First Proton Therapy Center in Five-State Region Begins Accepting Patients

Following years of planning, The University of Kansas Health System has begun accepting patients at its new proton therapy treatment center, designed by Hoefer Welker in partnership with Stantec and built by McCownGordon Construction and Linbeck. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the facility spans 38,200 square feet.

As the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, the new proton therapy center allows Midwestern patients to remain close to home. Treatment is offered through The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Throughout the design process, the team coordinated with physicians and other members of the medical team to determine the needs of patients, families and caregivers. This included a collaborative visioning session that assessed psychological, sociological and physiological impacts on all involved parties, as well as goals and success metrics. Using data gathered during the session, the facility was designed with a focus on clinical flow, calming aesthetics and an improved patient and staff experience.

The  proton treatment center features a protective concrete vault to guard against unnecessary radiation. The vault walls are six to nine feet thick and house 160 tons of equipment. Construction of the vault required 2,721 cubic yards of concrete and 377,513 pounds – or 125 pickup trucks’ worth – of steel rebar.