At OSF HealthCare, transformative technology opens doors to a brighter future. Through state-of-the-art treatments like proton therapy, we can save more lives and offer hope to patients and families. The OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute will be one of fewer than 40 centers in the U.S. — and only the second in Illinois — to offer proton therapy, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge care close to home.
Proton therapy is a groundbreaking form of radiation that targets tumors with precision, causing significantly less damage to surrounding tissues and organs. This is especially beneficial for children, as it reduces long-term health risks and improves the quality of life for patients.
The new OSF Cancer Institute will feature not only proton therapy but also technologies like Gamma Knife, cryoablation, microwave ablation, and NanoKnife. Additionally, we will be the first in Illinois to offer FLASH radiation therapy, which delivers cancer treatment in a fraction of the time, sometimes in just one session.
Our collaboration with the University of Illinois College of Engineering positions us as a leader in cancer care innovation. Together, we aim to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, the highest standard in cancer care.
Through OSF Innovation and Jump Simulation, we are using virtual reality to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Jump AIM Lab creates 3D and virtual models of tumors to enhance precision in diagnosis and care, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Your support will help us bring these life-saving technologies to the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, ensuring that patients receive the most advanced care without leaving their communities. Help us transform cancer care for the future.
With fewer than 40 proton therapy centers nationwide, we will provide life-saving treatment for the most hard-to-reach tumors. This noninvasive form of treatment is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional radiation therapy, where X-ray beams deposit their energy into surrounding tissues and vital organs, often causing unnecessary damage. With proton therapy, oncologists will be able to pinpoint precisely where they want to deposit the energy. This not only reduces the risk of collateral damage to surrounding healthy organs and tissue but also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Compared to standard radiation, proton therapy will cause fewer short- and long-term side effects, resulting in a better quality of life for our patients. By utilizing proton therapy at the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, we will bring the latest life-changing technology close to home so our patients can be surrounded by the love, care and support they need — and deserve.
It all starts with data
The Data Science and Informatics Lab at OSF Innovation is focused on collecting data needed to understand health care disparities in our communities and identify vulnerable individuals in need of support. With this information, we can develop solutions that lead to timely screenings and services, surgical interventions, survivorship and quality of life
Using virtual reality to fight cancer
The Jump Simulation Advanced Imaging and Modeling (AIM) Lab has made a name for itself as it has gone from successfully printing 3D copies of pediatric hearts to turning digital images of anatomy into virtual and augmented realities. With the new OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, Jump AIM will expand its abilities, developing digital images of tumors and creating ways to diagnose tumors in virtual reality.