On March 15, 2023, the Massachusetts Public Health Council approved a significant expansion in cancer care for central Massachusetts. UMass Memorial Health Care is set to acquire a proton beam and enhance its Cancer Center at Marlborough Hospital, enabling the provision of proton therapy services. This initiative, estimated to cost nearly $54 million, aims to improve healthcare access in the region, enhance clinical outcomes, and alleviate the travel burden on patients who currently must travel to Boston for treatment.
Currently, the only two proton beam therapy units in New England are operated by Massachusetts General Hospital, serving approximately 640 patients annually from 2021 to 2023. Teryl Smith, director of the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, highlighted the challenges faced by residents in central and western Massachusetts, who must travel far for daily proton therapy treatments.
Senator Jamie Eldridge of Marlborough addressed the council, stating, “These barriers disproportionately impact residents without flexible jobs, affordable child care, or reliable transportation.” He emphasized that patients should not have to endure long journeys or high costs to access life-saving care.
Proton therapy is expected to be available to patients by February 2028. UMass Memorial spokesperson Kristy Lee explained that the therapy represents a “highly effective and proven cancer treatment” that precisely targets tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Historically, the high cost of delivering proton therapy has limited its availability, but advancements in design have made it more feasible for healthcare institutions to pursue. This targeted therapy not only reduces side effects such as fatigue and gastrointestinal issues but also leads to faster recovery times, according to Smith.
The therapy can treat various cancers, including those affecting the head, neck, esophagus, and pediatric cases. Dr. David McManus, chair of the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, noted that proton therapy is more cost-effective than traditional radiation therapy, especially for cancers near vital organs. He emphasized the importance of this treatment for UMass Memorial’s high percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients, who often face complex health challenges.
By identifying cases suitable for proton therapy, McManus indicated that UMass Memorial can reduce costs associated with hospital readmissions due to complications from radiation therapy. “Due to its precise nature, proton therapy is also incredibly effective and safer for treating cancer in children,” he added, pointing out the potential for reduced long-term growth and developmental impacts.
In its application to the Department of Public Health, UMass Memorial cited the high volume of cancer cases in Worcester County, which has the third-highest cancer incidence rate in Massachusetts, with 457 cases per 100,000 individuals from 2017 to 2021. Smith mentioned that UMass Memorial anticipates referrals for proton therapy from surrounding counties, including Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Hampden.
Representative Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough reinforced the need for improved access to treatment, stating, “For too long, patients in central Massachusetts and beyond have had to sacrifice to get the treatment that they need.” She praised the approval as a step toward providing state-of-the-art cancer care within the region.
This expansion of cancer services at UMass Memorial represents a significant development in improving patient access to innovative treatment options, reducing travel burdens, and improving overall health outcomes for the community.
