Advancing Proton Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida
On August 14, 2006, the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute reached an incredible milestone—treating its very first patient. He was a man from Cocoa Beach, Fla., receiving care for prostate cancer. Just a few weeks later, on September 25, the Institute welcomed its first pediatric patient: a teenage boy from Palm Coast, Fla., with sarcoma.
These early treatments marked both the culmination of years of vision, planning, and dedication—and the beginning of something truly extraordinary. Behind the scenes, a committed team of clinical and administrative professionals had already invested countless hours to bring this pioneering center to life with the leadership of Medical Director Nancy P. Mendenhall, MD, FACR, FASTRO, Executive Director Stuart L. Klein, MHA, and Medical Physics Director Zuofeng Li, DSc, DABMP, FAAPM.
Building a Leading Proton Therapy Center in Northeast Florida
In those first days, treatments took place in a single room, called a gantry. Growth came quickly. A second gantry opened in January 2007, followed by a third in March. As the team continued to expand capabilities, they developed new treatment protocols and welcomed more patients.
By April 2007, the Institute was already caring for patients with a wide range of conditions, including prostate cancer, sarcoma in children, central nervous system tumors in both pediatric and adult patients, chordoma, gynecologic cancers, head and neck cancers, pancreatic cancer, and skin cancer. Over the next year, even more protocols were introduced—bringing hope to patients with liver cancer, rectal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, thymoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and kidney cancer.
The pace of progress was remarkable. By May 2008—just 19 months after opening—the Institute was treating 100 patients per day with proton therapy, setting a new benchmark for centers around the world at that time.
Growing Beyond Florida: International Reach and Pediatric Proton Therapy
The Institute’s reach soon extended far beyond the United States. In October 2008, it treated its first international patient, a young boy from England with a rare brain tumor. As the Institute’s expertise grew, so did its reputation, drawing more referrals from both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, particularly for rare and complex pediatric cases.
In November 2009, the Institute partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on a groundbreaking clinical protocol—the first of its kind—to study proton therapy for children under age three with rare brain tumors. This collaboration reflected a deep commitment not only to patient care, but also to advancing research and improving outcomes for future generations.
Establishing a Global Leader in Proton Therapy by 2010
By August 2010, additional treatment programs had been introduced, including those for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, eye melanoma, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer.
In just four years, the Institute had treated more than 2,200 patients, establishing itself as one of the most experienced proton therapy centers in the world. These early years laid a strong foundation—one built on innovation, compassion, and an unwavering focus on improving the lives of patients and families.