Health experts, caregivers and patients testify in support of the proposal at MA Department of Public Health hearing
Yesterday, health experts, caregivers and patients testified in support of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's proposed new proton therapy center that would allow more cancer patients to receive lifesaving treatment. These supporters testified to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) during a hearing in the Determination of Need (DoN) process.
Proton therapy is a highly specialized form of radiation that precisely treats tumors with minimal radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. For some cancers, it allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered, thereby improving disease control and outcomes. Proton therapy is especially beneficial for pediatric cancer patients because it delivers targeted radiation, which helps pediatric patients survive cancer and maintain a better quality of life as they grow.
To continue providing the highest quality comprehensive cancer care to patients, and to help fill an overwhelming unmet need, Dana-Farber will make proton therapy accessible to healthcare providers across the region. The proton therapy center will serve patients who are being treated at Dana-Farber, as well as local pediatric and adult patients who will receive proton therapy at Dana-Farber and return to their respective hospitals for follow-up care.
The DoN process, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is a framework for analysis to promote population health and increased public health value.
Select testimony excerpts:
William C. Hahn, MD, PhD, Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"At Dana Farber, we are committed to providing equitable, evidence-based care and preparing for what it means to treat cancer effectively over the next 10 to 20 years. This proton therapy center is a critical part of that mission. Proton therapy is medically necessary and, for many patients, lifesaving. With the capacity to treat more than 200 patients annually and to deliver up to 6,000 individual treatments, our center would serve both pediatric and adult patients, not only for Dana-Farber, but across the region."
Peter F. Orio, DO, MS, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"Proton therapy allows us to precisely target tumors while substantially reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This reduction in unnecessary radiation to healthy tissue translates directly into fewer side effects, less long-term toxicity, and better quality of life for patients, especially children. This proposal also supports the healthcare workforce in Massachusetts. Establishing a proton center within an academic cancer center helps you recruit and retain highly trained clinicians, physicists, therapists, and support staff, while also advancing education and research that benefits the broader oncology community."
Allison F. O'Neill, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"Over the course of my career, I've seen radiation therapy evolve significantly for pediatric patients and recognize that proton beam therapy allows us to deliver radiation directly to tumors while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. For young developing children, that precision makes a lifelong difference. It not only ensures an increased quality of life for the patients, but it can also mean fewer costs, less stress, and reduced risks in the future. We're investing in the future of these children, not just by curing their disease, but by mitigating long-term toxicity."
Alexander Owen-Post, Strategic Collaboration Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"I am both a Dana-Farber employee and a Dana-Farber patient. When it came time for proton radiation, there was only one operational proton therapy center in New England. I'm grateful that proton therapy was available for me, but leaving a team that had cared for me from the beginning was difficult. A proton therapy center at Dana-Farber would allow patients to receive the treatment they need while staying with the care teams who know them best."
Susan Chi, Clinical Director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program in Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber Boston Children's Hospital
"As a pediatric neuro-oncologist, when there is a treatment option available for my patients that I know is favorable in terms of future morbidities, reduction in harm, and ultimately, an increase in their quality of life, I believe I have an obligation to ensure that they have access to that option. This center is essential as part of Dana Farber's commitment to equitable, accessible cancer care."
Andrew E. Place, MD, PhD, Vice President and Pediatric Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer
"This new proton center will ensure that our patients have access to the most effective treatment options available right now. It would allow more patients to receive proton therapy closer to home, without unnecessary delays or disruption. This integration enhances safety and improves continuity of care, especially for pediatric patients."
Suzy Amor, PFAC, Mother and Supporter of Dana-Farber Proton Therapy Center
"Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor called ETMR, my son Jonah faced a daunting battle that no child should have to endure. However, thanks to the advanced treatment of proton therapy, our family was granted precious time together that we otherwise might not have had. The proton therapy significantly delayed the progression of his tumor, giving us invaluable time that we will always be grateful for. It is vital for families facing similar circumstances to have timely access to proton therapy."
