Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that is making its way into the Mountain West. According to a report from the Salt Lake Tribune, the Senator Orrin G. Hatch Proton Therapy Center at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City is the first of its kind in the region.
Patients in Utah will no longer have to relocate to receive the treatment, which is less risky than the traditional photon treatment. Proton therapy also reduces side effects like nausea and may require fewer treatments.
Oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute Matthew Poppe said that the facility will only be able to treat about 250 patients a year. Because this treatment is less risky than the traditional treatment, children will take priority.
Darcy Ritchie is a junior at Utah State University studying journalism and history. She has worked with USU Student Media as the programming director for Aggie Radio and as a reporter for the Utah Statesman. As a news intern at Utah Public Radio, she works in all aspects of the newsgathering process including interviewing, writing scripts, editing and producing. Outside of work and school, I enjoy attending local concerts, collecting earrings and tweeting.
