PTCOG 60: Sharing Innovative Research on the International Stage

Melissa Weisstuch on July 25, 2022

In late June, New York Proton Center colleagues shared their research and expertise at the 60th Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) Conference in Miami, Florida. This annual event, the largest proton therapy meeting in the world, brings together an audience of more than 1,000 investigators to connect, educate and collaborate on groundbreaking research that will advance the understanding of proton therapy in cancer care.

Given the increasing number of proton centers worldwide, the impactful clinical trials and life-changing research – much of it led by NYPC – discussed at PTCOG 60 are helping to ensure patients receive state-of-the-art cancer care. NYPC had the broadest representation of any institution at the meeting, with radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists giving lectures and sharing their experience working at the busiest proton center in the world.

Our team presented their novel research in an incredible 26 oral presentations, scientific sessions and posters, with a brief look at the expansive topics below:

  • Numerous sessions on our FLASH therapy research, including specific applications to the treatment of lung and head and neck cancers, and the physics of proton beam performance at ultra-high dose rates.
  • New consensus recommendations for treating spinal tumors, anorectal cancers, and thymic tumors with proton therapy.
  • Results of a study demonstrating that proton therapy reduces the risk of toxicities in radiation therapy for gynecological cancers.
  • Findings of a study (Proton Collaborative Group PCG 001-09)on treatment of recurrent prostate cancer with proton therapy.
  • Evaluation of treatment planning model for advanced nasopharynx cancer.
  • And much more…

We are grateful to all the experts from around the world who presented their life-changing research at PTCOG, and we are proud to be a part of and lead many of these important discussions that will benefit countless lives.

We look forward to sharing more of our research at PTCOG 61 next year in Madrid!

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Benefits of a 360° Approach to Cancer Treatment

Melissa Weisstuch on March 1, 2024

Navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming, physically and emotionally. At the New York Proton Center (NYPC), our commitment to patient care goes beyond proton therapy treatment; it encompasses a comprehensive approach that addresses the diverse needs of cancer patients. By addressing these needs, we can empower our patients to focus on their treatment journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Beyond providing cutting-edge proton therapy treatment, NYPC emphasizes holistic care, recognizing that cancer treatment is not solely about medical interventions but also about addressing a myriad of personal and financial challenges patients face. In addition to radiation oncologists, nurses, radiation therapists, and medical physicists and treatment planning dosimetrists, our multidisciplinary patient care team includes social workers, both patient and nurse navigators, nutritionists, a child life specialist, and others  – ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.

From the moment a patient calls us for the first time, our intake coordinators streamline their patient journey by collecting and organizing medical records and insurance information and arranging for a conversation with our intake nurse and a consultation with one of our radiation oncologist specialists.

NYPC’s patient navigators ensure continuity of care at the start of our patients’ treatment journey. By coordinating initial appointments such as treatment simulations, assisting with insurance authorizations, and facilitating communication among other members of the team, patient navigators alleviate much of the logistical stress that comes with beginning cancer treatment.

For many patients, our social work team plays a pivotal role in enhancing social functioning and overall well-being. Whether they are assisting with lodging for a patient who does not live in the area, addressing transportation needs, or providing supportive counseling, our social workers provide invaluable guidance, advocacy, and comfort.

Meanwhile, our dietician-nutritionist offers personalized dietary guidance, equipping NYPC’s patients with the knowledge and resources to remain nourished and eat well while undergoing treatment. For example, some patients, particularly those with head and neck tumors, treatment side effects can impact appetite, taste, and the ability to eat. Other patients simply want to learn more about how to optimize their nutritional status.

For pediatric patients, NYPC’s child life specialist attends to their unique needs, providing emotional support for the children and their families, resources to make treatment more comfortable, and an environment that promotes healing and resilience.

NYPC also has specialized initiatives to further support patients during and after treatment. Our partnership with the WiTT Group, Inc. allows for patients to request and receive support for non-clinical needs through an online platform. NYPC has also developed a peer mentoring program, which pairs NYPC alumni with current patients. This program fosters a sense of community, allowing new patients to connect with someone who completed a similar treatment path and can provide guidance and support.

At NYPC, we understand that cancer treatment can be a challenging journey, and we are honored to stand alongside our patients every step of the way, delivering unparalleled, state-of-the-art treatment while providing compassionate care and comprehensive support.

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One More Way NYPC is Addressing Non-Clinical Patient Needs

Melissa Weisstuch on January 30, 2024

Cancer patients tackle a range of challenges beyond the immediate physical and medical aspects of their condition. A myriad of non-clinical needs can significantly impact well-being – in particular, financial burdens related to necessities such as housing, transportation, and groceries due to loss of income and increased out-of-pocket expenses.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these non-clinical needs, the New York Proton Center and the WiTT Group, Inc. recently joined forces to provide holistic support and revolutionize the way cancer patients handle various non-clinical challenges associated with their treatment.

WiTT has created a unique online Support Registry™ platform that allows patients to get the support they need by making it easy to ask for and receive help. The strategic partnership aims to leverage WiTT’s innovative solution to support our patients and help relieve financial burdens that accompany cancer treatment, while gathering data on the differences in non-clinical needs across patient populations.

NYPC aims to help relieve the financial burdens of patients. Costs related to non-clinical needs can cause stress and make the treatment process more difficult. WiTT’s platform allows patients to voice these challenges and express specific needs, such as money for groceries, gas, or transportation to treatment.

WiTT can also facilitate non-financial assistance: patients using the platform can ask for support such as a walk with a friend, picking up a child from school, dog walking, or accompaniment to an appointment.

It can be difficult to ask people individually for support – particularly when it comes to financial support – and bringing patients access to WiTT’s platform allows patients and caregivers to express their individual needs comfortably, while giving family and friends guidance on which types of contributions might be most helpful.

Since the adoption of the WiTT platform last year, NYPC has made remarkable strides in supporting our patients. Over $35,000 has been distributed to nearly 70 patients thus far, with housing, transportation, and groceries emerging as some of the top areas for support.

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