New Cancer Treatment Facility Proposed In Danbury

DANBURY, CT — An $80 million cancer therapy facility has been proposed for a site located at 85 Wooster Heights.

On Tuesday, Danbury Proton published a notice of intent to submit a Certificate of Need to the Connecticut State Office of Health Strategy for what they describe as state-of-the-art medical center that would create over 100 construction jobs during a two-year period.

When operational in 2023, Danbury Proton would employ over 30 full-time equivalent employees including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, medical support and administrative staff, according to a news release. The new center would feature a Mevion proton therapy system manufactured in Littleton, MA.

"I am thrilled that the organizers chose our city to be their home,” said Mayor Mark Boughton, in a statement. "Through their branding and world class facility, they will accelerate Danbury's role as a pioneer in high-tech health care. This will be a significant boost to Danbury’s economy and future."

Proton therapy is a non-invasive cancer-fighting tool first used to treat patients in 1954. It received approval by the Food & Drug Administration in 1988. The treatment protects healthy tissue and sensitive organs, according to the company, resulting in few to no side effects.

Connecticut’s Certificate of Need regulatory program requires health care providers to obtain State approval prior to making major changes in the healthcare landscape such as mergers, substantial capital investments in new equipment or facilities, changing access to services, discontinuing a medical service, or introducing a new technology like proton therapy.

There are currently only 36 operational proton therapy centers in the entire United States, and none in Connecticut. The closest facilities are located in Boston and New York City. The proposed site is near Route 7, I-84, Danbury Municipal Airport and Danbury Hospital.