Fight Cancer Now with Proton Therapy
Benefits of Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is a more precise form of radiation therapy that is an effective treatment option for many cancer patients. It can be used alone or combined with other forms of treatment. Protons have distinct characteristics that allow the radiation beam to precisely target the tumor. This avoids unnecessary radiation to nearby healthy tissue and organs, ultimately reducing the risk of short-term and long-term side effects.
Researchers have compared proton therapy to traditional radiation therapy (x-ray/IMRT) and found that proton therapy significantly reduces your risk of developing a second cancer later in life:
- 69% reduction among all cancer patients
- 82% reduction among prostate cancer patients
- 58% reduction among head and neck cancer patients
- 38% reduction among breast cancer patients with at least five years of follow-up19
Cancers We Treat
Below are the most common cancers being treated at Provision CARES Proton Therapy Knoxville, the only cancer center in East Tennessee offering proton therapy. Contact us today to speak with one of our Cancer Care Experts to determine if proton therapy is right for you.
- Brain & Spine Cancers
- Breast Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Gynecologic Cancers
- Head, Neck & Oral Cancers
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pediatric Cancers
- Prostate Cancer
- Sarcoma
How Proton Therapy Works
When protons enter the body, most of their energy is deposited at the targeted tumor and does not continue beyond that target. This unique behavior allows protons to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue and critical organs. This is different from traditional radiation, in which x-rays deposit more radiation before their target, then continue delivering radiation beyond the target until exiting the body.

The image above shows the difference between protons and x-rays (IMRT). The goal of treatment is to deliver the proper dose of radiation directly to the tumor, while limiting the amount of exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This is illustrated by the orange area, which represents proton therapy. On the other hand, the gray area shows how x-rays use IMRT to deliver radiation. Much of the healthy tissue in front of the target receives unnecessary radiation, and by the nature of x-rays, more unnecessary radiation is delivered beyond the tumor, compared to proton therapy.
Patient Testimonials
Felicia L.
``I really liked that proton therapy is more precise and they can control the depth, especially with my heart being there. Protons made me feel like my cancer was truly out of me.``
Bill R.
``I was just blown away by the culture and atmosphere of Provision. That sealed the deal. I felt and continue to feel at home here.``
Tammy C.
``At Provision, everybody is so friendly. They make sure you understand and make sure you are comfortable. I feel like I gained a whole new family here.``
Ken R.
``I’m so thankful I found Provision. I could’ve taken the other treatment, but from now on I would have had all those side effects to deal with.``
Only Proton Center in East TN
Provision CARES Proton Therapy is located in West Knoxville. Our beautiful Dowell Springs campus is less than 10 minutes from downtown, just off Middlebrook Pike.

Warm Welcome
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted at the front desk by our happy and friendly Hospitality Coordinators. They can answer many of your questions and will happily provide hospitality services around the area.
Beautiful, Spacious Campus
Our Dowell Springs campus includes walking trails and water features designed to bring comfort and peace of mind to patients and families.
Calming Atmosphere
As you walk into the treatment room for your procedure, you’ll be greeted by beautifully large images of the East Tennessee landscape to help calm any nerves you have.
Power of Protons
Our treatment rooms are designed with your comfort in mind. All of our clinical staff members are highly trained experts in their field who care deeply about your experience at Provision.
Comfort and Convenience
We make every effort to create a non-clinical environment whenever possible. Our treatment center has a large, open parking lot – no parking garages or stairways to worry about. Patients can be dropped off right outside the front doors at our covered entryway.
- Sources & Studies