Atlantic Health Bringing New Proton Therapy Technology to Cancer Patients

On Jun 12, 2024

Atlantic Health System has announced plans to acquire and install a MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System™ at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, located at Morristown Medical Center. The proton system is scheduled to be installed in 2025, and Morristown Medical Center will become first hospital in the state to use the technology, according to an Atlantic Health System spokesperson.

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that targets tumors more precisely compared to conventional photon therapy, thus minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs such as the brainstem, heart, and lungs. A recent randomized clinical trial demonstrated that proton therapy achieved similar survival rates to traditional radiation therapy, but with fewer side effects in the treatment of head and neck cancers, meaning less malnutrition and feeding tube dependence for patients.

Along with the tremendous benefits for patients, this collaboration signifies a major achievement, as Atlantic Health System is set to become one of the world’s pioneers in transforming a conventional LINAC vault to install the FIT proton therapy system. The FIT Proton Therapy System is the first and only full proton therapy system that can be seamlessly installed in an existing LINAC vault, significantly reducing the size, cost, and complexity of proton therapy.

“Introducing proton therapy is a transformative step in advancing state-of-the-art cancer services for our patients,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, senior vice president and chief nurse executive, Atlantic Health System and President, Morristown Medical Center. “By providing our dedicated physicians, nurses and team members with the latest technologies, we continue to empower them to provide the highest-quality care to our patients, their families and our community.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Atlantic Health System in bringing the FIT proton therapy system to New Jersey,” said Tina Yu, PhD, CEO and president of Mevion Medical Systems. “The unique conversion of the LINAC vault into a proton vault demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in cancer care. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will bring to Morristown and its cancer patients.”

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