The purpose of this web site is to provide information for men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer so they can make an informed decision about all options for their own treatment. A second opinion from a Proton expert explaining the Proton option is extremely important.

Harvard University began "proton" treatment in 1961 for other medical conditions and treated the prostate beginning in 1979. Proton treatment started at Loma Linda University and Medical Center in 1990 and prostate treatment using Protons began in 1991. The twenty year anniversary of Dr. James Slater's vision was celebrated in October 2010. Dr. Slater provided the impetus for starting Proton treatment in a University environment at Loma Linda, and he recognized that Protons, [Protons with an "R"] act differently than conventional three dimensional radiation or IMRT that use focused Photons (X-Rays), and all other modalities that use X-Rays. This June 24th, 2009 blog post includes a video explaining how the proton works. Please look at the information concerning the "Bragg Peak" and how its' action relates to Proton treatment and the proton's accuracy. Also, see the graphic on how a typical Proton center is set up. It takes the right tools to do the job and Loma Linda has the tools and "leading edge" experience with Prostate Cancer, treating over 9,600 men through November 2010 to date for Prostate cancer and an overall total of 16,000 for other cancers and benign conditions.

Photo of me receiving treatmentI am the web site owner and have been treated for prostate cancer using Proton Therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center. It seems reasonable that professional people who deal with men with Prostate Cancer have the responsibility to know all treatments that are available with proven efficacy, and provide that knowledge to patients seeking information upon which they make their very personal decision regarding Prostate Cancer treatment.

For me, the results have been dramatic - I went to Loma Linda with a PSA of 15.9 in July 1999 and now my PSA as of November 16, 2010 is less than 0.1, demonstrating excellent results. Early post treatment, I have experienced minor side effects; however at over 79 years old, my quality of life is perfect and I believe in the non-invasive proton treatment system as the best possible choice for men with "Prostate Cancer". In addition, the Loma Linda Proton Center and other Proton Centers treat many other body sites for cancers or benign tumors of the brain, eye, head and neck, spinal cord, lung, breast, abdomen, pelvis, and some forms of macular degeneration of the eye. I will happily answer any questions regarding my own treatment and results via email - you can click on the Contact link up top to send me a message.

It's very important to read testimonies from many of these men at www.ProtonBob.com to help you make an informed decision about your own Prostate. Read Bob Marckini’s great book “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer, and You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It”.

The status of Proton Treatment centers in the United States is:

  • LLUMC: James M. Slater, M.D.  Proton Treatment and Research Center at Loma Linda University and Medical Center, California (0ver 20 years).
  • MGH:  Francis H. Burr Proton Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.
  • MPRI:  Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute at Indiana, University.
  • UFPTI: The University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute.
  • MD Anderson: Anderson Cancer Center’s Proton Center Houston, TX.
  • PPTCOK: ProCure Proton Therapy Center Oklahoma City, OK.
  • UPENN: The Roberts Proton Therapy Center at University of Pennsylvania Health System.
  • HUPTI: Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute. VA.
Others in process:
  • NIPTRC: Northern University Proton Therapy and Research Center West Chicago (On Hold)
  • CDH: CDH Proton Therapy Center, Warrenville, Illinois (Due to open 19 October at 11AM).
  • PPTCNJ: ProCure Proton Therapy Center, New Jersey (Groundbreaking Ceremony took place on 7 April 2010). 40 miles from downtown Manhattan.
  • PTCTN: ProCure Proton Therapy Center University of Tennessee Medical Center. (Scheduled to open in 2012/13,)
  • SFPC: South Florida Proton Center scheduled to open in 2012.

NO MEDICAL ADVICE: Material appearing here represents opinions offered by non-medically-trained laypersons. Comments shown here should NEVER be interpreted as specific medical advice and must be used only as background information when consulting with a qualified medical professional.