State Of The Art Cancer Center Set To Open In East Harlem

NEW YORK, NY — A world class cancer treatment facility is set to open in East Harlem on Thursday, June 4.

One of only 30 centers of its type across the country, the $300 million, 140,000-square-foot New York Proton Center promises to offer top quality treatment to about 1,40o patients annually, according to a press release.

Proton therapy, while still not widely available, is gaining acceptance as an effective alternative to traditional x-ray radiation therapy needed by many cancer patients, but with fewer side effects. The East Harlem center will combine the medical expertise of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System and Mount Sinai Health System, three of the top medical institutions in the world.

"The center will also feature 'second generation' proton technology, including pencil beam scanning that allows for optimal treatment of complex tumors and volumetric imaging that helps physicians precisely target cancers to millimeter accuracy," according to a press release.

Along with the proton technology, the center will also offer expert oncologists, clinical care teams and researchers.

The New York Proton Center is part of the 125th Street Development Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing East Harlem as a hub of innovation.

The New York Proton Center is located at 225 East 126th Street. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, City Council Member Diana Ayala and others are planning to attend.