FIND A PROTON CENTER
National Association for Proton Therapy National Association for Proton Therapy National Association for Proton Therapy National Association for Proton Therapy
  • ABOUT
    • About NAPT
      • Leadership
      • NAPT Foundation
      • Corporate Partners
    • Our Advocacy
    • Patient Advocate Community
    • Awards
    • Join NAPT
  • FOR PATIENTS
    • Find A Proton Center
    • Pediatric Proton Therapy
    • Resource Center
    • FAQ
    • Patient Stories
    • Clinical Trials
  • FOR PROVIDERS
    • Clinical Research
    • Clinical Trials
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • Member Log-in
National Association for Proton Therapy National Association for Proton Therapy
  • ABOUT
    • About NAPT
      • Leadership
      • NAPT Foundation
      • Corporate Partners
    • Our Advocacy
    • Patient Advocate Community
    • Awards
    • Join NAPT
  • FOR PATIENTS
    • Find A Proton Center
    • Pediatric Proton Therapy
    • Resource Center
    • FAQ
    • Patient Stories
    • Clinical Trials
  • FOR PROVIDERS
    • Clinical Research
    • Clinical Trials
  • EVENTS
  • NEWS
  • Member Log-in
May 14

Patient Profile: Robert Hanley – A Marine’s Triumph over Lung Cancer with Proton Therapy

  • May 14, 2024

Retired Marine Robert Hanley of New Jersey proudly served his country, embodying the virtues of honor and courage. In August 2023, Hanley faced another formidable challenge when diagnosed with lung cancer. Initially, his treatment plan at the VA included chemotherapy and traditional radiation. Concerns about the potential impact on his heart prompted his healthcare team to consider alternative treatments.

Turning to Proton Therapy
Hanley’s doctors recommended ProCure Proton Therapy Center, recognizing proton therapy’s potential to target his cancer more precisely while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This innovative treatment could reduce radiation exposure to his heart by up to 50% compared to conventional X-ray radiation.

Proton Therapy Advantage
Unlike standard radiation, which releases its maximum dose and continues beyond the tumor, proton therapy delivers its peak dose directly within the tumor and stops. This method significantly spares adjacent organs, such as the heart, from unnecessary radiation, often resulting in fewer side effects during and after treatment.

Patient Experience
“ProCure gave me the chance to feel like myself again,” shared Hanley. His treatment at ProCure not only marked a personal health milestone but also made him the 7,000th patient to complete treatment at the center. His journey is a beacon of hope and a testament to the efficacy and gentleness of proton therapy.

Leadership Praise
Tom Wang, President of ProCure, expressed immense gratitude for Hanley’s service and trust, “As a cancer patient and retired Marine, he exemplifies the core values of honor and courage. We are inspired by his trust in our team.” Dr. Brian Chon, ProCure’s Medical Director who treated Hanley, added, “We are honored to have impacted 7,000 lives and counting. Each patient’s journey underscores our commitment to excellence and the transformative power of proton therapy.”

Center’s Achievement and Future
ProCure’s milestone of treating 7,000 patients reflects its dedication to providing exceptional care and advancing cancer treatment. Located in Somerset, NJ, the center treats a wide range of cancers and remains committed to innovation and excellence in cancer care. “Surpassing this milestone has taken an extremely skilled care team, professional support team, and partnerships at area institutions,” stated Wang, underscoring the collaborative effort behind their success.

Looking Ahead
With continued innovation and an eduring commitment to patient-centered care, ProCure is poised to help many more individuals like Hanley in their battles against cancer, offering them a chance at recovery and a higher quality of life.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-Mail

NEWS BY TOPIC

The Latest Proton News

  • Benny’s Story: A Brain Tumor Awareness Month Spotlight
  • 2025 National Proton Conference Highlights Major Advances in Research, Patient Access, and Clinical Innovation
  • Coach Goes Head-to-Head with Cancer
  • Mark Kahrs: Moving Forward After Head and Neck Cancer
  • Advancing Cancer Care: Landmark Study Underscores Proton Therapy’s Impact in Head and Neck Cancer

The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) and its members support cancer research and treatment innovation and are committed to raising awareness about the value of proton therapy among policymakers, insurers, caregivers and patients to ensure that this advanced treatment modality is affordable and available in communities across the country.

  • Connected Community Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

LATEST NAPT NEWS

  • Benny’s Story: A Brain Tumor Awareness Month Spotlight
  • 2025 National Proton Conference Highlights Major Advances in Research, Patient Access, and Clinical Innovation
  • Coach Goes Head-to-Head with Cancer
  • Mark Kahrs: Moving Forward After Head and Neck Cancer
  • Advancing Cancer Care: Landmark Study Underscores Proton Therapy’s Impact in Head and Neck Cancer

CONTACT US

The National Association for Proton Therapy 
202.919.5554

© 2025 National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT)