New York’s first and only proton center for treating cancer — the busiest of its kind in the world — joined by Joan Lunden for milestone event in New York State Marks Major Milestone, Growing Faster Than Any Proton Center in the World
New York, NY — Yesterday, the New York Proton Center (NYPC), New York state’s first and only proton radiation therapy center for treating cancer, celebrated its 5th anniversary with an event at its state-of-the-art facility in East Harlem, New York. NYPC opened its doors in August 2019 after a decade of planning, and since then has successfully treated a record-setting 5,000+ cancer patients, achieving this milestone faster than any other proton center in the world and becoming one of the busiest worldwide.
At NYPC, patients receive proton therapy treatment – an ultra-precise type of radiation therapy that uses a beam of protons to target cancer cells, better protecting surrounding tissues and minimizing potential short- and long-term side effects and secondary cancers. Adult and pediatric patients from across the New York metropolitan area and around the globe travel to NYPC to receive this life-changing care.
The celebration was attended by NYPC leaders and board members, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, NYPC patients, and representatives from NYPC’s partner institutions Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System, and Mount Sinai Health System. Joan Lunden, renowned journalist, author, television host, and cancer survivor and advocate, hosted the event, speaking of her own personal journey with cancer and leading the evening’s program.
“Our mission at the New York Proton Center has always been to provide world-class proton therapy while pushing the boundaries of cancer research,” said Jonathan Weinbach, CEO of New York Proton Center. “We are immensely proud of the growth and impact NYPC has had on the lives of all our patients and their loved ones over the past five years. The success we’ve achieved so far is just the beginning of what we aim to accomplish, and we are so grateful for our partner institutions and the support that helped us get here.”
“Over the past five years, NYPC has established itself as the gold-standard in proton therapy treatment and research,” said Dr. Charles B. Simone II, FASTRO, FACRO, NYPC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to harnessing cutting-edge technology and the transformative power of proton therapy to enhance outcomes for thousands more patients across the most complex cancer cases.”
“As I celebrate ten years of being cancer-free, I was thrilled to join the New York Proton Center to help commemorate its 5th anniversary and the thousands of patients who have received care from its incredible team,” said Joan Lunden, American journalist, author, television host and cancer survivor. “The New York Proton Center’s efforts to help patients beat cancer is so important, and it was an honor to be part of this milestone event as NYPC keeps working to bring proton therapy to those who need it.”
“Proton radiation therapy was the best procedure for me,” said Marie Estrada, NYPC patient. “The moment I walked into the facility, I was immediately awestruck – it was bright, there was lovely music, high ceilings, and everyone was so kind. I looked at the experience very positively, and I’m most grateful for being able to be cancer-free and live my life fully with no hesitation.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate five years of the New York Proton Center and are encouraged by those who have received and benefitted from the combined expertise of the field’s best radiation oncology experts,” said Dr. Simon Powell, FASTRO, Chair of Radiation Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “We are proud to work together to deliver the best possible care for patients at a critical time in their lives, and I look forward to many more years of advancing cancer treatment.”
“Our unique partnership brings one of the most precise therapies to individuals who are at greatest risk of complications from radiation treatment, including children and adults with head and neck cancer, breast cancer and recurrent disease,” said Dr. Shalom Kalnicki, FASTRO, Professor and Chair, Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Associate Director, Clinical Affairs, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Setting a new benchmark in therapy and research, together we are marrying science and equity to ensure care is effective, safer and accessible for all.”
“The New York Proton Center has had an enormous positive impact on cancer care in the New York Metropolitan Area and beyond, and it’s provided hope to over 5,000 individuals seeking the specialized treatment that only proton therapy can provide,” said Dr. Kenneth Rosenzweig, Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
“Congratulations to the New York Proton Center for five years of tremendous care and research that have saved the lives of many New Yorkers,” said Andrew Kimball, NYCEDC President & CEO. “The New York Proton Center provides highly targeted cancer treatment, and in turn demonstrates the city’s leadership and innovation in the Life Sciences sector. We are proud that New York City is home to the first proton center across the state and look forward to the continued benefits that this state-of-the-art facility will bring to East Harlem, and the city and state as a whole.”
Since its launch, New York Proton Center’s mission has been to create the gold standard for proton therapy treatment and focus on improving the patient experience – going beyond clinical care to recognize that a cancer journey is going to be one of the most significant in a patient’s life. NYPC has remained dedicated to this goal while becoming a global leader in proton therapy research and helping train the clinical teams at over a dozen other proton centers around the world. Current research at NYPC includes novel studies of FLASH proton therapy, which delivers an entire course of radiation therapy in less than one second. As proton therapy continues to grow, NYPC is helping to shape its landscape and advance cancer treatment.
About the New York Proton Center
The New York Proton Center is creating the gold standard for proton therapy, giving new hope to patients living with cancer. In partnership with leading academic medical centers—Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System, Mount Sinai Health System—the New York Proton Center brings together expert oncologists, clinical care teams, and researchers to improve cancer care and advance the clinical evidence for proton therapy.
For additional information, please visit www.nyproton.com.
New York Proton 5th Anniversary Celebration