International Health
Specialties
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Northwestern Medicine Proton Center
The Northwestern Medicine Proton Center has treated thousands of adults and children from the United States and multiple countries since opening in 2010. The Center’s experienced multidisciplinary team will work with you to take care of all of the necessary arrangements for treatment. Experience and Clinical Research The Northwestern Medicine Proton Center physicians are among the most regarded thought leaders of their industry with experience and access to a broad range of radiotherapy. The physicians are invested in advancing the science of non-invasive proton therapy through participation in clinical research trials in collaboration with other proton centers, thereby increasing the knowledge of the community as a whole. In fact, 90% of all Northwestern Medicine Proton Center patients participate in a clinical treatment or registry trial. Our clinicians are actively involved in research and regularly present at international academic conferences and scientific meetings. Northwestern Medicine Proton Center Location and Clinical Partners Our Center is conveniently located west of Chicago, about 35 minutes from O’Hare International Airport, North America’s international hub. We work hand-in-hand with some of the nation’s best medical providers such as Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern Medicine’s nationally ranked acute care hospitals and cancer centers. Pediatric patients and their families have access to a Ronald McDonald House® located nearby, allowing families to stay connected during treatment. What is Proton Therapy? Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that allows a patient’s tumor to receive precise doses of radiation, reducing the risk of side effects and damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It is an effective treatment for many types of tumors, destroying cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and growing, just like standard radiation. The difference between proton therapy and standard radiation is that protons deposit much of their energy, or dose, directly in the tumor and then stop, while conventional radiation continues to deposit dose beyond the tumor. The unique behavior of protons allows tumors to receive more targeted doses, which can be more effective, while reducing damage to the healthy tissues that surround the tumor. In many cases, proton therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy, as a follow-up treatment to surgery, and in combination with standard X-ray radiation treatment. Tumors commonly treated with protons include:
We also have extensive treatment and research programs for the common tumors including breast, prostate and lung cancers. Integrated, Multidisciplinary Team Our multidisciplinary care team includes: radiation oncologists, pediatric oncologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, radiation therapists, a social worker and a child life specialist. Rehabilitation and nutrition providers as well as many medical physicists, engineers and machinists work together to deliver high quality care. Our Patient Services Team is committed to facilitating high-quality medical care and exceptional patient support services to ensure a positive overall experience — during and after treatment. We connect and coordinate patients with local cultural, educational, entertainment and recreational events and resources during their stay, making their treatment experience as easy as possible. Northwestern Medicine Proton Center patients have the benefit of access to the adjacent Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center giving patients the options of multidisciplinary evaluation and care, such as standard radiation therapy and chemotherapy services. For more information call 312.926.1089 or contact us. And for more on the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center, visit protoncenter.nm.org. |
Clinical Leadership
William F. Hartsell, MD, FACR, FACRO
For more information call 312.926.1089 or contact us. For more on the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center, visit protoncenter.nm.org.
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