Huntsman Cancer Institute Expands Proton Therapy Capacity to Enhance Cancer Care in the Mountain West

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah has announced a significant expansion of its renowned Proton Therapy Center, which will double its treatment capacity and broaden access to this advanced cancer treatment technology across the Mountain West region, including Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming.

The expansion involves constructing a new approximately 9,000-square-foot, three-story vault adjacent to the existing proton therapy unit. This facility will house state-of-the-art treatment equipment, allowing the institute to serve more patients and treat a wider range of cancer types. The current proton therapy facility, opened in 2021, is the only one of its kind in the Mountain West, and this expansion aims to address growing demand.

Historically, the facility has provided specialized radiation treatments to both pediatric and adult patients, focusing on cancers such as brain and spinal cord tumors. Due to its success, the current capacity has been limited, leading to highly selective patient treatment. Dr. Matthew Poppe, clinical director of the Proton Therapy Center, emphasized that the new vault will enable the institute to treat more patients and improve regional access to this precise form of radiation therapy.

Proton therapy offers a precise targeting of cancerous tissues, utilizing high-energy beams that stop at the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision makes it especially advantageous for treating pediatric patients and sensitive regions like the brain and spinal cord. The second treatment vault will also allow the institute to expand treatment options to additional cancer types, including head and neck cancers and breast cancer.

Adding a second proton therapy vault is a transformative step for Huntsman Cancer Institute, as it will help alleviate the travel burden on patients who otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles to centers in Phoenix, Seattle, or San Diego. The new vault will enable closer-to-home treatment for patients from the Mountain West, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.

Dr. Amit Maity, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, noted that the expansion will foster more partnerships with other hospitals and clinics, helping to bring advanced cancer treatments nearer to patients. Mary Beckerle, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, highlighted that this project reflects a strong commitment to innovation and compassionate care, positioning the institute as a regional leader in cutting-edge cancer therapy.

This development marks a major milestone in enhancing cancer treatment infrastructure in the region, ensuring more patients can benefit from precise, effective proton therapy without excessive travel or delays.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-proton-therapy-center-expansion-significantly.html