The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, reached an important milestone in the advancement of cancer care with the successful treatment of its first patient utilizing proton therapy, according to physicians at both the Institute and the hospital.
The achievement marks a significant moment not only for Lynn Cancer Institute, but for Baptist Health Cancer Care and the South Palm Beach County community. With proton therapy now available locally, patients who may benefit from this highly precise form of radiation therapy have access to advanced treatment close to home, supported by a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts.
A Strong Candidate for the Treatment
The first patient treated with proton therapy at Lynn Cancer Institute was referred by Anurag Agarwal, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Institute, and neurosurgeon Matthew Moore, M.D., director of integrated neurosurgery at Baptist Health Marcus Neuroscience Institute.
It was Dr. Moore who recognized the potential benefit of proton therapy for the patient’s case. He told the radiation oncology team that he felt the patient would be an ideal candidate for the treatment.
Their collaboration on this patient’s case reflects one of the defining strengths of Baptist Health Cancer Care: specialists working together across disciplines to identify the most appropriate and personalized treatment options for each patient.
Highly Targeted Radiation Treatment
“Proton therapy represents a major step forward in our ability to deliver highly targeted radiation treatment,” said Robert Press, M.D., clinical director of proton therapy at Lynn Cancer Institute. “To treat our first patient with this technology is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our team, our Institute and the patients we serve.”
Unlike traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy uses a beam of protons to precisely target tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
“This can be especially important when treating tumors located near sensitive organs or critical structures,” says Dr. Press. “That includes certain brain, spine, head and neck, thoracic and pediatric cancers.”
Not Just the Advanced Technology
For the first patient treated at Lynn Cancer Institute, the decision to pursue proton therapy was the result of thoughtful clinical evaluation and close coordination between the patient’s physicians and the radiation oncology team.
Dr. Moore’s initial recommendation helped elevate the case for review, and the team determined that proton therapy offered a promising approach based on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy and treatment goals.
“This milestone is about more than technology,” said Michael Kasper, M.D., medical director of Lynn Cancer Institute’s radiation oncology program. “It’s about bringing together expertise, innovation and compassionate care to give patients access to the most advanced treatment options available.”
Boca Raton Philanthropists Make it Possible
The launch of proton therapy at Lynn Cancer Institute follows years of planning and generous philanthropic support from the community, executives at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation say.
Earlier this year, the Foundation recognized lead donors and community members whose gifts helped make the Proton Therapy Center possible. They included Barbara C. Gutin, Irving & Barbara C. Gutin Charitable Foundation, Judy and Artie Canter, Renee and Barry Honig, Leticia “Tish” Messinger, Arlette and Robert Britton, Art and Debbie Newman and the Estate of Richard Blackman.
A Proud Moment for Lynn Cancer Institute
For Lynn Cancer Institute, the first proton therapy patient represents the beginning of a new chapter in cancer treatment in South Florida. It also strengthens Baptist Health Cancer Care’s commitment to advancing care through innovation, collaboration and access—ensuring patients can receive the most advanced therapies without having to travel far from their families, support systems and care teams.
This is a proud moment for Lynn Cancer Institute and for Baptist Health Cancer Care, according to Louise Morrell, M.D., chief medical executive at the Institute.
“At the center of every clinical milestone are the patients and families who have entrusted their care to us,” Dr. Morrell said. “The ability to offer proton therapy here in Boca Raton expands what is possible for our patients and reflects our ongoing mission to provide exceptional cancer care close to home.”
As the Institute continues to grow its proton therapy program, Dr. Morrell said they remain focused on providing patients facing cancer with the most personalized care, improved quality of life, better outcomes and, most importantly, hope.
Click here to learn more about proton therapy at Lynn Cancer Institute.
