Penn Medicine recently held a groundbreaking ceremony in University City for the $224 million Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. It targets tumors with pinpoint precision using high-energy X-ray beams. Compared to other cancer treatments, proton therapy limits the side effects and preserves quality of life.
“We create a personalized radiation therapy plan for every patient, based on their specific cancer type and tumor location,” Dr. John Plastaras, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center radiation oncology and proton therapy chief, said. “This new center will allow us to fully serve patients with the most advanced radiation therapy treatment options in both proton and photon therapy.”
The new center will be a 43,000-square-foot expansion to Penn Presbyterian on its 38th Street side. It will include two ProteusONE proton therapy systems and another photon therapy treatment room.
The TrueBeam photon therapy system will be operational by autumn, doubling Penn Presbyterian’s photon therapy capacity. The new center is expected to begin treating patients in late 2027.
During construction, Medical Drive will be closed. The parking garage and main entrance in the Cupp Building can be accessed using Filbert Street.