BayCare Health System celebrated the opening of the BayCare Proton Center at the Fred J. Woods Radiation Therapy Center inside St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa on Tuesday. The $33 million facility brings state‑of‑the‑art proton therapy to the region, giving families a cutting‑edge option for treating difficult cancers without traveling out of state.
What makes proton therapy different?
John Greskovich, medical director of BayCare’s Department of Radiation Oncology, explained that proton therapy uses a focused beam of particles that stops at the tumor, unlike conventional x‑ray (photon) therapy, which passes through the body. “The proton beam precisely targets cancerous tumors and spares the healthy organs surrounding the tumor,” Greskovich said. This precision is especially valuable for cancers located near vital structures such as the brain, brainstem, and heart.
Because the beam does not exit the patient, the overall radiation dose to surrounding tissue is lower, reducing the risk of collateral damage. Greskovich highlighted the benefit for pediatric patients, noting that preserving healthy tissue helps growing bodies develop normally.
Design focused on patient comfort
The MEVION S250‑FIT system includes a specially designed chair that allows patients to sit upright during treatment. This design helps individuals who have difficulty lying flat due to breathing problems or claustrophobia, providing a calmer experience and easier breathing.
Cost‑effective technology for the community
BayCare Cancer Institute director Tim McMahon said the system’s footprint is dramatically smaller than traditional proton facilities, which can require one to three city blocks of space. The MEVION platform can be installed in a standard photon radiation room and costs roughly 35 % of a typical proton system, making it a financially responsible investment for the health system and the community.
“Everyone on the team is pioneering how to deliver this technology well,” McMahon added. “It’s accessible, and we already have many patients reaching out to see if they are ideal candidates.” While proton therapy is not appropriate for every cancer case, it adds a valuable option alongside standard photon therapy.
Regional impact
The new center makes Tampa the first hospital in the area to offer seated proton therapy and joins a growing network of proton facilities nationwide. BayCare is now the 50th proton center in the United States, helping to increase access for Florida families who previously faced long travel distances for treatment.
Other Florida proton centers include Moffitt Cancer Center’s Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Therapy Center in Pasco County, the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, and the Orlando Health Cancer Institute.
Community response
Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Chamber, praised the development, stating, “BayCare is raising the standard of care for families across Tampa Bay. Bringing world‑class cancer treatment close to home strengthens families, supports a healthy workforce, and fuels a vibrant business community.”
The BayCare Proton Center is now accepting referrals and aims to serve both adult and pediatric patients throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
