ESTERO, Fla. - s4story -- Southwest Florida Proton hosted a VIP Reception to mark a historic achievement in the region's emergence as a world-class destination for cancer care.

Held Jan. 29, the VIP Reception attracted more than 100 local physicians, health system administrators, elected officials, community leaders and project partners. Guests enjoyed live music, hors d'oeuvres and conversation before center leadership delivered remarks and led tours of the 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical complex in Estero.

In December, Southwest Florida Proton became the 47^th medical center in the U.S. – and first on Florida's west coast – to begin delivering proton therapy to cancer patients. The highly advanced form of radiation therapy uses charged proton particles to destroy cancer cells with exceptional precision. Proton therapy often results in fewer side effects and less radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

"Part of the reason we pushed so hard and we drive every day – every minute – to try to figure out how to do this is because people need our help and patients need this resource," said Dr. Arie Dosoretz, CEO and managing partner of Southwest Florida Proton. "Studies estimate that only 1% to 2% of patients who could benefit from proton therapy have access to it in our country. That's been our driving mission here."

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The technological centerpiece of Southwest Florida Proton is IBA's ProteusONE, a state-of-the-art system manufactured in Belgium that is widely regarded as one of the most innovative proton therapy platforms available. Proton therapy is often recommended for pediatric malignancies, curable brain tumors, tumors of the skull base and spine, eye tumors, and select patients with breast, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, prostate, lymphoma and sarcoma cancers.

The addition of proton therapy services in Estero concludes a five-year planning, design and construction process. Two cancer care partners – Advocate Radiation Oncology and Lee Health – previously opened a traditional radiation practice and a diagnostic imaging center, respectively, within the medical complex.

Southwest Florida Proton is located at 9961 Estero Oaks Drive in Estero. To schedule a consultation, visit SWFLproton.com or call 239-516-0009.