The Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah recently began construction on a proton therapy center. The $31 million, 7,450 square-foot addition to the HCI’s Cancer Hospital will be the first proton therapy center in the Mountain West.
Orrin G. Hatch
Peter Huntsman
Mary Beckerle, PhD
The new center will be named in honor of U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch. “Senator Hatch has been a steadfast supporter of the Huntsman Cancer Institute since day one,” noted Peter Huntsman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “Senator Hatch’s support completely changed the landscape for cancer care in our region. Thus, we think it is most fitting to name in his honor this new center, which will provide a critical new resource to patients in our region.”
“This new treatment space is essential to HCI’s continuing commitment to serve patients with cancer and provide them access to the most state-of-the-art care,” said Mary Beckerle, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. “As we take this major step forward for patients with cancer in the region, we also reflect on the incredible commitment of people like the Huntsman family and Senator Hatch, who have been dedicated advocates for people affected by cancer.”
When it becomes fully operational, the new center is projected to serve up to 200 patients a year. The Senator Orrin G. Hatch Center for Proton Therapy is projected to begin treating patients in the fall of 2020. ■
