Scripps Proton Therapy Center

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The Scripps Proton Therapy Center is a state of the art, leading edge cancer center that will bring the most advanced form of therapy available today to the San Diego Region of Southern California – proton therapy.

Proton therapy is a highly advanced form of radiation therapy that uses accelerated elemental particles such as protons from hydrogen atoms, to precisely treat cancerous tumors throughout the body. Proton therapy has effectively been used to treat cancer patients worldwide, with fewer side effects, or complications, compared to surgery, chemotherapy, and conventional radiation (photon) therapy alternatives. Proton therapy is a well-established, FDA-approved and Medicare and private insurance reimbursable technology that is used in more than 30 cancer centers worldwide.

The Scripps Proton Therapy Center can treat up to 2,400 patients annually with the potential to improve medical outcomes, reduce side effects, and promote the understanding of the use of advanced technologies in cancer therapy.

Advanced Particle Therapy LLC has been engaged by the Center to design, build, equip, commission and initiate operation of the Scripps Proton Therapy Center. The Center will be built on approximately 7 acres in the Mira Mesa area off of the 805 freeway and is expected to be operational by the 1st quarter of 2013.

The center will do more than help cancer patients; it will deliver significant economic growth to San Diego by generating $50 million in construction costs and a proportionate number of construction jobs. Once operational, Scripps Proton Therapy Center will be staffed by 110 proton therapy trained professionals including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation technologists and medical support and administrative staff.

Proton therapy is a non-invasive treatment performed on an outpatient basis. Patients typically receive approximately 30 treatments during a 4-5 week period. Each treatment requires a 20 minute appointment after which the patient is free to carry on their daily affairs.

Based on the experiences of other proton centers in the country, people will travel to San Diego for the therapy from other states and countries, contributing another $20 to $30 million to the local economy through lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment, and other consumer-driven activities.

The proton center will have the capacity to treat up to 2,400 patients a year and will be the only facility in the state to have 5 treatment rooms, full diagnostic services, and dedicated research. The proton system will be provided by Varian Medical Systems.