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Proton Therapy FAQs

A male doctor wearing a white coat and blue patterned tie is smiling and talking to an older male patient dressed in a blue shirt. The doctor's coat has the text "ACKERMAN Cancer Center" and "Scot Ackerman, MD, FACR" embroidered on it. They are in a medical office with light-colored cabinets and a window in the background.

Proton therapy is a highly precise form of radiation treatment that uses charged proton particles instead of X-rays. Traditional photon radiation passes through the body, damaging both cancerous and healthy tissue. Proton beams deposit most of their energy directly at the tumor site—known as the Bragg peak—significantly reducing radiation exposure to surrounding organs and healthy tissue. This makes proton therapy an ideal option for patients needing targeted radiation near critical structures.

Proton therapy can effectively treat many types of localized, solid tumors that have not spread throughout the body. Ackerman Cancer Center treats a wide range of cancers, including tumors of the brain, head and neck, breast, lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract. It can also be combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery, or immunotherapy with local specialists. A consultation with one of our board-certified radiation oncologists helps determine if proton therapy is right for your cancer type and stage.

The primary advantage of proton therapy is its precision. Because protons stop at the tumor site, patients experience fewer side effects, less damage to healthy tissue, and reduced risk of secondary cancers. Proton therapy also allows higher doses of radiation to be safely delivered to the tumor, potentially improving treatment outcomes and preserving quality of life during and after therapy.

Your treatment process begins with a consultation with our Social Work Team, Nursing Staff, and meeting with a board-certified Nurse Practitioner or Radiation Oncologist. If imaging is required, we conduct imaging on-site. If diagnosed, you will then have a simulation appointment, where your care team creates a personalized plan and precisely marks treatment areas. Proton therapy typically begins one week later and is delivered daily, Monday through Friday, for several weeks.
Each session lasts 15–20 minutes. A radiation therapist positions you on the treatment table, takes a quick CT scan to verify alignment, and administers the treatment while monitoring from a nearby control room. The number of treatments will be determined by your care team working with your board-certified radiation oncologist. Proton therapy is painless, and most patients continue with normal work or physical activities throughout their treatment schedule.

The total number of treatments varies depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan—typically ranging from 5 to 45 sessions. Treatments are scheduled five or 6 days per week, with optional Saturday appointments for flexibility. Each session usually lasts about 15–20 minutes.

Side effects from proton therapy are generally mild compared to standard radiation. Because proton beams reduce exposure to healthy tissue, most patients experience minimal fatigue, irritation, or skin redness near the treatment site. Many continue their regular daily routines, including work, throughout the course of treatment.

Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated. Proton therapy only affects the targeted area—so hair loss or nausea occur only when the scalp or abdominal regions receive radiation. Even in those cases, the precision of proton therapy reduces the severity of side effects compared to standard radiation or chemotherapy.
No. Proton therapy is a noninvasive and painless treatment. You will not feel or see the radiation during your session.

Yes. Proton therapy can be used alongside chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or traditional radiation therapy. Clinical research shows that combining proton therapy with other modalities can improve tumor control and survival outcomes in certain cancers. At Ackerman Cancer Center, we work with other local experts if additional treatment options are needed.

Ackerman Cancer Center uses the MEVION S250, a compact one-room proton system that delivers the same high-energy beams (up to 250 MeV) as larger hospital-based systems. Our advanced 6D robotic couch positions patients with submillimeter accuracy, ensuring unmatched precision during treatment. Despite its smaller footprint, the MEVION system offers equally powerful and reliable technology—making proton therapy more accessible to patients throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Ackerman Cancer Center offers state-of-the-art technology, expert oncology care, and compassionate, patient-focused service—all in a convenient, private-practice setting.
  • Expert team: Board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists, therapists, and oncology-certified nurses collaborate on every case.
  • Patient-centered care: 24/7 physician access, same- or next-day appointments, and fast results.
  • Convenient location: Our Jacksonville proton therapy center is close to highways, hotels, beaches, and restaurants, with extended treatment hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Saturday).
    With Ackerman Cancer Center, you’ll receive nationally recognized cancer care close to home.

Ackerman Cancer Center began treating patients with proton beam therapy in April 2015—becoming the first physician-owned, private community-based center in the nation to offer this advanced technology.

Our clinical team, led by Medical Director Scot Ackerman, MD, FACR, brings decades of experience in radiation oncology and remains dedicated to advancing cancer treatment options for patients across Northeast Florida.

No. Proton therapy does not leave residual radiation in the body. Patients are not radioactive after their treatments, so there is no risk to family members, friends, or caregivers.

Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved proton therapy as a safe and effective cancer treatment in 1988. It is endorsed by many National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated and NCCN Comprehensive Cancer Centers due to its proven effectiveness and reduced treatment toxicity.

Most major insurance providers cover proton therapy for medically appropriate cancer diagnoses. Ackerman Cancer Center accepts most major plans, and our financial resource coordinators guide patients through the insurance process to verify coverage and manage approvals.

If you do not have insurance coverage, our oncology social workers or dedicated billing team can assist you in finding financial assistance programs or setting up manageable payment plans tailored to your situation.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with a proton therapy specialist. Our patient access team can help coordinate your consultation and answer any questions about medical records or insurance.

Proton therapy, while clinically proven, is still available at a limited number of facilities nationwide—representing less than 1% of all radiation treatments in the U.S. Because it was historically limited to research institutions, not all physicians are familiar with its current availability. If you’re exploring advanced cancer treatment options, ask your care team whether proton therapy could benefit your specific diagnosis.

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.

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