Skip to main content

How Proton Therapy Works

Proton therapy is an extremely precise form of radiation treatment.

It uses positively charged particles to deliver radiation that matches the size, shape, and depth of a tumor down to the millimeter. Unlike traditional radiation, protons stop at the tumor, reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This may lower the risk of side effects and help patients return to life sooner.

Advanced Proton Therapy Technology

Emory Proton Therapy Center uses pencil beam scanning, the most advanced form of proton therapy available in Georgia. This technique “paints” the tumor with radiation spot by spot, making it ideal for irregular shapes or tumors near sensitive areas. Every treatment room features leading-edge imaging, including MRI and cone-beam CT, for precise tumor targeting and monitoring.

Personalized Cancer Treatment in Atlanta

We are Georgia’s only proton therapy center and one of only 46 proton centers in the U.S. We offer expert care backed by cutting-edge research. Our radiation oncologists are disease-site specialists from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. They develop personalized treatment plans built around each patient’s unique needs.

Inside the building

Clinical Trials in Proton Therapy

Emory Proton Therapy Center is internationally recognized for active research and open clinical trials. As an academic medical center at the forefront of cancer research and discovery, Winship is uniquely positioned to lead research and clinical trials in proton and other novel therapies. Winship completed the rigorous credentialing process for proton therapy in NCI-funded clinical trials, expanding the number of clinical trials in proton therapy.

cancer ribbon icon

5190

Proton patients treated

Stethoscope icon

14

Proton Physicians

clipboard icon

18

Proton Clinical Trials

Whole-Person Cancer Care

We care for the whole person, not just the disease. From dietitians and social workers to child life specialists, spiritual health clinicians, and financial navigators, our team connects patients and caregivers to resources, support, and services that address physical, emotional, and practical needs.

Team photo
Front of building

Convenient Atlanta Location

We are located near eight major healthcare systems, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Grady Memorial Hospital, and Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Just 10 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with easy access to major highways and transit, we care for patients locally, nationally, and globally.

Some Conditions We Treat

ribbon icon

Breast Cancer

Invasive ductal & lobular carcinoma, triple negative breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, recurrent, and more.

throat icon

Head & Neck Cancers

Carcinomas, congenital tumors, salivary tumors, tumors of the jaw, and more.

lung icon

Thoracic Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymoma, thymic carcinomas, lung metastases, and more.

prostate icon

Prostate Cancer

Prostate adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, prostate sarcomas, pelvic lymph node metastases, and more.

Patient Stories