2025 GRATITUDE AND IMPACT REPORT
Inova Radiation Oncology and Mather Proton Therapy Center
2025 Impact snapshot
Inova Schar Cancer offers state-of-the-art radiation oncology and proton therapy services for all types of cancers and benign conditions.
These advanced therapies give patients access to precise, effective treatment designed to protect healthy tissue and support the best possible outcomes.
March 2026 marks 6 years since the Inova Mather Proton Therapy Center opened and has been treating individuals throughout the region.
Learn more about proton therapy at Inova here!
Radiation Oncology treatments
Proton Therapy treatments
Pediatric Proton Therapy patients
Unique patient visits
Proton Therapy patients
Physicists/Physicist Assistants
Radiation Therapists
Physicians
Medical Dosimetrists
Patients treated with Online Adaptive Radiation Therapy (launched October 2025)
Inova Schar Cancer was recognized for excellence and patient outcomes and named one of Becker’s 2025 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.
- Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs in 2025
- 2025 Press Ganey Health System of the Year
Radiation Oncology treatments
Proton Therapy treatments
Pediatric Proton Therapy patients
Unique patient visits
Proton Therapy patients
Physicists/Physicist Assistants
Radiation Therapists
Physicians
Medical Dosimetrists
Patients treated with Online Adaptive Radiation Therapy (launched October 2025)
Inova Schar Cancer was recognized for excellence and patient outcomes and named one of Becker’s 2025 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.
- Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs in 2025
- 2025 Press Ganey Health System of the Year
Mather Proton Therapy Center part of landmark study
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Inova Schar Cancer is ushering in a new era of innovative breakthroughs, with patients benefiting today from treatments that are shaping the future of cancer care.
The Mather Proton Therapy Center played a leading role in a landmark study published in The Lancet, highlighting the life-changing potential of proton therapy for patients with head and neck cancers.
The study shows that oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with proton therapy experienced significantly better survival outcomes than those receiving traditional radiation.
As co-investigators on this landmark Phase III clinical trial, Inova Schar Cancer and the Mather Proton Therapy Center contributed to the nation’s largest study of its kind, involving more than 440 patients treated at 21 sites across the U.S.
The findings confirm what clinicians have long believed: proton therapy allows doctors to precisely target tumors while better protecting nearby healthy tissue.
SURVIVAL AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVANTAGES
Northern Virginia’s only proton therapy center and one of only 47 nationwide!
“This study represents a major milestone in the treatment of head and neck cancers. It validates proton therapy as a powerful tool that not only helps patients live longer but helps them live better.”
- Gopal Bajaj, MD, MBA, FASTRO; Emeritus Chairman and Medical Director, Radiation Oncology and the Mather Proton Therapy Center, Inova Schar Cancer
2025 Inova Honors Recipients: The Mathers
In September, Inova held the 2025 Inova Honors, celebrating the donors driving our $500M Do. More. Together. philanthropic campaign to ensure excellence in healthcare for our entire community.
The event raised more than $2M and honored Dr. Gary D. and Ms. Christina Co Mather for their long-standing support for Inova.
From L- R: J. Stephen Jones, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Inova, Annette Kerlin, James Manchisi, Margaret Manchisi; Janet Hinchcliff; William Lewis and Susan Mooradian; Shaista Mahmood; Rose Carter; Paul Carter; Susan Hepner; Frank Smith; Christina Co Mather; Rafat Mahmood; Kristen Hensley; Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President, Inova Health Foundation; Amir Hadzimehmedovic; John Slaybaugh, Barbara Slaybaugh; Judy Smith; Joan Bialek; Azra Hadzimehmedovic; Shasta Sirhandi; Ishaq Sirhandi
Top talent, fueled by your philanthropy
Great care starts with great people. Thanks to your philanthropic partnership, Inova Schar Cancer continues to attract and retain top clinicians, physicians, researchers, and specialists—strengthening our position as a premier destination for innovative, patient-centered cancer care. 2025 saw the addition of several new positions—each fully funded through the power of philanthropy.
From L- R: Dr. Chawla, Christina Co Mather, Dr. Rao, and Dr. Learn
“By supporting these newly endowed positions, we hope to fuel discovery, attract exceptional talent and help ensure that Inova remains at the forefront of innovation for years to come.”
-Ms. Christina Co Mather, Inova Supporter and Inova Health Foundation Board Member
Cancer care powered by innovation
ETHOS
Thanks to the generosity and continued support of our donors, Inova Schar Cancer offers the most advanced form of personalized radiation therapy available today through Adaptive Online Radiotherapy—the first of its kind in the DC area.R1]
Powered by the Varian Ethos with Hypersight system, Inova provides faster and clearer imaging at a lower dose and utilizes AI to adapt a patient’s treatment plan in real time during their session. This leading-edge technology enables clinicians to immediately respond to daily changes in a patient’s anatomy and ensure unparalleled precision, better protection of healthy tissue and improved patient outcomes. SR2]
Your philanthropy serves as a catalyst for access to some of the most innovative cancer treatments available—right here in our community—offering individuals greater hope, greater comfort and the most precise cancer care.
A new era in medical physics starts here
This year, Inova welcomed its first Medical Physics Resident, Michael Correa, a milestone made possible through the generosity of Bob and Joyce Johnson. Under the leadership of Jiajin (James) Fan, PhD, DABR, who has championed the creation of a rigorous and future-forward residency, the program is establishing a strong foundation for the next generation of medical physics clinicians.
Inova Schar Cancer’s Medical Physics Team. From L-R: Pier LeGendre, Michael Correa, James Fan, and Alexander Kubli.
As the inaugural resident, Michael Correa is not only benefiting from this robust educational environment but is also helping shape the long-term vision of the residency itself. With Dr. Fan’s leadership and the department’s dedication to research, technological advancement, and excellence in patient care, the residency will produce clinicians who embody the highest standards in the field. This first cohort marks the beginning of a lasting educational pathway that will elevate medical physics at Inova Schar Cancer for years to come.
“Supporting the creation of a Medical Physics Residency is our way of investing in the future of cancer care. We believe in Inova’s mission and are proud to help train the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled clinicians.”
-Bob and Joyce Johnson, Inova Supporters
Thank you for your impact
Your partnership powers everything we do, thank you.
Because of your commitment, Inova Schar Cancer is able to deliver exceptional care, compassionate support, and life-enhancing advances to every patient and family we serve. Your generosity strengthens the foundation of our mission and fuels the progress we’re making together. We are profoundly grateful for all you make possible.
Learn more about Inova's Do. More. Together. $500 million fundraising campaign at Foundation.Inova.org/Do-More-Together.
And for more information on the impact of your giving, please contact Amy Richards, Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy at Amy.Richards@Inova.org.
