Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment | MedStar Health
Dr. Nitika Paudel listens to a patient's lungs during an office visit at MedStar Health.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is proud to be the first and most experienced facility in the Washington, D.C. region to offer proton therapy with HYPERSCAN™. Our team of physicians at MedStar Georgetown is made up of the D.C. area’s leading experts, who have specialized knowledge in numerous cancer types and are at the forefront of the latest advances in treatment.

In addition, through our research engine, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Washington, D.C. area, we offer patients access to clinical trials and breakthrough cancer treatments.

What is proton therapy?

Proton beam therapy is a highly targeted type of radiation treatment that uses protons instead of X-ray beams to target and kill cancerous cells. 

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is the first and most experienced proton therapy facility in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area—and the first site in the world to offer the most advanced form of proton therapy with HYPERSCAN—greatly enhancing the care and convenience of patients throughout the region. This state-of-the-art radiation system allows us to treat a single layer of a tumor at a time by matching the tumor’s exact shape and size, similar to 3D printing. Because it is so precise, the surrounding healthy tissue receives less radiation than standard radiation. This is especially important when treating certain types of tumors located near critical organs, such as the brain, breast, or lungs.

Advantages of proton therapy for cancer

Traditional radiation therapy uses a special kind of high-energy beam aimed at the cancer to damage the cells and stop them from multiplying. However, this high-energy beam impacts not only tumor cells but also damages other healthy cells in its path. On the other hand, proton beam therapy is better able to precisely target the tumor's exact location, leaving surrounding healthy cells unharmed. In the long run, this can reduce the chances of developing secondary cancers due to radiation.

Benefits:

  • Targets and destroys cancer cells with precise accuracy
  • Applies less radiation dose than other types of radiation therapy due to its ability to shape to the exact size and shape of the tumor
  • Causes less damage to surrounding healthy tissue by improved accuracy
  • Results in virtually no exit dose (radiation exposure that continues through the body beyond the tumor)
  • Lowers the risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers
  • Results in fewer side effects and better quality of life following treatment
  • Highly customizable treatment that can be tailored to each patient's unique needs

Watch: Learn how proton therapy compares to traditional radiation.

What types of cancer can proton therapy treat?

Proton radiation therapy can be used to treat a wide range of cancers and can treat tumors anywhere in the body, including:

  • Brain tumors

    Proton therapy can be especially beneficial for treating brain and spine tumors that require radiation. Accurate delivery of high doses of radiation to brain and spine tumors is critical to avoid damaging nearby healthy cells that cause unwanted side effects. Proton therapy delivers proton particles to the exact shape, size, and depth of the tumor with virtually no exit dose. As a result, this advanced form of radiation spares more surrounding normal tissue than conventional radiation. By reducing radiation to these organs, proton therapy decreases side effects and/or allows higher doses of radiation that may improve patient outcomes.

    At MedStar Georgetown, we offer proton therapy with HYPERSCAN, the fastest and most accurate system available in proton therapy—and the only one in Washington, D.C. As a result, our radiation oncologists offer the most advanced proton therapy care in the region, making it an excellent treatment option for many types of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) primary brain tumors, including:

    • Acoustic neuromas
    • Gliomas/astrocytomas
    • Meningiomas
    • Pediatric brain tumors
    • Recurrent brain tumors
    • Skull base tumors
    • Other brain tumors

    Our radiation oncologists offer the most advanced treatment options to patients with tumors impacting the brain or spinal cord. Working in collaboration with other specialists, we’ll customize a radiation treatment plan that will be most effective at targeting your cancer while protecting your quality of life. Talk to our brain tumor experts today to find out if proton therapy is right for you.

  • Breast cancer

    Radiation therapy is often an essential part of breast cancer treatment for many patients. Unfortunately, the heart and lungs are often unavoidably exposed to low doses of radiation therapy with standard radiation. And, at least one major study has shown a correlation between increased doses of radiation to the heart and future heart problems. However, proton therapy has decreased exit dose, as the radiation particles conform to the shape and size of the tumor and then stop—the radiation doesn't continue into the healthy tissue beyond the tumor site. As a result, proton therapy has been proven to be safe and effective, while reducing radiation exposure to the lungs and heart.

    Proton therapy may be especially beneficial for patients who:

    • Have left-sided tumors
    • Require treatment to lymph nodes
    • Are younger
    • Have other heart or lung conditions
    • Have recurrent breast cancer

    Our experts are dedicated to finding the best treatment for each individual patient, considering all options that aim for the best outcome with the least impact on quality of life. At MedStar Georgetown, we offer all of the latest breast cancer radiation treatments under one roof and your doctors will determine which will offer you the best benefit. If you have breast cancer, talk to our radiation oncologists today to see if proton therapy may be a good fit for you.

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers

    Treating gastrointestinal cancers with proton therapy has been a strong focus of our program and research. Because most gastrointestinal cancers are in close proximity to sensitive organs, such as the liver, stomach, and kidneys, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue is especially important. At MedStar Georgetown, our proton therapy system with HYPERSCAN is the most advanced form available, and the only one of its kind in the area. This high level of precision allows us to deposit high doses of radiation directly to the tumor site with less exit dose, improving treatment accuracy while preserving critical organs that may be near GI tumors.

    There is increasingly strong evidence to suggest that proton therapy may offer several improved outcomes and fewer short and long-term side effects for certain types of gastrointestinal cancers, including:

    • Esophageal cancers: Proton patients receiving proton therapy for operable or inoperable esophageal tumors may benefit from fewer side effects and complications.
    • Liver cancers: Proton therapy offers numerous benefits for tumors beginning in the liver (primary liver tumors) and in select cases of metastatic liver cancer. Data suggests that in certain instances proton therapy may improve outcomes, reduce the side effects associated with treatment, and lower the risks of complications down later in life.
    • Pancreatic cancers: At MedStar Georgetown, we continue advancing how proton therapy may be used to treat complex gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. Compelling evidence suggests proton therapy may lead to improved outcomes and less risk of damage to nearby organs, like the small intestine, kidneys, spinal cord, and stomach.
    • Recurrent gastrointestinal cancers: Proton therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with recurring cancer in certain organs previously treated with radiation.

    We continue studying the use of proton therapy for various gastrointestinal cancers through clinical trials, exploring new and safer ways to treat patients with these cancers.

    Our radiation oncologists are focused on treating you, working with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan that will work best for your needs. Talk to one of our experts today to see if proton therapy may be an option for you.

  • Gynecologic cancers

    The use of proton therapy for treating gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian cancer, vulvar, endometrial, or cervical cancer, is limited. If you have gynecologic cancer, our cancer experts can offer a second opinion consultation to evaluate your diagnosis and provide individualized treatment recommendations based on your cancer type and stage, as well as your goals and preferences. If radiation therapy is recommended as part of your cancer treatment, you’ll benefit from access to all of the latest radiation technologies available today at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

  • Head and neck tumors

    Cancers of the head and neck and skull base are difficult to treat, depending upon the proximity of the tumor to the many essential organs in the region. For patients who need radiation therapy, it’s important that we avoid the eyes, jawbone, teeth, and saliva-making glands as much as possible. At MedStar Georgetown, our proton therapy system with HYPERSCAN allows us to significantly reduce low-to-medium dose radiation to these areas because there is no exit dose—the highest levels of radiation are deposited directly to the tumor site. As a result, proton therapy may decrease the risk of side effects and/or allow higher doses of radiation.

    Current indications for proton therapy for head, neck and skull base tumors, and the benefits of proton treatment, include:

    • Oropharynx cancers: Studies show that compared to intensity-modulated radiation treatment, proton therapy for oropharynx tumors results in reduced rates of feeding tube usage and less impairment to taste and appetite. Other advantages of proton therapy in treating these cancers may be less weight loss, dry mouth and fatigue, and a quicker return to work.
    • Nasopharynx cancers: As a result of less radiation exposure to healthy tissue, including nerves to the eyes and portions of the brain involved in memory, proton therapy may reduce side effects, such as visual problems, cognitive issues, as well as dry mouth and dental problems in patients with cancer in the pharynx.
    • Paranasal sinus cancers: Proton therapy is the standard of care for treating paranasal sinus cancers, as studies show it lowers the risk of tumor recurrence, compared to treatment with conventional radiation. It may also decrease the risk of visual and cognitive problems due to less radiation dose to the brain.
    • Hypopharynx cancers: In select patients with cancers of the hypopharynx, proton therapy may allow sparing of tissue that is involved with swallowing and voice. Paraganglioma and schwannoma: Proton radiation can be used to treat these tumors with decreased radiation exposure to healthy tissue nearby.
    • Salivary tumors: Proton therapy reduces the radiation dose to the uninvolved areas of the head and neck, making it an excellent option for treating salivary tumors. In select cases, proton therapy may allow higher doses of radiation to be applied to areas at highest risk of microscopic or known residual cancer.
    • Skull base tumors: Because proton therapy is highly precise, leaving no exit dose, it allows for optimal dosage to increase the chance of cure in skull base tumors. It is often considered the standard of care for these tumors.
    • Skin cancers: Since proton therapy does not deposit dose beyond the target, it may be useful for certain skin cancers that are near critical areas, including the scalp, over the cheek, or in other regions. Recurrent tumors: Proton therapy allows for curative doses while sparing normal tissues that have previously been irradiated, with promising results.

    At MedStar Georgetown our subspecialists in both head and neck radiation oncology and otolaryngology have extensive experience in dealing with complicated cases, and also know how to best optimize the balance between tumor cure and side effects. Furthermore, we are all integrated together with an expert team including neuroradiologists, all under one roof.

    If you have head and neck cancer, a team of multidisciplinary specialists will review your case and customize a treatment plan that will be most effective for your unique diagnosis, needs, and preferences. Call us today to learn if you may benefit from proton therapy.

  • Lung and chest cancers

    Many patients with lung cancer that cannot undergo surgery are treated with radiation therapy, usually in combination with chemotherapy. Although standard radiation treatments are often effective, nearby healthy organs, such as the esophagus, heart, and uninvolved lung can be exposed to radiation. This can increase the risk of treatment-related complications, such as difficulty swallowing, lung inflammation, and heart problems later in life.

    Proton therapy may be a good option for patients with locally advanced lung cancers and thoracic tumors because it allows a radiation oncologist to deliver targeted radiation to the precise size, shape, and depth of the tumor. Unlike traditional radiation which gives off radiation beyond the tumor, proton therapy deposits the radiation directly in the tumor and then stops—there is no exit dose. As a result, the heart and other critical organs receive less exposure to harmful radiation.

    Whether or not you are a candidate for proton therapy depends on several factors, including your tumor’s size, location, proximity to nearby organs, and overall treatment goals. Proton therapy may be especially advantageous in for patients who have:

    • Cancer on the left side
    • Large tumors, or tumors that cannot safely be treated with other types of radiation
    • Additional heart or lung problems
    • Genetic mutations linked to cancer
    • A long life expectancy ahead of them
    • Recurrent cancer
  • Lymphomas and leukemias

    Proton therapy or other advanced forms of radiation therapy may be a treatment option for patients with certain blood cancers, such as lymphomas and leukemias. Proton therapy delivers highly precise radiation to tumors with less impact on nearby critical organs, making it especially well-suited for pediatric patients and young adults. By reducing radiation exposure in younger patients, we can potentially lower the risk of secondary, radiation-related cancers in the future, as well as other health conditions, such as heart disease.

    Eligibility for proton therapy varies, and our blood cancer experts will work with other specialists to evaluate your specific diagnosis and offer personalized treatment that will be most beneficial for you. When radiation therapy is recommended as part of your treatment plan, you’ll benefit from access to all of the latest innovative radiation technologies and techniques at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, including those only available in clinical trials.


  • Pediatric tumors

    Proton therapy is generally accepted as part of the standard of care treatment for many pediatric cancers. In addition to providing the most advanced form of radiation therapy for adults, this type of therapy is beneficial for children, in particular, for several reasons.

    • Children are less likely to develop a secondary cancer later in life when treated with proton therapy as it treats tumors while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding cells.
    • Proton therapy lowers a child’s exposure to radiation, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure and resulting in less growth impairment as they develop.
    • Proton therapy causes fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation, allowing children to continue their everyday life with less disruption during the treatment process.
  • Prostate cancer

    Proton therapy, or other advanced radiation therapies, may be a treatment option for men with prostate cancer. Proton therapy delivers radiation precisely to the prostate with minimal exit dose, which means that nearby organs may receive less radiation exposure. At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, patients have access to the fastest and most advanced form of proton therapy available, using HYPERSCAN with pencil beam scanning to precisely target a tumor’s exact size, shape, and depth.

    Here, a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts, including experienced radiation oncologists, will work together to determine an individualized treatment plan for your specific cancer based on several factors, including your age, cancer stage, symptoms, and overall health.

  • Recurrent, previously irradiated tumors

    Historically, giving radiation to a previously treated area was not an option, leaving patients with recurrent cancers little hope. Today, re-irradiation can be an effective and safe treatment option when delivered by an experienced team. Our multidisciplinary team at MedStar Georgetown is highly skilled in administering proton therapy to treat patients for recurrent cancers of the breast, esophagus, brain, lung, prostate, pancreas, and neck/head.

    Unlike conventional radiation, proton beams stop at the tumor site and do not continue to travel through the rest of the body, significantly limiting the radiation dose to nearby healthy tissues. As a result, proton therapy offers the following advantages for re-irradiation:

    • Reduces radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues
    • Leaves virtually no exit dose, as little to no radiation continues past the tumor
    • Lowers the risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers
    • May result in fewer side effects and better quality of life
  • Sarcomas, soft tissue tumors, and bone tumors

    Sarcomas, soft tissue tumors, and bone tumors are complex, with more than 50 types. As a result, treatment for these tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgery. When radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan, proton therapy offers numerous advantages in certain instances. Because proton therapy radiation conforms to the exact shape and size of the tumor while minimizing impact to nearby healthy tissue, proton therapy may be considered for:

    • Pediatric patients and young adults, as reduced radiation exposure at young ages can minimize the risks of secondary, radiation-induced cancers and other health conditions in the future
    • Large sarcomas and soft tissue tumors in hard to reach places and near critical organs
    • Inoperable tumors, or tumors that cannot be removed with surgery
    • Retroperitoneal tumors, or tumors located in the pelvic region and/or abdomen
    • Re-irradiation, when a patient has previously undergone radiation therapy to treat cancer
    • Before or after surgery, in complex cases

    At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, our radiation oncologists are the first and only to use proton therapy with HYPERSCAN in Washington, D.C. As the most advanced of its kind, proton therapy with HYPERSCAN allows us to deliver the fastest and most accurate proton therapy available today. If you’ve been diagnosed with a sarcoma, bone tumor, or soft tissue tumor, you may benefit from a second opinion from our cancer experts specializing in your particular disease. We’ll help you understand all of your treatment options, backed by the latest research and tailored to your unique tumor, preferences, and goals.

Why Choose MedStar Health for proton therapy?

We are the first and most experienced Proton Therapy Center in Washington, D.C.

As the first hospital to introduce proton therapy in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, MedStar Georgetown has more experience treating benign and malignant tumors with proton therapy than anyone else in the region. 

Patients also choose us because we offer:

  • Superior technology, including the most advanced form of pencil beam scanning

    We were the first in the world to offer the Mevion S250i with HYPERSCAN™ technology, which is the fastest and most precise proton system available today. We remain the only Proton Therapy Center in Washington, D.C. treating patients with this advanced system, using pencil beam scanning (PBS) to deliver intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to treat tumors layer-by-layer. With pinpoint accuracy, HYPERSCAN can deposit its cancer-fighting dose directly into the tumor and then stop, leaving virtually no exit dose. This allows for better dose distribution and fewer side effects.

    In addition, our proton therapy system integrates advanced imaging systems, including Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) which ensures the highest level of precision while treating many types of cancer, including breast cancer. The advanced imaging technique allows us to continuously track a patient’s position and motion, thereby increasing patient safety and comfort while increasing treatment accuracy.

  • Unmatched expertise in treating common and complex cancers with proton therapy

    No two cancers are the same, and it’s important to seek care from someone with experience in treating yours. Many of our radiation oncologists have extensive experience with proton therapy and focus exclusively on treating certain types of cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers, as well as those affecting gastrointestinal organs and the head or neck. This disease-specific emphasis ensures we have the depth and breadth of experience necessary to lead to the best outcomes for you and your particular cancer. In addition, our board-certified radiation oncologists have experience treating all ages, including using proton therapy to treat the adolescents and young adult population. Our experts also conduct weekly case conferences to comb through the details of each patient undergoing proton therapy. This thorough review process allows us to uphold the highest quality of care and safety for every individual patient.

  • Patient-centered care using a multidisciplinary approach

    Our patients benefit from the collective input of different specialists who work together to develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider all possible options. Our radiation oncologists work closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, and others, meeting in multidisciplinary tumor boards to design individualized care plans that integrate the physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual aspects of cancer treatment—all within the same facility.

  • Dedicated care coordination and support so you and your family can focus on treatment.

    As the first point of contact for many, Cheryl Savage, our department administrator, shares her knowledge of the various treatment options so patients can get answers to questions before they even meet with their physician team. With a background in radiation therapy, Cheryl helps cancer patients navigate diagnosis, treatment, and life outside of the hospital, providing seamless coordination with the various members of your care team.

  • Access to the latest advances in proton therapy research and clinical trials

    Our research engine, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only comprehensive cancer center in the Washington D.C., region designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), offering breakthrough therapies and the latest in cancer treatments. Our oncologists and researchers continue to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, including studying innovative ways to use proton therapy and other forms of radiation in clinical trials.

    View available trials in proton therapy.

How HYPERSCAN technology works

When we recommend proton therapy as your best treatment option, we use the HYPERSCAN proton therapy system, the most advanced and precise form of pencil beam scanning (PBS) available. 

This innovative system uses a pencil beam proton scanner, which deposits protons in the tumor spot-by-spot, layer-by-layer. Your radiation oncologist will design a customized treatment plan in collaboration with a highly-trained and specialized team, which ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Using a sophisticated planning system, we create a 3-dimensional representation of your tumor and relay the information to the radiation device. Then, the HYPERSCAN machine precisely targets the exact location of the tumor, delivering radiation one layer at a time. The accuracy of this state-of-the-art proton treatment system allows us to treat patients with less radiation exposure to normal tissues than other systems.


A patient undergoes treatment in the Proton Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to shrink and eliminate tumors.

Image-guided and adaptive proton therapy

We offer image-guided proton therapy (IGPT) using high-resolution imaging systems to accurately position a patient for radiation delivery. And unlike other proton units, we provide adaptive therapy with a diagnostic-quality CT scanner in the treatment room that can modify treatment in response to changes in the patient's anatomy, such as when the tumor shrinks during the treatment course.

What to expect

At MedStar Health, our doctors are dedicated to providing a seamless experience tailored to meet each patient's individual needs.

The first step is determining whether it is the best treatment for your unique situation and health condition. During an initial consultation, a specialized radiation oncologist will decide whether or not you are a good candidate by reviewing your medical history and discussing your personal needs with you.

Proton therapy is performed in two stages:

  • Treatment Preparation (Simulation Session): Before actual treatments, our physicians will generate a radiation plan specific to you and your treatment needs, including positioning and identifying your treatment area. Preparing this plan generally involves diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, and/or PET scanning), which will guide the simulation session of the proton therapy that follows. Your physician will work with the radiation physicist and dosimetrist to develop the best treatment plan to meet your needs, including dosage and beam configuration.
  • Treatment Sessions: Shortly after the preparation phase, your radiation treatment sessions will begin. Most patients visit their radiation oncologist at least once a week while on treatment. Treatment may cause significantly fewer side effects than other radiation therapies, allowing most patients to continue their everyday routine during treatment sessions and return to work and other regular activities following treatment with minimal disruption.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is proton therapy?

    Proton therapy with HYPERSCAN is a highly advanced form of radiation therapy (radiotherapy) that has the power to shrink and eliminate cancer by precisely focusing protons onto the target tumor. This type of therapy takes advantage of the physical properties of the proton particles, which can be controlled better than conventional radiation. This makes it more accurate and precise, destroying tumors without causing damage to the surrounding healthy cells. In addition, proton therapy can avoid the need for certain surgeries and provides patients with an alternative treatment option for cancers of all types and recurrent cancers.

  • What does proton therapy cost?

    Once your doctor determines that you are a good candidate for proton therapy, our team will contact your insurance provider to determine if they will cover your treatment. We understand that medical bills and questions about insurance coverage can be a significant source of concern and stress for patients and their families, so we prioritize keeping you well-informed before beginning your treatment.

  • Does insurance cover proton therapy?

    Proton therapy coverage varies by insurance company and disease site. With additional research, the number of conditions appropriate for proton therapy is increasing. We have a dedicated team of experienced financial coordinators who work closely with patients and families and behind the scenes to obtain authorization or assist in the appeal process, if necessary. Our entire team advocates for coverage of your treatment, providing the appropriate clinical information and recommendations to your insurance provider so you can focus on caring for yourself.

  • Is proton therapy safe for children?

    Proton therapy is generally accepted as part of the standard of care treatment for many pediatric cancers. In addition to providing the most advanced form of radiation therapy for adults, this type of therapy is beneficial for children, in particular, for several reasons.

    • Children are less likely to develop a secondary cancer. Several studies suggest that this therapy effectively eliminates cancerous cells while keeping healthy surrounding cells unharmed. As a result, the chances of suffering from a secondary radiation-induced cancer later in life is significantly reduced.
    • It lowers a child's exposure to radiation. Because this therapy with pencil beam scanning (PBS) can be more tightly controlled than conventional radiation therapy, it avoids unnecessary radiation exposure, especially to healthy tissues surrounding the treatment area. This results in less growth impairment.
    • Everyday activities are less impacted during therapy treatments than with other forms of radiation treatment. During traditional radiation treatment, a child's normal tissue is usually exposed to higher radiation levels, which can cause more side effects. This is especially concerning when treating a child who may have to stay home from school or other activities during treatment. Proton therapy increases the likelihood that a child can continue their everyday life with less disruption during the treatment process.

For referring physicians

Referring a patient to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

MedStar Georgetown invites referring physicians and specialists to entrust their patients' care to our experienced radiation medicine team. We are dedicated to putting our patients first and treating each patient individually and holistically. In addition, our doctors are committed to continuity of care and keeping our referring physicians informed and involved throughout the treatment and follow-up process.

Referring a patient to MedStar Georgetown for proton therapy can offer the following benefits:

  • Access to the most precise proton therapy technology currently available
  • Home to an experienced, multi-disciplinary and compassionate team of providers
  • A track record or success with state-of-the-art treatments

To refer a patient please contact us by phone or email using the below information.

Referring physician contact: Cheryl Savage, Administrator, Radiation Medicine Department of MedStar Georgetown

Phone: 202-444-4639

Email: savagech@gunet.georgetown.edu