Dr. Gayar and patient walking through hallway.

McLaren Proton
Therapy Center

McLaren Proton Therapy Center

Fighting Cancer with Minimal Side Effects.

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VA Proton Therapy Coverage
Dr. Gayar and William walking through hallway.

Who is a good candidate for proton therapy?

Each patient’s cancer is unique. McLaren Proton Therapy Center specialists are here to provide all the necessary information you need to decide whether proton therapy is right for you.

Proton therapy is especially effective for solid tumors in sensitive areas where conventional therapy may not be considered the best option. It is a particularly effective modality for treating young adults because it may reduce the risk of long-term side effects. It is also an effective option for pediatric patients because it can minimize damage to their still developing and more sensitive organs.

Learn About Proton Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hesham Gayar, Medical Director

What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy is the most technologically advanced method of delivering radiation to cancerous tumors available today. A large machine called a synchrotron extracts protons from hydrogen atoms, accelerates them to almost the speed of light, and delivers the radiation with pinpoint accuracy. The unique way in which protons interact within the human body allows them to deliver curative radiation doses while reducing doses to healthy tissues and organs, resulting in fewer complications and side effects than standard photon radiation therapy.

Proton Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of proton therapy?

Proton Therapy is non-invasive.

Proton therapy is not a surgical treatment. As the patient lays on the treatment table, radiation is delivered through protons that are directed to travel into the body, no farther than the depth of the targeted tumor.

Patients experience minimal side effects.

With the advanced radiation technology at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, protons deposit radiation into the targeted tumor to destroy the cancer cells, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue behind the tumor. There is not an exit dose of radiation with proton therapy. The radiation dose precisely stops at the depth of the tumor, sparing nearby organs as much as 70 percent of unnecessary radiation. Because of this, many patients experience minimal side effects.

Proton therapy results in a better quality of life during and after treatment.

Patients who go through proton therapy often can maintain healthy and productive lives. Many patients can continue their regular daily activities during treatment. Proton therapy also reduces the probability of secondary cancer developing due to its ability to spare healthy tissue.

Dr. Brooke Spencer with patient.
VA Patient

VA Health Care Coverage for Proton Therapy

For many Veterans enrolled in VA health care, proton therapy is covered when your VHA radiation oncologist—working with a proton therapy specialist—recommends it. If radiation is on the table, ask your care team about proton therapy.

Often approved when:

  • Cancer requires retreatment (reirradiation).
  • Minimizing radiation dose to healthy tissue is critical.

VHA may also cover participation in approved clinical trials, including options available to McLaren Proton Therapy Center patients through Karmanos Cancer Institute.

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Meet our Team of Recognized Experts

Our expert team of radiation oncologists and physicists drives cutting-edge proton therapy research—delivering precision treatments grounded in compassion and holistic support.

Hesham Gayar, M.D.
Hesham Gayar, M.D.
Medical Director
Omar Gayar, MD
Omar Gayar, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Brian Yeh, M.D., Ph.D.
Brian Yeh, M.D., Ph.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Hani Al Halabi, M.D., M.Sc.
Hani Al Halabi, M.D., M.Sc.
Radiation Oncologist
Brooke Spencer, M.D., MPH
Brooke Spencer, M.D., MPH
Radiation Oncologist

Cancers Treated By Proton Therapy

  • Bladder Cancer
  • Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Head, Neck, and Skull Base Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Liver Cancer
  • Lung and Thorax Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Pediatric Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Sarcoma
  • Spine and Chest Wall Cancer
  • Select Gynecological and Gastrointestinal Cancer
  • Recurrent disease

Directions and Overnight Accommodations

McLaren Hospitality House

McLaren Hospitality House

Located adjacent to McLaren Proton Therapy Center, The Hospitality House at McLaren Flint provides comfortable, extended-stay housing at minimal or no cost. The house is a healing, caring, and comfortable environment for patients and their caregivers who are traveling long distances for treatment.

A full complement of activities, programs, quiet spaces, kitchen and laundry facilities, and many other amenities are available at the House.

Patients receiving proton therapy require treatment daily for as long as eight weeks. McLaren Hospitality House was designed with this in mind and provides easy access to treatment, support services, and care for other medical needs.

Call For Availability

Learn more about McLaren Hospitality House

Testimonials

What Our Patients Are Saying

Bob Testimonial
Bob

Bob

Prostate Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“Proton therapy at McLaren helped me overcome my cancer with minimal downtime.”

William Testimonial
William

William – Veteran, Retired Firefighter

Prostate Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“As a veteran, I appreciated the expertise and compassion of the staff here.”

Bailey Testimonial
Bailey

Bailey

Breast Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“I have a son and he’s only six now and I want to be around as long as I can for him.”

Catherine Testimonial
Catherine

Catherine

Nasoesophageal Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“I was going to lose my eyesight, so I was referred to Dr. Gayar, and when I met with him, he said he could help me.”

David Testimonial
David

David

Prostate Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“The staff are exceptional in every way. By the time I finished they were like friends.”

John Testimonial
John

John

Prostate Cancer Survivor – McLaren Proton Therapy Patient

“The staff, the treatment, the prognosis, there’s no other place to be in my eyes.”

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