The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) hosted its first-ever Research Forum in Washington, DC, gathering top researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders from across the nation to explore cutting-edge developments in proton therapy. This landmark event was made possible through collaborations with key partners, including the Proton Collaborative Group, PTCOG-NA, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, among others.
The forum took place at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg Center, with a warm welcome from Curtiland Deville Jr., MD, FASTRO, of Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center, Jennifer Maggiore Executive Director of NAPT and Anita Mahajan, MD, of the Mayo Clinic. Both expressed their excitement at bringing together such a diverse group of professionals from across the nation, all committed to advancing cancer care through proton therapy research.
Insights from Leading Experts
Isabelle Choi, MD, Clinical Director, Director of Research at the New York Proton Center and Chair of NAPT’s Physician Advisory Committee, reminded those in attendance of the opportunity to look back and apply lessons learned from prior proton trials.
“This will help us identify gaps in evidence and current challenging areas for proton access,” said Dr. Choi, “and develop new high-impact trials designed with a focus on feasibility and value.”
Jeff Buchsbaum, MD, PhD, AM, Medical Officer in the Radiation Research Program at the National Cancer Institute, joined the forum to share his insights on the future of proton therapy trials. His presentation provided a forward-looking perspective on where the field is heading and the innovations that lie ahead in cancer treatment. Dr. Buchsbaum’s challenged attendees to bring novel concepts to the design of future particle therapy trials.
Advancing Research and Evidence-Based Cancer Care
The event highlighted key discussions on advancing the next generation of proton therapy research. Charles B. Simone, II, MD, FASTRO, FACRO, Chief Medical Officer of the New York Proton Center and President of Proton Collaborative Group, shared his insights on the current state of proton therapy trials.
“Proton therapy research is thriving,” said Dr. Simone, “especially when you consider the relatively low volume of treatments compared to other radiation modalities. The commitment of the proton community to generating high-quality evidence is underscored by the PCG registry—the largest oncology registry—which plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes through research.”
Collaboration and the Path Forward
The forum concluded with a call for broader participation in proton therapy research, emphasizing the continued need for multicenter collaboration across the proton therapy community. By working together, researchers, clinicians, and healthcare institutions can more effectively expand clinical trials and accelerate the integration of proton therapy into evidence-based cancer care.
The NAPT Research Forum also spotlighted the need for increased financial support to fuel the research required to advance treatment protocols and guidelines. Participants agreed that continuing to push for access of proton therapy will depend on sustained investment and a collective effort from stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum.
A Foundation for Future Innovation
NAPT extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the inaugural Research Forum, including the physicians, administrators, and industry partners who are driving this critical work forward. This event represents an important milestone in proton therapy research and demonstrates NAPT’s commitment to fostering collaboration that will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
As we continue to grow and strengthen the proton therapy community, NAPT encourages all members to stay engaged in ongoing research initiatives and to explore opportunities to participate in clinical trials. For more information on current clinical trials and ongoing research in proton therapy, please visit NAPT’s Clinical Trials page and Research page.
Thank You to Our Partners
NAPT extends a special thanks to the Proton Collaborative Group, PTCOG-NA, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and all of our partners who helped make this event a success. Your support and collaboration are essential to advancing proton therapy research and improving cancer care for patients worldwide.
