Connecticut breaks ground on first proton therapy center, a pioneering cancer treatment facility

Janice Hur, Contributing Photographer

Connecticut cancer patients will soon have access to the most advanced form of radiation therapy, due to a collaboration between Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health.

On Oct. 24, leaders from Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health gathered in Wallingford, Connecticut, to break ground on the state’s first proton therapy center. The 25,000-square-foot Connecticut Proton Center will provide proton beam therapy, a precise form of cancer treatment currently only available at a handful of facilities in the Northeast. The center, located at 932 Northrop Rd., is set to open in December 2026, offering Connecticut residents greater access to innovative cancer treatment. 

“We are thrilled to break ground on this innovative center that will give our patients access to the most precise and effective cancer treatment available today,” said Christopher O’Connor, CEO of Yale New Haven Health.

The project represents a collaboration between Hartford HealthCare, Yale New Haven Health and Proton International. The latter played a key role in technology selection, financing and operational planning. “The clinical excellence of the physicians at Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health and their commitment to improving cancer outcomes were key factors in this partnership,” said Chris Chandler, CEO of Proton International.

Recognized as a breakthrough in cancer treatment, proton therapy offers a highly targeted approach that decreases the need for patients to travel long distances for care. The Connecticut Proton Center aims to provide this cutting-edge therapy locally, reducing the burden of travel for patients who currently have to go to Boston or New York for similar treatments, according to Dr. Peter Yu, physician-in-chief at Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute.

Proton therapy is a form of external beam radiation that uses protons — positively charged particles — instead of the X-rays used in conventional radiation therapy. The benefit of proton therapy is its precision. Unlike X-rays, which pass through the body and continue to release radiation beyond the tumor, protons release a concentrated burst of energy directly at the tumor site and stop there, preventing an “exit dose.” This characteristic reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissues, minimizes side effects, and can improve treatment outcomes. 

As a result, proton therapy is particularly valuable for treating tumors located near critical structures, such as the brain, eyes, spinal cord and vital organs. It is also beneficial for pediatric patients, whose developing tissues are more sensitive to radiation damage​.

Dr. Peter Glazer, chief of radiation oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital, noted the advantages of proton therapy. “Proton beam therapy is different from X-rays because protons are charged particles that stop at the tumor, reducing damage to nearby healthy tissue,” he explained.

The Connecticut Proton Center will be built using state-of-the-art technology, including pencil beam scanning, which improves treatment precision. This facility will be unique in the region, dedicated solely to proton therapy, unlike many centers that also include conventional radiation treatment. Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health are committed to incorporating proton therapy into their existing multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, ensuring integration with ongoing treatment protocols.

The facility will serve not only local patients but also those from neighboring states, enhancing the state’s healthcare access. According to O’Connor, the partnership aligns with the broader missions of both Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health, which emphasize improved patient outcomes and collaborative efforts.

The introduction of proton therapy is expected to have broader implications for cancer treatment in Connecticut, including potential economic benefits by keeping patients closer to home. The facility will also offer opportunities for research and clinical trials, allowing healthcare providers to develop more personalized treatment strategies. 

Yu commented on the center’s potential impact. “Proton therapy aligns with our mission to provide high-quality care close to home,” he said. 

Jeffrey Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, underscored the significance of the project. 

“This is a historic moment for cancer care in Connecticut. Together, we are transforming healthcare and making Connecticut a world-class hub for cancer treatment,” Flaks told the News. 

As of October 2024, there are 45 operational proton therapy centers across the United States.