History

The Roberts Proton Therapy Center

Penn Medicine's Roberts Proton Therapy Center is the largest and most advanced facility in the world for this precise form of cancer radiation. At Penn Medicine, patients have access to one of the most sophisticated weapons against cancer, seamlessly integrated with the full range of oncology services available at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center.

What is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is external beam radiotherapy in which protons are directed at a tumor. The radiation dose that is given through protons is very precise, and limits the exposure of normal tissues. This allows the radiation dose delivered to the tumor to be increased beyond conventional radiation. The result is a better chance for curing cancer with fewer harmful side effects.

Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?

Neha Vapiwala, MD, chief of the genitourinary service for Penn Radiation Oncology, discusses proton beam therapy for prostate cancer, an exciting form of radiation therapy offered at Penn's Roberts Proton Therapy Center.

Learn more about Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Proton therapy, like all forms of radiation therapy, works by aiming the energized particles, in this case protons, onto the target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death.

Unlike X-rays, protons can be manipulated to release most of their energy only when they reach their target. With more energy reaching the cancerous cells, more damage is administered by each burst of radiation.

Learn more about the cancers treated with Proton Therapy

Make a Gift to Roberts Proton Therapy Gift Fund