Mayo Clinic Brings Revolutionary Cancer Treatment to US

Cancer patients across America will soon have access to one of the world's most advanced radiation treatments without leaving the country.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida announced Thursday it will launch the first carbon ion therapy program in the United States, with services beginning in 2028. The facility will also offer proton therapy starting in 2027, making it the only location in the Western Hemisphere to provide both cutting-edge treatments.

Carbon ion therapy represents a major leap forward for patients battling hard-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers. Until now, patients seeking this therapy had to travel to a handful of facilities in Asia or Europe, adding tremendous cost and difficulty during an already challenging time.

The new Duan Family Building, which opened in Jacksonville in June 2025, was specifically designed to deliver both carbon ion and proton therapies. The facility's unique setup allows doctors to treat a single tumor with either approach, offering greater precision and customized care for each patient's specific cancer type.

Patients won't have to wait until 2028 to benefit from expanded cancer care at the facility. The building already offers photon therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, advanced imaging, and other specialized cancer services that are helping patients today.

The project received funding through the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, part of Florida's growing investment in cancer treatment and research. Since 2019, the state has invested more than $1 billion in cancer programs, with nearly $218 million committed for cancer research in 2025 alone, representing a 114% increase in funding during that period.

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough extends far beyond Florida's borders. Patients from across the United States who previously faced impossible choices between experimental treatment abroad or conventional therapy at home now have a third option. Families won't need to deplete savings on international travel or spend months away from their support systems during treatment.

The presence of carbon ion therapy in America will also accelerate research and training. American oncologists and researchers will gain direct experience with the technology, potentially leading to innovations that make the treatment more accessible and affordable. As Mayo Clinic gathers data on American patient outcomes, that knowledge will benefit cancer centers nationwide.

Advanced cancer treatments becoming available on American soil means more patients get more chances to fight back against the toughest cancers.