In October the new Eastpark Medical Center (EMC) opened its doors to patients. Access to some of the world’s most advanced technology in radiation oncology treatment will be available at this location.
The new EMC nearly doubles the space available for radiation oncology activities; adds three new linear accelerators, CT and MRI simulators, two HDR brachytherapy suites and a comprehensive state-of-the-art proton therapy program with two treatment vaults.
EMC offers more than 40 types of specialty care for adults including cancer care provided by UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, innovative clinical trials, women’s complex care, and advanced imaging and laboratory services.
With a proven track record as an innovator in patient care, the UW-Madison Department of Human Oncology and UW Health become the first academic center in the world to announce implementation of upright treatment technology in its proton therapy program, which will advance the patient experience for children and adults by allowing them to remain in a more natural upright position during treatment.
Proton therapy is a state-of-the-art treatment in the field of radiation oncology that provides pinpoint accuracy to destroy cancer cells, even in hard-to-reach tumors close to vital organs and tissues. This traditionally involves the patient lying flat on a treatment table which can be challenging for some patients.
By partnering with Leo Cancer Care, a medical device company based in Middleton, WI, selected patients at EMC will receive upright proton therapy. They stand to benefit from easier breathing, reduced gastric reflux, and enhanced interaction with their care team throughout the treatment process.
“The precision of proton therapy brings opportunity to reduce radiation exposure to healthy surrounding normal tissues” said Dr. Paul Harari, former chair, Department of Human Oncology, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and radiation oncologist at UW Health. “For children requiring radiation therapy and for adults with tumors adjacent to vital organs such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, eyes, this treatment offers the chance to diminish normal tissue damage and thereby improve long term quality of life.”
The demand for high-quality health care is at an all time high and with many patients coming to UW Health for their care from outside Madison, EMC is opening at a wonderful time. Increased and more convenient access to their appointments, therapies, treatments, testing, and clinical trials will expand the possibilities for our patient’s futures.
The Department of Human Oncology is currently treating over 200 patients each day at EMC, University Hospital and other radiation oncology locations within the UW Health system. We look forward to opening the Proton Therapy Center in early 2026 to continue expanding our treatment options for pediatric and adult patients in Wisconsin and beyond.