‘Revolutionary’ Cancer Treatment System Coming To Morristown Medical Center

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Officials have broken ground on what’s being described as a “revolutionary” cancer treatment system at Morristown Medical Center.

This week, construction for the Morristown Medical Center’s new proton therapy system began. Specifically, plans are underway to install a MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System at Morristown Medical Center’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center.

According to experts, it is the first and only proton therapy system designed to “seamlessly fit into a standard radiation therapy vault, significantly reducing the size, cost, and complexity of proton therapy, thereby increasing vital access to patients.”

Proton therapy uses charged particles to deliver “highly precise” treatment, essentially attacking tumors while keeping organs like one’s heart and lungs healthy, experts say. The method differs from traditional radiation, which uses photons and can often damage vital organs as it targets cancerous cells, according to officials.

“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 Dr. Trish O’Keefe, RN, Senior Vice President of Atlantic Health and President of Morristown Medical Center.

The proton therapy system will be the first in New Jersey, and the fourth in the country. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the therapy system, which could be the future of oncology.

The Morristown Medical Center says that $12.5 million donated by several benefactors made the implementation of this new system possible.

“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 Eric Whitman, MD, FACS, System Medical Director, Cancer Care. “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.”

The therapy system is expected to be up and running at Morristown Medical Center in 2026.