Loma Linda University Proton Treatment Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Friday, June 01, 2001
The world's only hospital-based proton treatment facility held its 10th anniversary celebration on Sunday, November 12, at Loma Linda University Medical Center. The celebration was held in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center.
More than 600 patients treated at the Proton Treatment Center attended the anniversary celebration.
During the event, James M. Slater, MD, FACR, professor and chair of the department of radiation medicine, discussed how the Proton Treatment Center progressed over a 20-year period from an idea to a reality.
"Just over 10 years ago, in October, 1990, the Proton Treatment Center opened and we treated our first patient," says Dr. Slater. "At that time we were excited and a bit apprehensive. We knew that we were offering a superior form of radiation treatment, and had a facility designed from the ground up to deliver protons in the most effective, efficient, and safe manner possible, but its ultimate efficacy remained to be proven."
"Improved control of cancer and reduced treatment morbidity have now been documented in publications, as we originally expected," Dr. Slater adds.
"The Loma Linda University Medical Center proton radiation treatment system has been highly successful, although it is still in its infancy in terms of its ultimate potential."
The Honorable Jerry Lewis, a member of the House of Representatives for the 40th Congressional District, was instrumental in obtaining funds to build the Proton Treatment Center.
In a videotaped message, Congressman Lewis discussed his partnership with Loma Linda that resulted in the establishment of the proton treatment system.
"The proton center development was one of the greatest experiences of my whole political life," he said.
Dr. Slater followed these remarks with his vision for the future of proton treatment.
In addition to the proton treatments that are being given to as many as 120 patients a day and may eventually be given to more than 200 patients a day, clinical research continues to add to the anatomic sites that are being evaluated for treatments, either by protons alone or in combination with conventional radiotherapy or other modalities.
"Our intent is to continue probing beyond the horizon until we exploit to the fullest the capabilities of this highly versatile subatomic particle, the proton," Dr. Slater says.
Of the more than 5,500 patients who have completed treatments, more than 3,000 of them are men with carcinoma of the prostate, the most common cancer in men and one that has a high survival rate if discovered early. Patients have been monitored for a sufficient length of time to assess long-term control and complications. Papers describing these outcomes in detail are being published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national meetings.
Engineers, physicists, and physicians at Loma Linda University & Loma Linda University Medical Center are now focusing their attention on breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in women. Through their research, even more women will be able to benefit from the advantages of proton therapy.
In recognition for his 30 years of contribution to the establishment and improvement of proton treatment at Loma Linda, B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president and chief executive officer of Loma Linda University Medical Center, presented Dr. Slater with the first ever Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center Presidential Award.
"Dr Slater is a hero, not only for our institution, but in the hearts and minds of people around the globe," she says.
Throughout the celebration, several former Proton Treatment Center patients shared their stories of recovery. For the program's finale, all of the former patients in attendance gathered on stage while Wayne Shepperd sang "The Power of the Dream."