Proton therapy

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Mayo Clinic's approach

Mayo Clinic is a leading center for proton therapy, combining advanced technology with deep clinical experience. Radiation oncology teams working in the Proton Beam Therapy Program focus on delivering precise, personalized care while continuing to study and improve proton therapy through research and clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic offers:

  • Advanced technology for complex or hard-to-reach tumors. Mayo Clinic uses rotating gantries, machines that move around the body to deliver proton beams from different angles. This helps treat tumors in difficult locations.
  • Highly precise dose delivery. Proton therapy at Mayo Clinic uses a very small beam spot size. This allows care teams to shape radiation closely around tumors, including very small tumors and those in complex areas. This helps maximize the dose to the tumor while limiting exposure of nearby healthy tissue.
  • Motion management during treatment. Mayo Clinic offers gated proton therapy for tumors that may move during treatment. Breathing and other natural body movements can make some tumors more difficult to treat due to their movement. Gated treatment allows the proton beam to turn on only when the tumor is in the planned position and turn off when it moves.
  • Image guidance before each treatment. CT imaging in the proton therapy treatment room allows care teams to confirm positioning and verify accuracy just before treatment. This helps ensure the radiation is delivered exactly where it is intended.
  • Comprehensive, team-based care. People who seek care at Mayo Clinic have access to a full range of treatment options, including clinical trials studying new uses of proton therapy. Care plans are tailored to each person, drawing on the latest research and a collaborative team approach.

Expertise and rankings

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center meets the strict standards for a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. These standards recognize scientific excellence and a multispecialty approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked as the top hospital in Minnesota and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, is ranked as the top hospital in Arizona.

Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona

Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida

Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Health System

Mayo Clinic Healthcare, located in London

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Mayo Clinic Health System

By Mayo Clinic Staff
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Doctors & Departments
April 29, 2026
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