Ehmet Heath Celebrates McLaren Proton Therapy Center as it Treats Milestone 1,000th Patient

Celebrating a Milestone in Cancer Care

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone achieved by the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint, Michigan, a facility that represents the future of cancer care. As a trusted development partner, we are thrilled to recognize the profound impact this institution has had on the lives of cancer patients across the region and beyond. 

Since the first patient in late 2018, the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, has provided life-changing treatment to more than 1,000 cancer patients. The 1,000th patient, a mid-Michigan woman battling recurring breast cancer, completed her treatment in January 2024, marking a significant achievement in the center’s mission to deliver cutting-edge, compassionate care.

McLaren’s Journey to Advanced Cancer Treatment

The vision for the McLaren Proton Therapy Center began in 2008, when proton therapy was still a rarity, with only five centers available across the United States. At that time, patients in Michigan often had to travel out of state for access to this innovative treatment. Recognizing the need for greater accessibility, McLaren Health Care embarked on an ambitious journey to bring proton therapy to Michigan.

With our partnership, the center was designed with next-generation technology, including a state-of-the-art synchrotron for precise treatment delivery. In 2016, the center received FDA clearance, and by 2018, it was treating its first patient.

The power of proton therapy

Proton therapy has been particularly beneficial for patients with challenging cases, providing a less toxic, more efficient treatment option. As a result, the McLaren Proton Therapy Center has become a beacon of hope for patients across Michigan and neighboring states.

For more information about proton therapy and how it is transforming cancer treatment, visit McLaren’s website at mclaren.org/proton.

Together, we are building a future where advanced cancer treatments are accessible to all, one milestone at a time.