BayCare Opens $33M Proton Center in Tampa

BayCare has opened a $33 million proton therapy center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, accepting eligible adult and pediatric patients. The treatment uses charged particles to target tumors while limiting radiation to surrounding healthy tissue, which may be useful for some tumors near critical organs and for some children; its benefits compared with other treatments depend on the individual cancer and patient. The center uses a compact Mevion system with an upright chair that allows patients to be treated while seated, potentially helping those who find lying flat uncomfortable or difficult. BayCare says it is the second site in the world to use the chair technology. The center adds an option to BayCare’s regional cancer-care network, including for patients from Winter Haven who would travel to Tampa for treatment.