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Cancers treated with
Proton Technology

Proton therapy precisely targets cancer while sparing healthy tissue, offering powerful treatment options for many tumor types.

Dr. Ackerman with a male patient
Proton therapy effectively treats a wide range of cancers, especially those near vital organs or in complex, hard‑to‑reach areas. It’s often used for brain, head and neck, lung, breast, prostate, among others.

Each cancer type benefits differently from proton therapy’s precision and reduced side effects. Select a cancer type below to explore specific advantages or current research supporting this advanced treatment.

Proton Therapy

  1. Zhou J, Yang B, Wang X, Jing Z. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Radiotherapy with Photons and Particles for Chordoma After Surgery: A Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurg. 2018;117:46-53. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.05.209
  2. Amichetti M, Cianchetti M, Amelio D, Enrici RM, Minniti G. Proton therapy in chordoma of the base of the skull: a systematic review. Neurosurg Rev. 2009;32(4):403-416. doi:10.1007/s10143-009-0194-4
  3. Holtzman AL, Rotondo RL, Rutenberg MS, et al. Clinical Outcomes Following Dose-Escalated Proton Therapy for Skull-Base Chordoma. Int J Part Ther. 2021;8(1):179-188. doi:10.14338/IJPT-20-00066.1
  1. Hug EB, Devries A, Thornton AF, et al. Management of atypical and malignant meningiomas: role of high-dose, 3D-conformal radiation therapy. J Neurooncol. 2000;48(2):151-160. doi:10.1023/a:1006434124794
  2. Combs SE, Debus J, Schulz-Ertner D. Radiotherapeutic alternatives for previously irradiated recurrent gliomas. BMC Cancer. 2007;7:167. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-7-167
  3. Brown PD, Chung C, Liu DD, et al. A prospective phase II randomized trial of proton radiotherapy vs intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol. 2021;23(8):1337-1347. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noab040
  1. Hug EB. Proton Therapy for Primary Breast Cancer. Breast Care (Basel). 2018;13(3):168-172. doi:10.1159/000489893
  2. Laugaard Lorenzen E, Christian Rehammar J, Jensen MB, Ewertz M, Brink C. Radiation-induced risk of ischemic heart disease following breast cancer radiotherapy in Denmark, 1977-2005. Radiother Oncol. 2020;152:103-110. doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2020.08.007
  3. Braunstein LZ, Cahlon O. Potential Morbidity Reduction With Proton Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer. Semin Radiat Oncol. 2018;28(2):138-149. doi:10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.11.009
  1. Lin SH, Hobbs BP, Verma V, et al. Randomized Phase IIB Trial of Proton Beam Therapy Versus Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2020;38(14):1569-1579. doi:10.1200/JCO.19.02503
  3. Lin SH, Merrell KW, Shen J, et al. Multi-institutional analysis of radiation modality use and postoperative outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. Radiother Oncol. 2017;123(3):376-381. doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2017.04.013
  1. Frank SJ, Garden AS, Rosenthal DI, et al. Proton versus photon radiotherapy for patients with oropharyngeal cancer in the USA: a multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2025;S0140-6736(25)01962-2. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01962-2
  2. Patel SH, Wang Z, Wong WW, et al. Charged particle therapy versus photon therapy for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity malignant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15(9):1027-1038. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70268-2
  1. Sanford NN, Pursley J, Noe B, et al. Protons versus Photons for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Liver Decompensation and Overall Survival. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2019;105(1):64-72. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.01.076
  3. Cheng JY, Liu CM, Wang YM, et al. Proton versus photon radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity-matched analysis. Radiat Oncol. 2020;15(1):159. doi:10.1186/s13014-020-01605-4
  1. Higgins KA, O’Connell K, Liu Y, et al. National Cancer Database Analysis of Proton Versus Photon Radiation Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017;97(1):128-137. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.10.001
  3. Nantavithya C, Gomez DR, Wei X, et al. Phase 2 Study of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Body Proton Therapy for High-Risk, Medically Inoperable, Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2018;101(3):558-563. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.02.022
  1. Verma V, Lin SH, Simone CB 2nd, Mehta MP. Clinical outcomes and toxicities of proton radiotherapy for gastrointestinal neoplasms: a systematic review. J Gastrointest Oncol. 2016;7(4):644-664. doi:10.21037/jgo.2016.05.06
  2. Rutenberg MS, Nichols RC. Proton beam radiotherapy for pancreas cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol. 2020;11(1):166-175. doi:10.21037/jgo.2019.03.02
  1. Hoppe BS, Michalski JM, Mendenhall NP, et al. Comparative effectiveness study of patient-reported outcomes after proton therapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Cancer. 2014;120(7):1076-1082. doi:10.1002/cncr.28536
  2. Mendenhall NP, Hoppe BS, Nichols RC, et al. Five-year outcomes from 3 prospective trials of image-guided proton therapy for prostate cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2014;88(3):596-602. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.11.007
  3. Grewal AS, Schonewolf C, Min EJ, et al. Four-Year Outcomes From a Prospective Phase II Clinical Trial of Moderately Hypofractionated Proton Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2019;105(4):713-722. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.05.069
  1.  Verma V, Rwigema JM, Malyapa RS, Regine WF, Simone CB 2nd. Systematic assessment of clinical outcomes and toxicities of proton radiotherapy for reirradiation. Radiother Oncol. 2017;125(1):21-30. doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2017.08.005
  2. Chao HH, Berman AT, Simone CB 2nd, et al. Multi-Institutional Prospective Study of Reirradiation with Proton Beam Radiotherapy for Locoregionally Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2017;12(2):281-292. doi:10.1016/j.jtho.2016.10.018
  1. Xiang M, Chang DT, Pollom EL. Second cancer risk after primary cancer treatment with three-dimensional conformal, intensity-modulated, or proton beam radiation therapy. Cancer. 2020;126(15):3560-3568. doi:10.1002/cncr.32938
  2. Chung CS, Yock TI, Nelson K, Xu Y, Keating NL, Tarbell NJ. Incidence of second malignancies among patients treated with proton versus photon radiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013;87(1):46-52. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2013.04.030

To find out if Proton Therapy is right for you,
click below or call (904) 880-5522
to schedule a consultation with our care team.

Request an Appointment
Headshot Arlean Marcellus

Arlean Marcellus, BS

Physician Liaison

Arlean Marcellus joined Ackerman Cancer Center in March 2023 and leads physician outreach. She builds and strengthens meaningful partnerships with referring physicians, healthcare facilities, and medical groups, driving growth in patient referrals. Arlean holds a degree in Health Science with a concentration in Public Health from the University of North Florida. Beyond her work, she volunteers with Feeding Northeast Florida. In her free time, Arlean enjoys running, roller skating, and spending time with her family.
Headshot Shelby Goodman

Shelby Goodman, MSW

Oncology Social Worker

Shelby Goodman joined the Ackerman Cancer Center team in January 2023 as the oncology social worker. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Florida and went on to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). With over five years of experience supporting individuals and families in the social work field, her practice focuses on psychosocial support, care coordination, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Shelby is a member of the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers (FSOSW). In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and dog.
Headshot Kali Molter

Kali Molter, MBA

Community Relations Specialist

Kali Molter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in August 2024 and supports community outreach, marketing initiatives, and engagement efforts. She holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of North Florida. A Jacksonville native and Bishop Kenny alum, Kali is passionate about contributing to and strengthening the local community. She brings experience in hospitality and event management and serves on the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX Professional Development and Community Engagement committees. Outside of work, Kali enjoys living at the beach, running and yoga, traveling, and is a lifelong Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Ceilidgh O'Brien, BS

Patient Relations Manager

Ceilidgh O’Brien is the patient relations manager at Ackerman Cancer Center, where she leads the patient relations team and helps ensure every patient experience is organized, supportive, and welcoming. She oversees scheduling and communications and is passionate about creating efficient processes that help patients and staff feel informed, supported, and cared for. Ceilidgh earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from the University of South Florida in 2024 and values building strong, compassionate connections with both patients and colleagues. A Boston native, Ceilidgh traded snow for sunshine and now spends her free time running with friends and supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society.
Headshot Tiffany Vaughn

Tiffany Vaughn, RT (R)(T)

Manager, Radiation Therapy & Imaging

Tiffany Vaughn brings extensive experience and steady leadership to Ackerman Cancer Center, with 24 years of service to the practice. For the past 15 years, she has served in leadership roles, overseeing both radiation therapy and imaging departments with a focus on quality care, collaboration, and operational excellence. Tiffany is a proud member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. She earned her technologist degree from St. Vincent's Medical Center and completed radiation therapy training from Washburn University. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing in or around the water, and taking on hands-on projects around her home.
Vivienne Burnett Headshot

Vivienne Bennett, MS, RT(R)(M)​

Clinic Manager

Vivienne Bennett joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2013 as a mammography technologist and was promoted in 2021 to oncology clinic manager, overseeing clinical operations across all four locations. She provides leadership for daily clinic operations, supports multidisciplinary oncology teams, ensures regulatory and accreditation compliance, and implements operational strategies to improve quality, safety, and patient experience. Vivienne holds a master’s degree in medical radiation sciences from the University of Sydney in Australia and is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports, walking, and spending time with friends and family.
Headshot Timothy Scott

Timothy Scott, RTR, RTT, CMD

Manager, Dosimetry, Facilities, & Research

Tim Scott joined Ackerman Cancer Center in 2003 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in radiation oncology and medical dosimetry operations. He oversees medical dosimetry, facilities, special projects, and research and has played a key role in nearly every building project and major technology launch at the center. Tim is passionate about innovation and the development, construction, and commissioning of advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy. Beyond his professional work, Tim serves as a worship pastor and is a brass musician. In his free time, he enjoys restoring classic cars and spending time on the lake.
Headshot Grigoriy Sarkisov

Greg Sarkisov, BS

Director of Information Technology

Greg Sarkisov joined Ackerman Cancer Center in September 2019 and oversees all facets of information technology and information security within the organization. Greg has over twenty years of experience in information technology and security. With over six of those years in our practice, he has led initiatives to strengthen our core security and expand the use of various technologies to help aid our staff in providing effective and efficient patient care. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems security from ITT Technical Institute. Outside of work, he stays active in the community and is a member of the IT Council with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Headshot Jennifer Zelaya

Jennifer Zelaya, MHA

Director of Human Resources

Jenny Zelaya is the director of human resources at Ackerman Cancer Center and Ackerman Urology, where she oversees all HR functions and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture. She holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Miami and brings extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Fluent in Spanish, Jennifer enjoys staying active outside of work, playing pickleball, golfing with friends and family, and spending time with her golden retriever, Lenny.
Headshot Amy Mousa

Amy Mousa, CPA

Director of Finance and Accounting

Amy Mousa joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2021 and serves as the director of finance and accounting. In her role, she oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s strategic and operational goals. Amy holds a Florida CPA license and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of North Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Headshot Nelson Miksys

Nelson Miksys, PhD, MCCPM

Chief Medical Physicist

Nelson Miksys joined Ackerman Cancer Center in October 2019. As chief medical physicist, Nelson manages the medical physics department, which is responsible for
quality assurance of all patient treatment plans, calibration of the radiation therapy equipment, maintenance of the radiation safety program, integration of new technology
into the clinic, and providing clinical technical support across all aspects of the cancer center. Nelson has over ten years of experience as a medical physicist and comes to Ackerman Cancer Center from The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre (Ottawa, Canada). Nelson has a PhD in medical physics from Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) and a
master’s degree in medical and health physics from McMaster University (Hamilton,
Canada). Outside of work, Nelson is actively involved in his children’s sports activities and community social events and is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical fitness and outdoor activities.

Headshot Robert Tokarz

Robert Tokarz, MS, DABR

Vice President, Technical Services

Rob Tokarz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in January 2014 and oversees the Physics, Dosimetry, Therapy, Imaging, IT, and Transcription departments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from Notre Dame and a Master of Science in medical physics from Columbia University. Rob has worked in the field of medical physics for 25 years and has worked previously at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Prior to his career in medical physics, Rob was an officer in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant commander. As a naval aviator, he flew Seahawk
helicopters out of Naval Station Mayport and was stationed overseas in Bahrain.

Headshot Gigi Ackerman Schwartz

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz, MBA

Vice President, Operations

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2020 and leads strategic planning initiatives across all departments, directs all aspects of revenue cycle management, and works to develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Gigi holds an MBA from Tulane University. A Jacksonville native, she is involved in several local charitable and civic organizations. She serves as chair of the Art in Public Places Committee for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and is a trustee of the Jewish Community Alliance and Jacksonville Jewish Center. In her free time, Gigi enjoys playing mahjong, exploring new hobbies with friends, and spending time with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

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Headshot Baylee Richter

Baylee Richter, BS

Community Relations Manager

Baylee Richter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2024 and oversees digital campaigns, brand strategy, and community outreach and engagement. With more than eight years of experience in events and marketing, she has led initiatives that strengthen patient engagement, community awareness, and referral growth. Baylee holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she stays actively involved in the community through her service on the board of the American Lung Association. She also supports the American Cancer Society’s Cowford Ball as a member of the children’s art project committee and contributes to the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX program, serving on two committees. In her free time, Baylee enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Cooper, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.