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Proton Therapy at Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute

Bringing world-class proton therapy to Miami with unmatched expertise in pediatric, adult, and international cancer care.

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What You Should Know About Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment available today. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy precisely targets tumors with high-energy protons that stop directly at the tumor site, helping spare surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs.

At Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, we use the most sophisticated technology available, including pencil beam scanning, which allows our physicians to deliver radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy. This level of precision can reduce side effects and improve quality of life during and after treatment.

Proton therapy can be used to treat a wide range of cancers, including brain, lung, head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, and pediatric cancers.

What You Should Know About Proton Therapy

Why Choose Us for Proton Therapy Treatment?

  • First in South Florida, and one of only a few centers nationwide, to offer advanced proton therapy.
  • State-of-the-art pencil beam scanning technology for unmatched precision and control.
  • Internationally recognized team of radiation oncologists, physicists, and dosimetrists.
  • Comprehensive, coordinated care through Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary teams.
  • Support services for patients and families, including pediatric care and onsite lodging.
  • A global destination for leading-edge, compassionate cancer care.

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Why Choose Us for Proton Therapy Treatment?

Cutting-Edge Treatment in One Place

When you’re going through cancer treatment, you need convenient care. At Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, we give you easy access to one of the world’s most comprehensive, advanced radiation oncology programs. We are home to South Florida’s first proton therapy center, and we are the only cancer center worldwide that offers all the latest radiation therapy technologies in one building. Together, we can find the treatment that’s right for you.

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What is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of external beam radiation that uses protons instead of X-rays. Protons release their maximum energy directly at the tumor site, reducing the risk of radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it especially effective for complex and sensitive cases.

How Proton Therapy Works

Pencil Beam Scanning

Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute uses pencil beam scanning, the most precise form of proton therapy. The beam “paints” radiation across the tumor in thin layers, delivering high accuracy even for irregularly shaped or hard-to-reach tumors. This allows us to treat cancers while sparing nearby healthy organs.

See how Pencil Beam Scanning works.

Cancers and Tumors We Treat

At Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, we use proton therapy to treat a wide range of cancers. Our specialists will work with you to determine if proton therapy is right for you. The cancers we treat include:

  • Anal cancer
  • Base-of-skull tumors
  • Brain tumors
  • Breast cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gynecologic cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Liver/Bile Duct cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Paraspinal tumors
  • Pediatric cancers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Sarcoma
  • Spinal cord tumors 

When is Proton Therapy Recommended?

Proton therapy may be recommended for:

  • Pediatric cancers
  • Tumors in the brain, spine, or central nervous system
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Lung, liver, and breast cancers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Patients who require re-treatment after previous radiation

Benefits & Risks

Benefits

  • Precise radiation delivery with reduced exposure to surrounding tissue
  • Lower risk of long-term side effects
  • Ability to deliver higher doses safely to tumors
  • Especially beneficial for pediatric and young adult patients

Risks

Side effects are generally fewer than with conventional radiation but may include fatigue, skin irritation, or temporary swelling, depending on the treatment area.

Your Proton Therapy Experience

At Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, every detail of your care is designed with comfort and healing in mind. From calming treatment rooms to family-friendly spaces for pediatric patients, our environment supports your entire journey. Patients benefit from a dedicated team that guides them from consultation through recovery.

Patient Testimonials

Discover inspiring patient testimonials that highlight the exceptional care we provide, showcasing stories of recovery, compassion, and expertise.
Photo of Sharon Prolow
“When [Dr. Mautner] told me she’d get it all and the cancer was not going to come back, I felt assured that I was in the perfect hands.”
Read Full Story
Sharon Prolow
Proton Therapy Patient at Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute
Photo of Anayed Perez-Araica
“I always have a smile on me because I don’t think about it. I just live life, seeing what happens.”
Read Full Story
Anayed Perez-Araica
Proton Therapy Patient
Photo of Olga Alarcon Cruz
“Here is the best cancer treatment in the world … The people here are amazing and I just want to say, ‘Thank you!”
Read Full Story
Olga Alarcon Cruz
Proton Therapy Patient

Meet Our Specialists

Our internationally recognized radiation oncologists and physicists specialize in proton therapy, including pediatric and re-treatment cases.

Meet Our Specialists

Meet Our Specialists

Request a Consultation

We invite you to learn more about treatment options for you or your loved one through a consultation with our experts. Our team will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Proton therapy uses charged particles called protons instead of traditional X‑rays. Unlike standard radiation that passes through the body, protons stop directly at the tumor site, delivering precise radiation to cancer cells while helping spare nearby healthy tissue and organs.

  • Yes. Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute is one of the few centers in the region offering proton therapy for pediatric patients. Because proton therapy limits radiation exposure to developing tissues, it’s especially beneficial for children who may face long‑term side effects from other types of radiation.

  • The number of proton therapy sessions varies based on the type and location of your tumor. Most patients receive treatment five days a week for several weeks. Your care team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and overall health.

  • No, proton therapy is painless. You won’t feel or see the radiation as it’s delivered. Each session usually lasts 15–30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.

  • Absolutely. Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute welcomes patients from around the world and provides dedicated concierge services to assist with travel, lodging, and scheduling needs.

  • Our proton therapy center is the first of its kind in South Florida and among only a select few in the nation. It features advanced pencil beam scanning technology, enabling our specialists to treat complex and hard‑to‑reach tumors with sub‑millimeter precision. Patients also benefit from integrated care across imaging, surgery, and medical oncology, all in one location.

  • Coverage for proton therapy varies by insurance provider and diagnosis. Our financial counselors will work with you and your insurer to verify coverage and discuss any out‑of‑pocket costs before treatment begins.

  • To determine if proton therapy is right for you, your care team will evaluate your type of cancer, its location and your overall well-being. They may also recommend combining proton therapy with other treatments. We offer all the most advanced treatment technologies, so we will discuss the full ranges of options available to you.

Hear From Our Experts On How Proton Therapy Is Used To Treat Various Cancer Types

A Close, Comfortable Place to Stay

A Close, Comfortable Place to Stay

Hilton Miami Dadeland offers patients and their families a convenient, comfortable place to stay while receiving medical care at any of Baptist Health’s facilities. Located on the Baptist Health Baptist Hospital campus, it is a full-service hotel with signature services of Hilton Hotels & Resorts with a distinct focus on wellness.

Have questions? We're here to help.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, would like information about this or other radiation oncology programs, or would like a referral to our program, please give us a call.

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