BayCare Proton Center Opens

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The BayCare Proton Center is now open and accepting patients, expanding access in the Tampa Bay area to one of the most advanced forms of radiation treatment for adults and children. The opening marks a significant milestone in BayCare's ongoing investment in advanced cancer care across West Central Florida.  

Located at the Fred J. Woods Radiation Therapy Center at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, the new proton center gives eligible patients access to this advanced cancer care as part of a comprehensive, integrated cancer program that supports patients across every stage of their treatment journey. The program is part of BayCare’s continued investment in cancer services and its broader network of accredited radiation oncology programs across West Central Florida.  

Proton therapy uses charged particles to precisely target tumors while reducing radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue. This approach may be especially helpful when cancers are located near critical organs or structures, and for some pediatric patients whose bodies are still developing.  

The center uses a compact proton therapy system from Mevion Medical Systems that was designed to integrate into existing health care settings. The system includes an upright patient positioning chair, allowing patients to receive proton treatment while seated.

For many adult and pediatric patients, a seated position will improve comfort and make the treatment less stressful. For patients who cannot lay flat on a treatment table due to medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, the upright patient chair will enable improved tolerance to proton therapy. BayCare is just the second site in the world to use this innovative technology.

“The upright patient chair is an important differentiating technology of our proton therapy system, enabling our team to provide more comfortable treatments while maintaining the high precision of proton therapy,” said John Greskovich, MD, medical director of the BayCare Department of Radiation Oncology. “Bringing this advanced technology to West Central Florida gives patients in our community greater access to proton therapy and is an important option as patients make decisions about their cancer care.”

The $33 million investment strengthens cancer care services across BayCare’s network, including the accredited radiation oncology programs at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven.

BayCare’s cancer care network includes hospitals, surgery centers, breast cancer centers, radiation oncology centers, infusion and chemotherapy centers, oncology physician offices, patient resources and patient support services across the region. The addition of proton therapy further strengthens this network and gives patients one more option as they work with their physicians and care team to determine the best treatment plan.

Patients and referring providers can learn more about proton therapy, treatment eligibility and available cancer services at BayCare Cancer Institute.

Contact Info

BayCare Health System
Maral.Marandi@BayCare.org
+1 727-432-7461

Attachments

• BayCare Proton Therapy 1
• BayCare Proton Therapy 2

BayCare Proton Therapy 1

The BayCare Proton Center uses a compact proton therapy system from Mevion Medical Systems that was designed to integrate into existing health care settings. The system includes an upright patient positioning chair, allowing patients to receive proton treatment while seated.

BayCare Proton Therapy 2

Proton therapy uses charged particles to precisely target tumors while reducing radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue. This approach may be especially helpful when cancers are located near critical organs or structures, and for some pediatric patients whose bodies are still developing.