By Marty Trieschmann

Arkansas’ first and only proton radiation center has treated 100 patients since opening in September 2023. To commemorate the milestone, Carson Placker, 7, of Mountain Home, and Bob Sanders, 71, of Conway, rang the end of treatment bell together June 14, surrounded by their physicians and family.

Though 64 years apart in age, the two shared a touching moment when they joined hands and rang the end of treatment bell together.

“Carson is such an inspiration,” said Sanders. “I watch him run into the proton treatment room with no fear, and then he comes out singing. He’s definitely been a bright spot in this experience, and the team here is exceptional.”

Proton Center of Arkansas Marks 100th Patient Milestone

PROTON PALS: Carson Placker, 7, and Bob Sanders, 71, are the 100th patients to receive proton therapy in Arkansas to treat life threatening tumors. ***Image by Bryan Clifton***

By Marty Trieschmann

*UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA* ***Evan Lewis***

The Proton Center of Arkansas opened September 27, 2023, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), becoming the first proton therapy center in Arkansas and only the 43rd in the nation to provide the most advanced cancer radiation treatment in the world.

Proton therapy is a cutting-edge form of radiation that uses positively charged proton particles to destroy tumors, often in hard-to-reach areas, with greater precision and significantly less damage to healthy organs and tissues. Patients receiving proton therapy have less severe and fewer side effects than conventional X-ray radiation, which improves their recovery time and quality of life.

“What started more than three years ago with a shared vision to bring the most advanced cancer therapy to Arkansas is finally here,” said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. “It’s a proud day for UAMS and for health care in Arkansas as we join a small, elite group of states that offer this groundbreaking therapy for children and adults with cancer.”

https://news.uams.edu/2023/09/27/uams-arkansas-childrens-baptist-health-and-proton-international-open-states-first-proton-center/