Moffitt Cancer Center Partners with IBA for Proton Therapy
TAMPA, Fla. and Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium – Moffitt Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading cancer care and research institutions, and IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A., EURONEXT), the world leader in particle accelerator technology, are partnering to bring proton therapy treatment to Speros FL, Moffitt’s 775-acre Global Innovation Center located in Pasco County. As Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt will install IBA’s Proteus®ONE[1] compact proton therapy system as part of its ongoing expansion.
“Moffitt is a leader in personalized and adaptive radiation therapy. This new technology allows us to extend our clinical and research expertise into proton therapy, as we seek to continually provide the best possible patient outcomes,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt. “We expect this center to be a vital resource for the Tampa Bay community, the state, the nation and the world, extending to the entire Moffitt network and all our multidisciplinary programs.”
A transformational philanthropic gift of $15 million from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation helped get this proton therapy project off the ground. “We are so grateful for the extraordinary generosity and support of the Schulze family,” said Maria Muller, president of the Moffitt Foundation. “It’s through impactful donations like these that Moffitt continues to lead the way in groundbreaking cancer care.”
Proton therapy is used to treat a growing number of different cancers, but it is especially impactful when treating areas where cancerous lesions are close to other vital structures and organs. Using protons minimizes damage to healthy tissue surrounding a cancerous lesion, impacting only the targeted area. One exciting area of research, which Moffitt will be exploring with this new proton system, is FLASH, a technology that allows radiation treatment to be delivered at ultra-high dose rates. This is a new and experimental approach, which holds great promise for improved outcomes. It is expected that patients will be treated with proton therapy as soon as 2026.
Olivier Legrain, chief executive officer of IBA, commented: “As a proud partner of Moffitt Cancer Center, a nationally recognized NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, IBA is honored to be a part of the Speros FL Global Innovation Center thanks to its Proteus®ONE proton therapy solution. Our collaboration will enable Moffitt to continue its pursuit of scientific excellence and innovative research, delivering top-notch cancer care to patients. We look forward to playing a role in advancing Moffitt’s mission to improve cancer treatment.”
Over the course of its 30+-year, multiphased development, Speros FL will expand Moffitt’s global footprint, and increase its impact exponentially as a dynamic hub for biotech and life sciences enterprises to meet at the intersection of medicine, pharma, education, research, commerce, biotech and wellness. Phase one of development is expected to begin in mid- to late 2023, with the construction of various facilities comprising 650,000 square feet of the total 1.5 million square feet planned for phase one, of which at least 300,000 square feet will be dedicated to a new Moffitt research building.
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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 53 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 7,800 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.
About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).
More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com
[1] Proteus®ONE is the brand name of Proteus®235
