Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center breaks ground to bring revolutionary proton therapy system to New Jersey

MORRISTOWN, N.J., October 14, 2025 – Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center announced the groundbreaking to install the MEVION S250-FIT Proton Therapy System™ at Morristown Medical Center’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in Morristown, New Jersey. The MEVION S250-FIT is the first and only proton therapy system designed to seamlessly fit into a standard radiation therapy vault, significantly reducing the size, cost, and complexity of proton therapy, thereby increasing vital access to patients. Morristown Medical Center will be the first in New Jersey and among only four institutions in the country to offer this advanced proton therapy, with the technology expected to be operational at the facility in 2026.

Proton therapy is a revolutionary advancement in radiation oncology. Unlike traditional radiation, which uses photons, proton therapy employs charged particles to deliver highly precise treatment. This accuracy helps protect healthy tissue and vital organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs, while effectively targeting tumors and improving patient outcomes. Research trials have demonstrated that proton therapy achieved similar survival rates to traditional radiation therapy, but with fewer side effects (e.g. malnutrition) in the treatment of head and neck cancers.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the MEVION S250-FIT system further enhances these benefits with its industry-leading features. HYPERSCAN® Pencil Beam Scanning for Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) with a proton MLC, ensures precise delivery of proton therapy, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Upright patient positioning and a large bore diagnostic CT from Leo Cancer Care allow for real-time image guidance and adaptive therapy.

“With this innovative proton therapy system, we are taking a transformative step in advancing state-of-the-art cancer services for our patients and our community, and further arming our exceptional clinical teams to provide the highest-quality care,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Health and President, Morristown Medical Center.

“As the clinical benefits of, and indications for, proton therapy continue to expand, the addition of the MEVION S250-FIT proton therapy system is an achievement that highlights Atlantic Health’s dedication to innovation and personalized cancer care,” said Eric Whitman, MD, FACS, System Medical Director, Cancer Care. “It’s incredibly exciting to help usher in a new era of cutting-edge radiation oncology services that will improve the treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.”

More than $12.5 million in donor support made it possible for Atlantic Health to bring this latest advancement in cancer treatment to its communities. Lead donors are as follows: Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust; The Ferreira Family; Gagnon Family Foundation; The Carl J. Goldberg Family Charitable Fund, Douglas M. Noble Family Foundation; Robert and Catherine Tafaro; and Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. As the philanthropic arm of Morristown Medical Center and Goryeb Children’s Hospital, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center inspires community philanthropy to continuously expand vital programs and services, enhance clinical education, prioritize excellence in patient care.

About Atlantic Health

Atlantic Health is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 24,000 team members and more than 7,779 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people.

The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites of care, including its eight hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.

The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multispecialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,700 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.

Atlantic Health provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 30 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Health Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.

Founded by Atlantic Health, the Healthcare Transformation Consortium is a partnership of seven regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability. Atlantic Health has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.