Proton Therapy at Moffitt Cancer Center FAQs

At Moffitt Cancer Center, proton therapy is delivered at the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Therapy Center at Speros.

Read more below for frequently asked questions about proton therapy treatment. 

When will Moffitt begin offering proton therapy?

Consultations with a radiation oncologist are currently available. Patients can begin proton therapy treatment around the last week of July 2026.  

What are the steps to be scheduled for proton therapy?

Patients will first need to be seen for a consultation in the Radiation Oncology Program to determine if they are a candidate for proton therapy. To request an appointment, please call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient appointment request form. Ask for a proton therapy consultation and the scheduler will walk you through the steps to get ready for the consultation.

I’m newly diagnosed and haven’t started treatment. Can I come to Moffitt for Proton therapy? 

Yes. You can call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient appointment request form to request an appointment. The scheduler will match you with an expert who specializes in the treatment of your cancer and your care team will refer you to radiation oncology for a proton therapy consultation when appropriate in your treatment path. Not all treatment plans will include radiation therapy, but you can ask your care team about proton therapy at any point.  

I’m a current patient at Moffitt. Can I be evaluated for proton therapy treatment? 

Yes, current patients should first get a consult from a radiation oncologist at Moffitt. Not all cancer types can be treated by proton therapy, so they will be the best resource to help determine what radiation therapy is right for you.  

If you are already being seen by a radiation oncologist, you can ask about proton therapy at your next visit. If you are being seen by another specialist, ask about a referral to radiation oncology to be evaluated for proton therapy. Your care team will help you decide if proton therapy would be an effective option for your cancer treatment.

Proton Therapy Consultation

Find out if proton therapy is right for you. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with our Radiation Oncology team.

Schedule an Appointment

I’ve already started cancer treatment, can I still come to Moffitt for proton therapy? 

Yes, you can ask for a proton therapy consultation. You do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at Moffitt, but they will need records to evaluate your case. Please call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient appointment request form. You will first be scheduled with a radiation oncologist for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for proton therapy. 

Why do I need an initial consultation with a radiation oncologist at Moffitt? 

Not all patients are candidates for proton therapy. Before you can be scheduled for proton therapy treatment, you will have a consultation with a radiation oncologist who will determine the best treatment option for your individual cancer. If you are a candidate for proton therapy, they will develop a treatment plan and you’ll be scheduled for therapy.   

Why isn’t proton therapy used to treat all types of cancer? 

While proton therapy offers many advantages, it is not universally the best treatment option for all cancers – even when radiation therapy is recommended. The choice between proton and photon radiation therapy depends on multiple factors, including tumor location, size and type. The radiation oncology team at Moffitt can help you decide what treatment is right for you. 

If I am a candidate for proton, is it still okay if I get photon radiation instead?  

Photon radiation therapy remains a valuable and effective treatment option for cancer. Factors such as availability, travel distance, cost and quality of life are all taken into consideration between you and your cancer care team when discussing treatment plans. Together with you and your caregiver(s), Moffitt’s cancer experts will help you determine a treatment plan that gives you the best chance at the best outcome.   

Is proton therapy covered by insurance? 

Moffitt accepts several major insurance plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Coverage for proton therapy varies by insurance plan and diagnosis. Check with your insurance company to see if your plan covers proton therapy. If you have additional questions about insurance coverage, please contact our Financial Clearance Unit at 813-745-7300 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.)