There are now 32 operating proton therapy centers in the U.S. and more on the way. While this means a greater number of cancer patients may have a facility nearby, it also means patients need to look deeper at the quality of the centers offering proton therapy before deciding where to be treated. Just because the equipment is in the building doesn’t necessarily guarantee the center has the expertise and experience needed to provide high-quality proton therapy.

I like to think of UF Health Proton Therapy Institute employees as family members, and there are many of our family members who are behind the scenes helping to make the Institute run smoothly. Last week we unfortunately lost one of our most highly valued family members. Jeff Rexford was a truly extraordinary man who led our team of on-site engineers, overseeing the maintenance of the proton equipment. Jeff served in this role as IBA’s site-manager since 2006.

May is brain tumor awareness month, and the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is a regional resource with radiation oncologists who specialize in treating brain tumors and other central nervous system tumors. Our pediatric program is well-known worldwide for excellence in treating rare tumors such as craniopharyngioma and ependymoma. Of the pediatric patients we have treated, 65% have had a brain tumor. What makes proton therapy optimal for treating brain tumors?