Moffitt Announces Proton Therapy Treatment Facility as Part of its Ongoing Expansion
TAMPA, Fla. – With a transformational philanthropic gift of $15 million from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Moffitt Cancer Center announced that in 2022 it will initiate its plan for a new proton therapy treatment facility. The new service will be a part of the cancer center’s The Richard M Schulze Family Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus and will allow radiation oncologists to treat cancer with precisely directed doses of radiation, which protects healthy tissue.
“Proton therapy will be entering a new era of innovation and opportunity over the next five to 10 years,” said Dr. Patrick Hwu, president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. “We are learning more and more about the unique biology of protons, and how protons kill cancer cells. Moffitt is poised to make major contributions by devoting our extensive clinical and research expertise to the development of exciting new approaches to cancer treatment.”
Proton therapy is used to treat a growing number of cancers throughout the body, Hwu said. But it is especially impactful when treating areas where cancerous lesions are close to other vital structures. Using protons minimizes damage to healthy tissue surrounding a cancerous lesion, impacting only the targeted area.
Details are still forthcoming on the project, but Maria Muller, president of the Moffitt Foundation, credits the generosity of the Schulze Family for getting plans off the ground.
“We are so grateful for the extraordinary generosity and support of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation,” Muller said. “It’s through impactful donations like these that Moffitt continues to provide groundbreaking cancer care right here in Tampa.”
As Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, Moffitt is well-poised to innovate in this field of technology, which also integrates into the cancer center’s strong multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, research, and treatment.
“This is yet another tool that further fulfills our mission to prevent and cure cancer.” Hwu said.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 52 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 7,500 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.