20 Years of Progress in Proton Therapy: Advancing Research, Recognition and Pediatric Care
The 20-year history of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute continues with benchmark research, new professorships and fellowships and recognition for excellence in cancer care.
The Institute's first years were defined by growth and innovation. By 2010, the Institute had established itself as one of the world's most experienced proton therapy centers, treating more than 2,200 patients and expanding treatment options for a growing number of cancer types.
The years that followed marked another important chapter. From 2011 through 2015, the Institute strengthened its role as a leader in clinical research, academic medicine and pediatric cancer care. During this period, physicians and researchers shared influential study results, expanded educational opportunities for future specialists, earned prestigious recognitions and established one of the largest pediatric proton therapy programs in the world.
Investing in the Future of Proton Therapy
As the field of proton therapy continued to evolve, the Institute expanded its commitment to education and research.
In October 2011, the James E. Lockwood Charitable Foundation created two proton therapy professorships through a $2 million endowment, recognizing the importance of advancing proton therapy research and patient care. Dr. Nancy Mendenhall was named one of the inaugural recipients, reinforcing her leadership role in helping shape the future of the specialty.
That same year, the Institute launched the first Pediatric Proton Therapy Radiation Oncology Fellowship, creating a dedicated training pathway for physicians seeking specialized expertise in treating children with cancer. The fellowship helped establish Jacksonville as an important destination for advanced proton therapy education and mentorship.
Expanding Care for Rare Cancers and Care for Children
In June 2012, physicians treated the first eye cancer patient in the fixed beam treatment room, expanding access to proton therapy for patients with ocular tumors and other complex cancers that benefit from highly precise radiation delivery.
The Institute's commitment to pediatric care accelerated during this period.
Just two months later, another remarkable milestone was reached. By August 2012, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute had become the largest pediatric proton therapy program in the world. The distinction reflected both growing physician confidence in proton therapy's ability to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissues and the Institute's increasing reputation for treating some of the most challenging pediatric cancers.
As referrals increased from across the United States and abroad, families sought treatment in Jacksonville for conditions where precision was especially important, including tumors near critical organs and developing tissues.
Advancing Evidence Through Clinical Research
While patient care continued to grow, Institute researchers were also helping build the scientific evidence supporting proton therapy.
For example, in October 2012, physicians presented findings from seven prostate cancer studies at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. The findings contributed to a growing body of research evaluating treatment effectiveness, quality of life and long-term outcomes for men receiving proton therapy for prostate cancer.
Research leadership continued in September 2013 when investigators presented outcomes data at ASTRO examining children treated for sarcomas and tumors located near the brainstem. These complex cases highlighted the potential advantages of proton therapy's precision in reducing radiation exposure to nearby healthy structures while achieving excellent tumor control.
The Institute's research momentum continued in February 2014 with the publication of a five-year prostate cancer outcomes study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics (The Red Journal), one of the field's leading scientific publications. The publication provided important long-term data and further strengthened the Institute's reputation as a leading contributor to proton therapy research.
Celebrating Milestones That Matter
Not every milestone was defined by clinical achievements alone.
In January 2013, Aud's Chime was dedicated, creating a meaningful tradition for patients and families. The chime serves as a symbol of hope, perseverance and accomplishment as patients complete their treatment journeys.
These moments of celebration became an important part of the Institute's culture, recognizing that healing extends beyond medicine and includes the support, encouragement and community experienced throughout treatment.
Hear a series of proton patient alumni reflections on what it meant to them to ring Aud’s Chime.
National Recognition and Quality Excellence
By 2015, the Institute's accomplishments in patient care, research and innovation were being recognized on a broader scale.
In March, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, as part of the UF Health Cancer Institute, was named one of Florida's first four Cancer Centers of Excellence, an important distinction acknowledging leadership in cancer treatment, research and patient outcomes.
Later that year, the Institute earned accreditation from the American College of Radiology, further validating its commitment to quality, safety and clinical excellence.
The year also brought a milestone that reflected nearly a decade of dedication to pediatric patients and families. In September 2015, the Institute treated its 1,000th pediatric patient, underscoring both its experience and its leadership role in caring for children with cancer.
Looking Ahead
From benchmark research and academic achievements to national recognitions and pediatric milestones, the years between 2011 and 2015 helped transform the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute from an innovative treatment center into a globally recognized leader in proton therapy.
These accomplishments laid the foundation for the next decade of growth, discovery and patient care, while advancing a mission that continues today: improving outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through innovation, research and compassionate care.