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The basics:

• Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center set to install NJ’s first MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System
• Advanced radiation tool to launch at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center by 2026
• Features world’s smallest self-shielded proton accelerator
• $12.5M in donor support helped fund the state-of-the-art cancer care project

Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center is on its way to becoming the first provider in New Jersey – and one of just four across the U.S. – to install a groundbreaking radiation tool for the treatment of cancer.

Officials gathered Oct. 14 for a ceremonial dig at the hospital’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in Morristown to celebrate the addition of the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System.

According to the health care system, Morristown Medical Center is a leader in adopting the tech. The MEVION S250-FIT features the world’s smallest self-shielded proton accelerator. That development makes it the first and only device of its kind to fit in a standard LINAC vault — the specially designed room that houses a linear accelerator used in external-beam radiation therapy.

Atlantic Health highlighted the reduced footprint, cost and complexity of proton therapy afforded by the FIT System. It also said that combination of factors helps increase patient access to such vital treatments. The tool is expected be operational in 2026.

Cutting-edge care

Traditional radiation uses photons. In oncology, proton therapy instead uses charged particles to deliver precise treatment. That accuracy helps protect healthy tissue and vital organs while still effectively targeting tumors — along with improving patient outcomes. According to research, trials demonstrate similar survival rates between traditional radiation therapy and proton therapy, but with fewer side effects in the latter for the treatment of head and neck cancers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the MEVION S250-FIT in September.

“With this innovative proton therapy system, we are taking a transformative step in advancing state-of-the-art cancer services for our patients and our community, and further arming our exceptional clinical teams to provide the highest-quality care,” said Trish O’Keefe, senior vice president, Atlantic Health; and president, Morristown Medical Center.

“As the clinical benefits of, and indications for, proton therapy continue to expand, the addition of the MEVION S250-FIT proton therapy system is an achievement that highlights Atlantic Health’s dedication to innovation and personalized cancer care,” said Dr. Eric Whitman, system medical director, Cancer Care.

Massachusetts-based Mevion Medical Systems’ development also includes other industry-leading features beyond and contributing to its smaller scale and precision.

HYPERSCAN Pencil Beam Scanning for Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) with a proton MLC (Multileaf Collimator; used in proton therapy), ensures precise delivery of proton therapy. Meanwhile, upright patient positioning and a large bore diagnostic CT from Leo Cancer Care allow for real-time image guidance and adaptive therapy.

“It’s incredibly exciting to help usher in a new era of cutting-edge radiation oncology services that will improve the treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients,” Whitman said.

In addition to Atlantic Health, Stanford Health Care, BayCare Health System and University of Nebraska Medical Center are installing the MEVION S250-FIT system, according to the manufacturer.

In other investments at the Morris County facility, Morristown Medical Center completed a $27 million expansion to its Emergency Department over the summer.