The Emory Proton Therapy Center, the first and only facility of its kind in the state of Georgia, officially opened its doors on December 6 in Midtown Atlanta with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Emory University President Claire E. Sterk, and Atlanta Braves Vice Chair Emeritus John Schuerholz were among the dignitaries who celebrated the opening and delivered remarks to more than 200 special guests.

Proton therapy is a painless and non-invasive form of external beam radiation that can be used in the successful treatment of patients with a variety of types of cancer and benign tumors. With the opening of the Emory Proton Therapy Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University adds a powerful radiation therapy option to its broad array of cancer-fighting tools. The center will strengthen Winship's continued emergence as a national leader in cancer research and care.

Located on Ponce de Leon Avenue within walking distance of Emory University Hospital Midtown, the Emory Proton Therapy Center expects to treat close to 400 patients, including children, in the first year of operation.

"The Emory Proton Therapy Center is much more than just a building," states Emory President Claire E. Sterk. "It's a place that's going to save lives. It's a place that will help our scientists and physicians and care providers make life-changing discoveries."

"The new Emory Proton Therapy Center supports all three of our missions of patient care, research, and education," says Jon Lewin, MD, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Emory Healthcare. "Clinician-researchers at the proton center will have unique opportunities through clinical trials to develop targeted new treatments that may lead to new cures."

"We are thrilled to begin offering proton therapy treatment to patients in the state of Georgia," says Winship Cancer Institute Executive Director Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD. "The new center will provide an array of new therapeutic opportunities for our patients close to their home."

"Provident is committed to supporting the Emory Proton Therapy Center and making advanced treatment options available to patients," says Steve Hicks, chairman and CEO of Provident Resources Group, the owner and operator of the Emory Proton Therapy Center. "We are proud that the proton center is an important part of Georgia's medical community."

The state-of-the-art center features a 90-ton cyclotron that generates proton particles and four, 240-ton gantries, that rotate 360 degrees around the patient to precisely aim the proton beam at a tumor. Patients or referring physicians who would like to schedule a consultation, should call 1-833-3PROTON or 1-833-377-6866.