KU Health System breaks ground for new proton therapy facility in KCK

Dr. Ronny Rotondo, director of proton therapy, spoke Jan. 30 at the groundbreaking presentation for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

A groundbreaking was held Thursday for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System at 39th and Rainbow, Kansas City, Kansas.

The new proton therapy facility will be the first in the region, according to KU Health System officials.

The advanced form of radiation treatment uses protons, not x-rays, to attack tumors, officials stated. It will minimize radiation exposure to healthy organs and surrounding tissue.

The facility is being built next to the Richard and Annette Bloch Radiation Oncology Pavilion on the main campus of KU Health System.

Dr. Terance Tsue, vice president and physician-in-chief of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, spoke Jan. 30 at the groundbreaking presentation for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)
Tammy Peterman, president of the Kansas City division and executive vice president, chief operating officer, chief nursing officer for the University of Kansas Health System, spoke Jan. 30 at the groundbreaking presentation for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)
Greg Graves, chairman of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board, spoke Jan. 30 at the groundbreaking presentation for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)
Bob Page, president and CEO of the University of Kansas Health System, spoke Jan. 30 at the groundbreaking presentation for a new proton therapy facility at the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by William Crum)
State Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, external liaison for KU Hospital, was at the groundbreaking presentation Jan. 30 and said she was excited about the new proton therapy facility. (Photo by William Crum)