Hadassah Medical Center in Israel recently began administering proton therapy to cancer patients who previously did not have had local access to the cutting edge treatment. Unlike conventional proton therapy systems, they are using P-Cure's gantry-less system, which provides personalized and adaptive intensity-modulated particle therapy in a seated position.

In order to learn more about what the treatment capabilities have meant for Hadassah, HCB News spoke to chief medical physicist, Dr. Jon Feldman, and head of oncology, Dr. Aron Propovtzer.

HCB News: When did you begin offering proton therapy at Hadassah Medical Center, and how was the decision made to provide it?
Dr. Aron Propovtzer: We began offering proton therapy at Hadassah Medical Center in early 2023, following a thorough and strategic process that began approximately five years ago. Our journey started when we became aware of the evolving technology in proton therapy, which significantly reduced the cost and size of traditional equipment. This led us to establish a collaboration with the Israeli company P-Cure, which was in the final stages of developing a compact and innovative system. Once P-Cure received FDA clearance, we moved into the clinical phase. Our proton therapy program was launched under research approved by the Ministry of Health, focusing on treating CNS, head and neck, thorax, and pancreatic conditions.

HCB News: Did you have prior experience with other proton systems? What was the learning curve like with the one you're using?
Dr. Jon Feldman: While we did not have prior hands-on experience with other proton systems, we conducted extensive research and studied various alternatives available in the market. Our primary criteria were clinical efficacy, economic viability, and the potential for future upgrades, particularly in areas like helium therapy, which we believe holds significant clinical value. Additionally, we were keen to contribute to the company's innovation by generating clinical value through adaptive and arc therapies and being actively involved in the future development of helium-based treatments. The learning curve with the system we selected was aligned with these goals, enabling us to implement advanced therapies effectively.

HCB News: You're utilizing a gantry-less system from P-Cure that treats patients in the seated position. How does the patient experience compare to conventional gantry-based systems?
AP: Our experience, along with recently published studies, shows that patients treated in the seated position using the gantry-less system from P-Cure generally report a more comfortable and less stressful experience compared to conventional gantry-based systems where patients are positioned supine. Patients have found it easier to breathe, and the seated position significantly reduces the risk of cardiac toxicity and allows for better saliva drainage. Additionally, we've observed that patients feel safer and more at ease in this position. Our published data also supports that the system maintains a high level of accuracy for both intra- and interfraction positioning, ensuring precise treatment delivery.

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