Australia is Ready for Proton Therapy - Now It's Time to Make It Happen
The Building, the Partnerships, the Expertise—Everything Is in Place. We have potential investors and room for more to make this a reality. With additional funding, we can be the first in Australia treat patients by 2029.
Key Statistics
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8,000+ Australians could benefit annually.
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World-wide 125–130 operational proton therapy centres, with more than 50 additional under construction or planned. AUSTRALIA STILL HAS NONE
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World-Class Team: Experts who have delivered four proton centres internationally.
Timeline to First Patient Treatment
With funding secured, doors could open for treatment by 2029.
What is Proton Therapy?
Proton Therapy is a type of radiation treatment that uses high energy beams of proton to treat cancer.
Proton therapy is a form of external beam radiation therapy used in the treatment of cancer. It is an advanced method of delivering radiation that allows greater precision in targeting tumours while reducing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
It is one of several radiation therapy techniques used in modern oncology, and treatment decisions are made by specialist treating clinicians on a case-by-case basis.
How proton therapy works
Conventional radiation therapy uses X-rays, which release energy as they pass through the body and beyond the tumour site.
Proton therapy uses positively charged particles (protons), which can be controlled so that most of their energy is released at a specific depth — directly at the tumour — with minimal exit dose beyond the target.
This allows radiation to be more precisely shaped to the tumour, while potentially reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.
Why proton therapy is used
In international clinical practice, proton therapy may be considered where highly precise radiation delivery is beneficial. Suitability is determined by specialist clinicians on a case-by-case basis.
Cancer types where proton therapy is used internationally
Across leading proton therapy centres worldwide, proton therapy is used in the management of a range of cancers where its physical properties may offer clinical advantages.
Suitability for proton therapy is always determined by specialist clinicians.
Common tumour sites include:
* Central nervous system tumours (brain, skull base and spinal cord)
* Paediatric cancers
* Head and neck cancers
* Prostate cancer
* Breast cancer (selected patients)
* Lung cancer (selected cases)
* Gastrointestinal cancers (selected cases)
* Gynaecological cancers (selected cases)
* Sarcomas
* Ocular tumours, including uveal melanoma
* Lymphomas (selected cases)
* Re-irradiation cases
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Global availability
Proton therapy is an established cancer treatment modality internationally, with more than 125 proton therapy facilities operating worldwide, and additional centres under development.
For further global information and centre listings, see the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG):
Proton Therapy Australia Mission
Our mission is to bring world-class, life-saving proton therapy to Australia, ensuring that all Australians— children and adults alike—have access to the most advanced cancer treatment closer to home.
We are committed to:
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Delivering cutting-edge care – Reducing side effects and improving outcomes for cancer patients.
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Ending the need for overseas travel – Keeping patients and families together during treatment.
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Driving medical innovation – Establishing Australia as a leader in advanced cancer care.
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Partnering with experts – Working with world-class clinicians, researchers, and technology providers.
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Making treatment accessible – Advocating for funding and government support to ensure affordability.
Our Mission
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Proton Therapy Australia will deliver the first (private) Proton Therapy Clinic in Australia
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A single room clinic capable of easy replication to other locations
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Expected first patient treatment 2029.
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Detailed business case available on request, please enquire here
The technology is here. The expertise is here. Now, it's time to make it happen.
Podcast with Julie McCrossin (AM) about Proton Therapy
Location and Technology Partner
Location and Technology Partner
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The site is located at 100 Botany Road, Waterloo in Sydney
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Adjacent to the Waterloo Metro Station
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More information about the new precinct can be found here https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/kurraba-alexandria-sydney-nsw-life-sciences
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Technology partner - IBA (Belgium) world leader in proton therapy technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1UgjZKNIxc
Proton Therapy Australia - Operating Model
Operating Model
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The PTA operating model will follow the structure of an Australian private hospital in which Proton Therapy Australia will provide staff and state-of-the-art equipment and offer open access to proton-accredited radiation oncologists from the public and private sectors to treat patients in their clinics.
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We believe this approach is inclusive and will enhance ongoing education and knowledge sharing amongst clinicians which, in turn, will provide greater access to proton therapy for more Australians.
Strategic Partnerships
Clinical Partner
Proton Therapy Australia is finalising arrangements with a leading clinical partner to support the delivery of world-class proton therapy services. The appointment will be announced following completion of the project’s operating agreements.
Our clinical partner will work with Proton Therapy Australia to deliver:
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National and international referral networks
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Exceptional patient care and clinical excellence
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A highly skilled multidisciplinary workforce
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Collaborative clinical research and innovation
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Education and training programs
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Strong clinical governance and leadership
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International collaboration and knowledge exchange
Investor Funding
Why Invest in Proton Therapy Australia?
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First Mover Advantage:
No existing proton therapy centre in Australia. -
Revenue Potential:
Proven financial success in global proton therapy centres. -
Scalability:
Expansion opportunities for multiple centres nationwide. -
Proven Business Model:
Global proton therapy facilities operate successfully in 120 overseas facilities.
Find Out More -
High Demand:
8,000+ Australians could benefit annually. -
Medicare Funding:
By 2025 the government estimates 2,342 Australians annually could qualify for proton therapy reimbursement under existing and potential future Medicare indications.
Find Out More -
Established Global Partnerships:
Technology partner IBA and leading medical professionals.
Find Out More -
Site Ready in Sydney:
Located in a biotech and research hub.
Plans Filed for $490m Life Sciences Campus at Alexandria
Kurraba Launches Australia’s First Commercial Life Sciences Campus
Key Investment Needs
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Seed Capital:
To secure technology & infrastructure -
Government Backing:
Ensuring Medicare rebates for patients. -
Private Equity & Healthcare Investors:
Opportunity to shape Australia’s future cancer care.
Proton Therapy Australia Directors
Dr John O'Donnell
AM, MBBS Adel, MHP UNSW, Hon.MD QLD, FRACMA, FACHSM(Hon), FAICD Chair, PTS
Dr John O'Donnell has national experience in CEO roles in public, private and charitable sectors; from general practice to state-wide tertiary hospital and related services.
Susanne Bleasel
Managing Director, PTS
Susanne Bleasel, did a business case for the introduction of proton therapy to Australia for Hitachi. Later she formed Proton Therapy Australia and assembled a team of specialists who have worked with Australian and international proton leaders to study the feasibility, facility design and operational models suited best to Australia.
Patient Advocates
Shirley Scannell
In early 2010 I was experiencing breathing problems which my doctor diagnosed as asthma. Subsequent treatment for this did not help so I had a CT scan. The scan showed a large mass inside and behind my trachea and a biopsy revealed I had adenoid cystic carcinoma of the secondary salivary gland at the base of my trachea. This tumour does not respond to chemotherapy and the specialists at Royal North Shore hospital in Sydney informed me that an operation to remove this and then treat with conventional radiotherapy was too difficult within Australia. Radiotherapy alone to remove the tumour would damage my spine and other vital body organs nearby.
After consultation I was sent to see a world-renowned doctor in Philadelphia who could do the operation. However, after tests he said the operation was not possible without my losing a lung and significant risks. Instead, I was offered proton therapy at the Roberts Proton therapy centre there which had opened just months previously. Whilst preparation for this was undertaken, I had two weeks of conventional radiotherapy followed then by six weeks of proton therapy. The treatment was painless and although I was fatigued, I was able to return to Australia shortly after the treatment finished.
A CT scan a few weeks after my return showed no evidence of the tumour. I have minimal side effects only really a slight sore throat and having to eat meals slower. I really was in the right place at the right time as proton therapy has made a massive difference to my quality of life over the last fourteen years compared to the alternative of conventional radiotherapy alone.
Audrey’s Proton Therapy Journey
When our daughter Audrey was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at the age of five, our world was turned upside down. The months that followed were filled with uncertainty, difficult decisions, and the urgent search for the safest and most effective treatment due to the location of the tumour and the challenges of radiating a young brain. In Australia we were prompted to respect the limitations of local treatment options, so we explored Proton Therapy – a more targeted alternative for paediatric brain tumours that reduced the collateral impact and late effects.
Through our research and connection, we found ourselves in conversation with Dr. Danny and the team at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute. From the very first interaction our overwhelming anxiety began to shift into clarity, calm and confidence. It was clear that we needed to go overseas to the Florida Institute who had treated many UK head and neck paediatric patients in the past with proton therapy. The institute demonstrated much improved outcomes using proton therapy treatment.
It is now more than a decade later and Audrey recently graduated from senior school and has just commenced studies in health. Her positive life outcomes are a testament to the impact of Proton Therapy treatment. We are driven to support many other families to advocate for proton therapy treatment for their children within Australia.
CONTACT
Proton Therapy Australia
Proton Therapy Australia Pty Ltd
ABN: 6812 066 4566
Registered Office: L14, Tower 2, 101 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Enquiries/Investors