The cyclotron, a novel technology that produces and delivers highly focused proton beams to treat tumors, was installed at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2019 and is expected to be available to treat oncology patients in fall 2020.

Installing the cyclotron is no easy task. Crews transported the cyclotron from Europe and loaded it via crane through Sylvester’s roof. The device weighs 90 tons and produces a proton beam that travels two-thirds the speed of light, targeting cancerous tissue while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Many patients with solid malignancies are candidates for proton therapy. This includes tumors of the brain, head and neck, spine, eye, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, prostate, spine, and breast. Proton therapy can help retreat cancer previously treated with radiation therapy, and is an important option for treating pediatric cancer.

“Proton therapy is a new and exciting component to Sylvester’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology and research to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications,” said Alan Pollack, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of radiation oncology and interim deputy director of Sylvester. “We look forward to integrate this technology and others to offer new and better approaches for managing cancer.”