Scripps Health announced plans today to build a $185 million proton therapy center in Mira Mesa to treat cancer patients.
Scripps Health will partner with Nevada-based Advanced Particle Therapy to build the 102,000-square-foot center on a seven-acre site in the Carroll Canyon area of Mira Mesa, at 9577 Summers Ridge Road.
The Scripps Proton Therapy Center will be able to treat about 2,400 patients annually when it opens in the spring of 2013, according to Scripps Health. Work will begin in July.
"Scripps is excited to help provide access to one of science's most sophisticated weapons against cancer," said Chris Van Gorder, chief executive officer of Scripps Health. "This will be an immensely valuable resource for all of San Diego County and beyond.
"We see this as a major step forward, allowing us to provide the most comprehensive range of radiation therapy options available today," Van Gorder added.
Proton therapy involves the used of a controlled beam of protons to target cancer tumors, compared to the use of conventional X-ray radiation treatment.
According to Scripps Health, the precise delivery of proton energy limits damage to healthy surrounding tissue, resulting in minimal or no side effects to the patient and allows for a more potent dose of radiation to be used.
The Scripps Proton Therapy Center will be the second of its kind in the Western United States. The other is located at Loma Linda University Medical Center in San Bernardino County.
