HCB News: How many patients are you seeing per day and what indications are you treating most frequently?
JF: Currently, we are treating up to 7 patients per day in a single shift as part of our ongoing study. Once the study is completed, we plan to expand to two shifts, which will allow us to treat at least 40 patients daily. The most common indications we are treating at the moment include head and neck, cranial, lung, and mediastinum cancers. We are also preparing to start treating pancreatic cancer, which we anticipate will require a significant portion of our treatment time.

HCB News: Proton therapy comes with a high price tag. What are some of the cost advantages to the system you're using?

JF: In our case, the high price tag typically associated with proton therapy was not an issue. While I can't share specific numbers, I can say that the capital cost of the equipment was very manageable. Our primary focus was on the cost of operation, and the system we use offers significant advantages in this regard. It doesn't require disposables and consumes very little electricity, which keeps operational costs low. Additionally, unlike many alternative systems that require nightly maintenance, our system demands minimal upkeep, further reducing long-term expenses.

AP: Another significant advantage is that the system fits into a conventional LINAC vault with some retrofitting. This is a big deal because it reduces our operational risks, allowing us to offer proton therapy to all eligible patients without logistical hurdles now and in the future.

HCB News: Are there things that can be done with conventional gantry-based systems that you're not currently able to do?
JF: I don't believe there are any limitations with our current system compared to conventional gantry-based systems. In fact, I would argue the opposite is true. Our system offers greater accuracy in patient positioning and leverages advanced technology that allows us to apply fields that were previously unachievable with traditional gantry systems. However, we acknowledge that we're continuously learning, and there may be situations where certain patients might need to be turned away. That said, Hadassah is a comprehensive cancer care institution, equipped with all the necessary tools to fight cancer effectively.

HCB News: Looking ahead, what goals do you have for the proton therapy facility at Hadassah?
AP: Looking ahead, our goals for the proton therapy facility at Hadassah include expanding the range of regions we treat and increasing the number of patients we can accommodate. We also aim to demonstrate advanced techniques such as gated dynamic arc therapy and real-time adaptive therapy. Additionally, we plan to support P-Cure in bringing new technologies to the market, including the development of helium therapy, which holds great potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

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