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herapy center Proton therapy can also be effective for deep-seated tumors and those that have not metastasized. Cancers that cannot be treated with proton therapy include skin cancers and leukemia, the latter of which is not treated by any form of radiation, according to Dr. Chon. an idEal alliancE According to Princeton Radiation Oncology, about 48,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer each year in New Jersey. The alliance with ProCure Treatment Centers Inc., a leader in providing proton therapy to patients, was an ideal choice. "We partner with local hospitals and physician groups; it's a joint venture," explains James Jarrett, president of the ProCure Proton Therapy Center. "Our core business is proton therapy, and we are the only company in the world with a network of proton treatment centers." While proton therapy is not new—it's been around for about 50 years— technology has finally developed enough to make it available and viable for more people. Dr. Chon estimates about 50,000 patients worldwide have been treated with proton therapy in the past 30 years. But Dr. Chon also notes that protons have historically been out of reach for most cancer patients. Now, however, about 1,200 to 1,500 patients can potentially be treated annually at the center—which will offer concierge services to assist patients with their every need in a highly personalized, compassionate environment. On the first floor, patients will be welcomed in a large open lobby, where they can relax before and after treatment (most of the treatments, Dr. Chon says, last only 20 to 30 www.centrastate.com minutes). Jarrett says there is an "informal support group" feel to the room, where people can relax quietly or chat with others at the adjacent coffee bar. The first floor also includes exam and changing rooms, four main treatment rooms, and a room containing a computed tomography scanner. An additional room houses the cyclotron machine, which produces and feeds protons, alternately, to the four treatment rooms. The upstairs will house offices, conference rooms, and an IT center. To determine if patients are candidates for proton therapy, they will undergo an initial consultation. "We're passionate about making the patient's experience a positive one," Jarrett says. "After your consult, patients meet with their doctor, nurse, and radiation therapists. This becomes the patient's individualized care team." skillEd sTaff With a state-of-the-art facility and equipment, the pulse of the ProCure Proton Therapy Center will be the physicians—eight board-certified radiation oncologists, four of whom have had first-hand proton therapy experience. Joining Chon and his staff at the center is Eugen Hug, MD, formerly from Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital and Loma Linda (Calif.) University as well as the Paul Sherrer Institute, a large-scale research center in Switzerland. Dr. Chon says the Paul Sherrer Institute is one of the world's leading centers that has "really pushed the envelope," especially when it comes to proton therapy. "Dr. Hug is one of the world's leading experts in proton therapy," Dr. Chon says. Henry Tsai, MD, board-certified radiation oncologist on staff at CentraState, will be one of the physicians treating patients at the new ProCure Proton Therapy Center. Dr. Chon is eager for the Proton Therapy Center to open so that patients in the area can have access to the therapy he has seen so much success with and has also found so personally rewarding. "Cancer treatments can be very difficult to go through," Dr. Chon says. "Patients trust you with their lives. The relationship you form with your patients is very special and lifelong. We are extremely excited to bring this exceptional treatment to our community." HD By the Numbers Here's a quick look at the new Proton Therapy Center. Anticipated opening date: Spring 2012 Size: 60,000 square feet Treatment rooms: Four Team: Eight board-certified radiation oncologists, 30 licensed and registered radiation therapists, five licensed registered nurses, 10 medical physicists, 10 medical dosimetrists Patients: Estimated 1,200 to 1,500 per year January/February 2012 7

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