassionate cancer care, we are here to help our patients move forward, every step of the way.
Proton radiation is a promising alternative to traditional radiation therapy, delivering precise treatment that destroys tumors while greatly reducing side effects. It is a highly effective cancer treatment option for patients diagnosed with:
- Breast cancer
- Brain cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
- Head and neck cancer
- Lymphoma
- Lymphoma
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pediatric cancer
- Soft tissue cancer and more...
See how the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute can help you
Why Choose UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
The University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute was the first cancer center in the Southeast to offer proton radiation therapy. Today, we have the region’s most experienced proton therapy team, and the most advanced technology available — for treatment that’s harder on cancer and easier on you.
More Expertise
At the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, you can feel confident knowing our team of radiation oncologists are experts in the cancers they treat, including rare and hard-to-reach tumors.
We are internationally recognized for producing much of the clinical research and evidence for proton therapy used by radiation oncologists today. Our team has the state-of-the-art resources and skill to treat cancer using the latest and most precise proton therapy methods, including pencil beam scanning.
More Experience
Trust your care to the leaders in proton therapy. Since opening our doors in 2006, we have treated more than 12,000 patients — more than any other proton center in the Southeast.
Survivor Spotlight: Knowledge is Power
With a background in radiation and a career as a Navy health physicist, Pete Gardner knew exactly what he wanted when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer—proton therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Pete chose proton therapy for its precision and reduced side effects. He made the decision not just for himself, but with his family in mind, understanding the emotional impact cancer can have on loved ones.
Now, five years cancer free, Pete continues to work full-time and stays active outdoors, enjoying motorcycle rides, scuba diving, and skiing. His advice: “Be educated, understand your treatment options and the potential side effects and talk to your family.”
Let's Talk
Whether you are looking for answers or just need support, we are here to empower you with information to help make the health decisions that are right for you. Both virtual consultations and in-person appointments are available for your comfort and convenience.
A member of our team will contact you in two business days or less. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill any request you make.
Virtual consultations are subject to state and insurance approval.