The Massachusetts Public Health Council has approved a significant expansion of cancer care in Central Massachusetts. On Wednesday, the council unanimously endorsed UMass Memorial Health Care’s application to acquire a proton beam and enhance its Cancer Center at Marlborough Hospital. This project, estimated to cost nearly $54 million, aims to provide proton therapy services, a form of treatment currently limited to Boston.
The introduction of proton therapy is expected to improve access to advanced cancer care for local residents. Currently, patients needing this treatment must travel to Boston, often facing logistical challenges such as high travel costs and long wait times. Sen. Jamie Eldridge, representing Marlborough, highlighted these concerns during the council meeting, stating, “Patients in our region should not have to go all the way to Boston or experience long wait times and high costs to receive the life-saving care they desperately need.”
Improving Patient Outcomes
Proton therapy offers a precise method of targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. UMass Memorial describes this treatment as “highly effective and proven,” capable of treating various cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, and pediatric cancers. It has been shown to reduce common side effects associated with traditional radiation therapy, such as fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
According to Dr. David McManus, chair of the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, proton therapy is not only effective but also more cost-efficient in cases where it leads to a significant reduction in toxicity. This is particularly relevant for the institution, which serves a high percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients. By focusing on appropriate cases for this therapy, UMass Memorial anticipates a reduction in costs related to hospital readmissions and follow-up care.
Addressing Regional Needs
The need for enhanced cancer services in Central Massachusetts is underscored by data indicating that Worcester County has the third highest cancer incidence rate in the state, with 457 cases2017 to 2021. The expansion is expected to not only cater to patients from Worcester County but also attract referrals from nearby regions, including Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Hampden counties.
Rep. Danielle Gregoire emphasized the importance of this development, stating that patients have long faced challenges in accessing necessary treatments. “For too long, patients in Central Mass. and beyond have had to sacrifice, even potentially switching hospital systems, to get the treatment that they need,” she remarked.
UMass Memorial plans to roll out proton therapy services by February 2028. The application highlights advancements in proton therapy technology that have reduced costs, making it feasible for health care institutions to offer this service. As the region prepares for this significant enhancement in cancer care, it marks a critical step towards improving the quality of life and treatment outcomes for patients in Central Massachusetts.
With the approval of this project, UMass Memorial aims to alleviate the travel burdens currently faced by patients while providing state-of-the-art cancer treatment closer to home.
