A significant advancement in cancer care is set to take place in central Massachusetts. The state Public Health Council unanimously approved UMass Memorial Health Care’s application to purchase a proton beam system and expand its Cancer Center at Marlborough Hospital. This initiative will introduce proton therapy services to the region, which has previously relied on facilities in Boston for this innovative treatment.
The expected cost of the project is nearly $54 million. UMass Memorial Health Care aims to enhance regional healthcare access, improve clinical outcomes, and potentially increase survival rates for patients. Currently, patients must travel to Boston for proton therapy, undergoing a demanding schedule of treatments over 24 consecutive sessions. This travel often poses significant challenges, particularly for those lacking flexible work schedules or reliable transportation.
Senator Jamie Eldridge of Marlborough highlighted the burdens faced by residents in central and western Massachusetts during the council meeting. He stated, “Patients in our region should not have to go all the way to Boston or experience long wait times and high costs to receive the life-saving care they desperately need.” The introduction of proton therapy is expected to alleviate these pressures, enabling patients to receive treatment closer to home.
Proton therapy is recognized for its ability to target tumors with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. According to Teryl Smith, director of the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, the technology has advanced to the point where it is now more feasible for healthcare institutions to implement. UMass Memorial’s spokesperson, Kristy Lee, confirmed that the new therapy services are slated to be available by February 2028.
Historically, proton therapy was considered cost prohibitive, but advancements have made it accessible. The therapy can significantly reduce side effects associated with traditional radiation treatments, such as fatigue and gastrointestinal issues, leading to quicker recovery times. It is effective in treating various types of cancer, including head and neck, esophageal, and pediatric cancers.
Dr. David McManus, chair of the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of proton therapy. He noted that it is particularly beneficial for patients with cancers located near vital organs, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications that could lead to costly hospital readmissions.
The high incidence of cancer in Worcester County underscores the need for these expanded services. Smith revealed that Worcester County has the third highest cancer incidence rate in Massachusetts, with 457 cases per 100,000 individuals reported from 2017 to 2021. UMass Memorial anticipates referrals for proton therapy from surrounding areas, including Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Hampden counties.
Representative Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “For too long, patients in central Mass. and beyond have had to sacrifice in order to get the treatment that they need. This is another step in the right direction to providing state-of-the-art treatment to people here in MetroWest and beyond.”
As UMass Memorial Health Care prepares to introduce proton therapy, the expansion of cancer care services in central Massachusetts is poised to make a significant impact on local patients, improving accessibility to advanced treatment options.
