SCCA Proton Therapy ProCure Center achieves milestone of treating 100 adult and pediatric cancer patients

Past and present patients, families, friends, staff and physicians of SCCA Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center gathered this week to commemorate the milestone of treating 100 adult and pediatric cancer patients. A celebratory luncheon took place at the Center, located on UW Medicine's Northwest Hospital & Medical Center campus. SCCA Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center opened its doors in the spring of 2013 and is the only proton therapy center in a seven-state region.

Proton therapy is an advanced and highly precise form of radiation treatment that allows doctors to focus radiation directly into the tumor, reducing radiation to healthy tissue and the risk of side effects. Currently available at only 13 centers in the United States, studies have shown proton therapy to be beneficial in treating a broad range of tumors, including those of the brain, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, breast, lung, and prostate, as well as sarcomas and certain pediatric cancers.

"I had done my research beforehand, so after meeting Dr. Kenneth Russell and touring the center, I knew instantly that proton therapy was the best option for treating my prostate cancer," said Curry Miller, a recent patient at SCCA Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center. "Throughout treatment, I was able to maintain my daily routine at the office and regularly working out at the gym. I am grateful to the incredible team who helped with my care and truly believe having access to proton therapy is a great asset for our region."

The proton center attracts patients nationally and internationally, with the ability to treat about 1,200 proton therapy patients annually. Patients at SCCA Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center benefit from the pairing of top cancer experts with the most advanced technology available. SCCA, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's form the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Northwest. The center's doctors are all UW Medicine physicians with expert training on proton therapy administration.

"With pediatric cases representing roughly 20 percent of the patients treated, we're happy that families no longer have to travel across the country to receive proton therapy," said Lisa Brandenburg, president of Seattle Children's Hospital. "Through our close partnership with the Center, we're able to offer access to breakthrough care that is beneficial for treating certain types of pediatric cancers."

"Having proton therapy available in the Pacific Northwest empowers patients facing a cancer diagnosis with an additional treatment option," said Dr. Marc Stewart, medical director of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. "At SCCA our mission is to provide the best available treatment for cancer patients and we believe that this new center is doing just that. We're honored to have helped 100 proton therapy patients through their journey and we could not have reached this point without the support of countless individuals."