VOORHEES, NJ (CBS) — South Jersey now has probably the most superior type of radiation remedy for most cancers. The brand new proton remedy middle opened Tuesday in Voorhees.
That is the primary of its type of remedy middle in South Jersey and considered one of solely about 50 in america. The remedy makes use of subatomic particles which may sound like science fiction but it surely’s all about saving lives.
Contained in the $45 million facility is a revolutionary type of radiation.
The Penn Medication Virtua Well being’s new Proton Remedy Heart is the place a cyclotron accelerates subatomic particles to about 450 million miles per hour.
“As soon as it is approached that velocity of sunshine its delivered down the beamline,” Virtua Well being Dr. Graeme Williams stated.
“The beam comes out of right here and might rotate and deal with the affected person at many alternative angles.” Virtua HealthDr. Catherine Kim stated.
The protons are focused to only the most cancers with a set finish level sparing close by wholesome tissue, to scale back issues and uncomfortable side effects.
“I am amazed that is simply one of many marvels of oncology,” Kim stated. “Our focus has additionally shifted not simply bettering surveillance however bettering their high quality of life.”
Proton remedy is particularly useful for delicate cancers in hard-to-reach locations.
“It is totally exceptional,” affected person Deb Harris stated.
Harris was handled with proton remedy at Penn. She had stage 4 mind most cancers.
“This extended my life there isn’t any doubt I might not be sitting right here 5 years out of surgical procedure with you if it hadn’t been for the proton radiation,” Harris stated.
Analysis continues to be underway to find out if proton remedy is healthier than conventional radiation, however medical doctors say it offers an essential extra possibility.
“It means as a radiation oncologist I actually haven’t any limitations when it comes to what remedies I can supply the affected person,” Williams stated.
Medical doctors say the high-energy proton beams are painless to the sufferers present process remedy.
The primary Roberts Proton Remedy Heart opened at Penn in 2010.
Stephanie Stahl
