By HFT Staff

An anonymous donor has made a $50 million gift to Duke University Health System toward the development of a proton beam therapy center. The donation is the largest philanthropic gift received by Duke University Health System. 

Duke’s proton beam therapy facility is expected to open by 2029, with a total projected cost of $120 million. At capacity, it is projected to provide proton therapy to about 800 patients each year. 

Proton therapy is a more precise type of radiation that has fewer side effects than conventional radiation therapy. 

Because it is more precise, it can be better directed and controlled so that the bulk of radiation is delivered to the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. This is especially important for children and for tumors located in sensitive areas such as the head and neck.