Additionally, leaders in the field are actively guiding the next generation of providers to ensure sustainability and growth. NAPT plays a key role by hosting educational webinars, facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and providing resources for both new and existing centers. Advocacy remains a major priority, particularly in securing appropriate reimbursement and establishing clear, evidence-based coverage guidelines that enable more patients to receive proton therapy without unnecessary barriers.

HCB News: Reimbursement remains a key issue in the field. Have you seen any recent shifts in how payers approach proton therapy coverage?
JM: Yes, we have seen meaningful progress in this area. In 2023, ASTRO updated its Model Policy for proton therapy, incorporating key recommendations from NAPT and reflecting the latest clinical evidence. Many insurance providers have since aligned their coverage policies with these professional guidelines, leading to broader and more consistent access to proton therapy for patients.
Beyond private insurers, we’ve also seen positive steps at the federal level. NAPT has actively supported policy changes that improve access, including reforms by CMS to streamline the prior authorization process for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. These efforts help reduce delays and administrative burdens for patients who qualify for proton therapy. While challenges remain, these developments indicate a growing recognition of proton therapy’s value in cancer treatment.

HCB News: What role does research play in advancing proton therapy, and how are collaborative efforts shaping future studies and clinical trials?
JM: Research is fundamental to the continued advancement of proton therapy, helping to refine its applications and identify the patient populations that stand to benefit the most. Given the specialized nature of proton therapy, high-quality evidence is essential to guide clinical decision-making and demonstrate both its therapeutic and economic value.

The proton therapy community has shown a strong commitment to generating robust evidence, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed studies supporting its clinical benefits and impact on patients’ quality of life. A significant step forward was the publication of the PARTIQoL trial, the first randomized phase III clinical trial comparing proton therapy to IMRT for prostate cancer. While not all studies can be randomized, this trial provided important data on patient-reported outcomes and reinforced the need for continued research in this space.

Proton Therapy Homepage