On September 9, 2014, Willis-Knighton began a new era of cancer care, treating its first patient at the WK Proton Therapy Center. Last month, the center marked another milestone, treating its 200th patient with protons.

Willis-Knighton’s commitment to advanced technology was instituted with the installing of the world’s first compact cyclotron, Proteus®ONE, in the new building. This technology features pencil-beam precision to target tumors and, for the past two years it has offered that precision targeting to a wide range of patients. Among the cancers treated with protons are brain, breast, bladder, colon, esophagus, head and neck, lung, pancreas, prostate, spine, and a number of disease sites in the pelvis (colon/rectum, uterus, vagina, etc.). 

“The addition of proton therapy at Willis-Knighton has significantly improved the quality of cancer care for patients in this region,” said Lane Rosen, MD, director of radiation oncology. “Our experience has shown proton therapy to be a valid and often superior treatment for certain cancers. We look forward to continuing to lead the world in state-of-the-art proton therapy.” 

The proton therapy unit has been tremendously successful, attracting patients from six states who came to Shreveport for this technology. In addition to attracting out-of-town patients, the WK Proton Therapy Center has brought national and international physicians and healthcare executives to Shreveport to learn about this exciting technology. The American Society for Radiation Oncology has visited the center to film patient care videos using Willis-Knighton’s facilities and physicians. 

Although technology is a major focus at the Cancer Center, it is only one of a broad range of services available to people being treated for cancer--from advanced immunotherapy to robotic surgery, from support groups and classes to transportation and support for out-of-town patients. Willis-Knighton Cancer Center is taking its position regionally, nationally and internationally as an excellent place to receive cancer treatment.