JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was in Jacksonville on Thursday to announce an exciting advancement at Mayo Clinic. Within the next two years, the clinic will introduce new radiation treatments aimed at cancer patients.

Accompanied by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and Dr. Kent Thielen, Governor DeSantis announced the launch of the nation’s first carbon ion therapy program, which will also be the only program of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, as stated by the Governor’s Office.

Recognized as one of the most sophisticated radiation treatment options available globally, carbon ion therapy targets “hard-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers,” according to the governor’s office. Previously, this advanced therapy was accessible only in select locations across Asia and Europe, as noted in the office’s release.

“Our administration is dedicated to combating cancer by investing in innovative therapies that have the potential to save lives,” DeSantis emphasized. “Since I took office, we have boosted funding for cancer research and treatment initiatives by over 114%. The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program has bolstered Florida’s status as a leader in cancer research and innovation. We are honored that Mayo Clinic chose Florida as the base for this pioneering initiative, and we are eager to see how these advanced therapies will provide hope to patients battling some of the most challenging and treatment-resistant cancers.”

Mayo Clinic is expected to begin offering proton therapy in 2027 and carbon ion therapy in 2028. The Governor’s Office said patients will benefit from expanded care “well before then” through additional services already being offered at the facility, including photon therapy, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, advanced imaging, and other specialized cancer services.

In June 2025, Mayo Clinic opened the Duan Family Building in Jacksonville to expand cancer treatment and research. The facility will be uniquely designed to deliver both carbon ion therapy and proton therapy, including the ability to treat a tumor with either approach for “greater precision.”

According to DeSantis’ office, part of the funding for the state-of-the-art technology coming soon came from the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.

Since 2019, Florida has invested more than $1 billion in cancer program funding, committing nearly $218 million for cancer research in 2025 alone, according to DeSantis’ office.