New cancer-fighting proton machine arrives in Fort Myers. This extraordinary advancement in oncology, known as the Proteus One, has made its home at the Southwest Florida Proton Oncology Center. Physicians predict it will transform cancer treatment, offering renewed hope to countless patients.
WATCH AS FORT MYERS COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV SPEAKS WITH DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS WHO EXPLAIN HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS:
New cancer-fighting proton machine arrives in Fort Myers
Proton therapy stands out as a less invasive alternative to conventional radiation. Dr. Todd Pezzi, a radiation oncologist, emphasizes its benefits, stating, “Protons have a unique capability; they do not traverse the body the way x-rays do. Their concentrated dose targets tumor cells while preserving healthy organs that surround cancerous tissue.”
Though this innovative treatment boasts remarkable efficiency, it comes with a financial burden. The Proteus One machine, carrying a price tag exceeding $20 million, utilizes rotating beams concentrated precisely on tumors, facilitated by a cyclotron device.
Frank English, the finance manager at Southwest Florida Proton, elaborates on the cyclotron’s function: “This device accelerates proton beams at staggering speeds, specifically designed to penetrate cancer cells, prompting them to self-destruct. The ultimate goal, of course, is to cure cancer and restore lives.” This ambitious objective shines a ray of hope into what can feel like a sometimes unyielding battle against the disease.
Imagine this: the Proteus One is one of only 45 of its kind worldwide. After travelling from Belgium, it was carefully maneuvered through a custom roof hatch at the Fort Myers Oncology Center. Previously, patients seeking proton therapy faced an arduous journey to Miami, a process encompassing over a hundred visits—a distant reality now made nearer.
Frédéric Genin, President of IBA Proton Therapy, shares a poignant observation: “The most significant barrier we face is geographic access. This system will benefit around two million individuals residing in this vicinity.” This realization resonates deeply, as access to advanced healthcare is sometimes a luxury, highlighting a broader need for equitable medical treatment.
Bringing this machine to Fort Myers is the culmination of nearly five years of dedicated effort, with Lee Health collaborating alongside Southwest Florida Proton to fund the purchase. The rising popularity of proton therapy is evidenced, as IBA shares plans for an additional thirty systems being integrated worldwide. Each of these facilities stands as a beacon of hope for patients in various regions, ensuring that healing can be closer to home.
Looking ahead, the oncology center is set to welcome cancer patients in early December, following a rigorous nine-month commissioning period for the Proteus One. As anticipation builds, so does the profound realization that this remarkable technology not only signifies a leap forward in medical science but embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the relentless fight against cancer.
