A significant milestone in the advancement of cancer treatment was marked today as Penn Medicine commenced construction on its latest proton therapy facility. Located at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City, this cutting-edge $224 million center is expected to open its doors to patients by late 2027. As part of an ambitious plan to enhance comprehensive cancer care, the Roberts Proton Therapy Center will serve as a crucial addition to Penn Medicine's network, which already includes three other proton therapy locations. This advanced form of radiation therapy targets tumors with remarkable precision, safeguarding healthy tissues and reducing side effects for improved quality of life among patients.
The new facility aims to augment the capabilities of Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center while preparing for future upgrades at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center within the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Since its inception in 2010, this global leader has treated nearly 11,000 adult and pediatric patients. Dr. James Metz, Chair of Radiation Oncology at the Perelman School of Medicine, emphasized that the expansion would ensure seamless patient care during planned renovations at the flagship site.
Spanning over 43,000 square feet, the new center will house two state-of-the-art Proteus®ONE proton therapy systems and expand towards 38th Street. Construction activities have temporarily closed Medical Drive; visitors should use Filbert Street for access. The project also introduces another photon therapy room using high-energy X-ray beams, doubling photon therapy capacity by fall 2025. According to Dr. John Plastaras, Chief of Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy at Penn Presbyterian, personalized radiation plans tailored to each patient's needs will leverage both proton and photon therapies effectively.
In collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), specialty-trained pediatric oncologists will continue providing care at the new location. With fewer than 50 proton therapy centers nationwide, Penn Medicine ensures convenient access for Delaware Valley residents through facilities like those in Lancaster and South Jersey. Utilizing a hub-and-spoke model centered at the Perelman Center, expert physicists design treatment plans distributed across all locations.
This development not only enhances clinical services but also propels research initiatives and educational programs forward. Over the past 15 years, Penn experts have trained staff from 27 international centers and spearheaded pivotal studies comparing proton and photon therapies. Notably, they lead groundbreaking trials such as RadComp, examining their efficacy in treating locally advanced breast cancer, alongside pioneering FLASH radiotherapy techniques delivering ultra-high doses swiftly.
Beyond expanding treatment options, this initiative underscores Penn Medicine's commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes globally. By integrating innovative technologies with robust research frameworks, the organization continues to set benchmarks in cancer care excellence.