Cancer center coming to Goshen

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — A cutting-edge cancer care center in Goshen “will be a reality,” said Village Mayor Kyle Roddey, during a recent press conference.

"We’re proud to have this project here," said Roddey. "It will be transformational for Goshen, creating jobs, as well as bringing cutting-edge technology that will help thousands of people. The village is doing everything possible to make it happen.”

The proton therapy system coming to Goshen is a miniaturized version of larger types that overcomes the constraints of size, cost, and energy consumption.

“Larger proton systems force people to go to the technology,” said Mike Cogswell, senior vice-president of Mevion Medical Systems, technical developer of the therapy. "This system affords the option of bringing technology to the people."

Of the 14 sites across the county that offer proton therapy, seven are the miniaturized version. Simply put, it works like this: a proton accelerator spins an ion particle (atom) to a specific energy in a magnetic field control where, at a certain program depth, it releases the radiation beam into the tumor. The surrounding tissue isn’t touched by radiation, which is an additional advantage to this system.

“For example, when treating breast cancer, the other breast and lungs aren’t affected,” Cogswell explained.

Proton therapy is effective for brain, lung, prostate, and breast cancers. It's ideal for pediatric cases, since children will have fewer side effects to cope with later in life.

Next step: Planning board review

Slated for the development is a 122-acre commercial parcel near the Eastgate Office Park, off Route 17A. The land is secured, the financing is in place, and the plans and drawings are complete. The project now has to go through the planning board process, Cogswell said.

“The planning board is very supportive of this painless project and will do everything to expedite the process," said Roddey. "However, it will do due diligence."

Michael Sullivan, director of business attraction for Orange County Partnership, said the Partnership is currently working on 64 active projects in Orange County. “Project Proton” is close to the top of the list, he said.

“We do whatever is possible to push Orange County ahead in the high technical field,” he said. “We now have a medical school in Orange County.”

Coming soon is the Touro College School of Osteopathic Medicine, which will occupy the vacated Horton Hospital complex in Middletown. Other medical firms include Orange County Regional Medical Center, Crystal Run Healthcare facilities founded by Hal Teitelbaum, M.D., as well as a sundry of other medical offices in the area.

According to Cogswell, the biggest challenge is patient flow. To maintain the $40 million project, 200 patients must be treated yearly. Larger proton therapy systems cost about $200 million to construct and maintain.

“We have to cast a wide net of confidence in doctors to send their patients,” he commented. “Insurance companies are aware of our technology and currently do reimburse for treatment, including Medicare.”

He said his company is researching new health care laws.

Working on the project are Medical Missions for Children/Paterson, a nonprofit organization fostering medical care for critically ill children, and technology developer Mevion Medical Systems. Private investors back it.

For more information about the Mevion system, visit mevion.com.