I strongly oppose the elimination of funding for proton therapy by Medicare. For thirty-three years, I served as Associate Professor then Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennesee College of Medicine. [PHI Redacted] diagnosed with prostate cancer in [PHI Redacted] and had proton treatment in 1996. In the nearly 12 years since that treatment, [PHI Redacted] PSA has remained in the range of 0.3-0.4. It was 11.6 prior to treatment. During that 12 year perion, [PHI Redacted] able to maintain a fully functional lifestyle with no side effects from the treament. I realize that [PHI Redacted] experience is anecdotal but through the newsletter of the proton therapy alumni group, I have been able review hundreds of similar cases. It is obvious that those espousing conventional radiation therapy are beginning to feel the competition and wish to destroy this treatment modality for economic reasons regardless of the obvious benefit to society. The minimal morbidity and the positive effects on lifestyle must be considered along with the obvious effectiveness of proton therapy in making any decision about future funding. I have reviewed numerous papers on the topic and the statement that there are no comparitive studies with older forms of treatment are not true. While the effectiveness of proton therapy may be no better or worse than other forms of treatment, the difference in lack of morbidity and maintenance of lifestyle are striking with proton therapy far superior. I strongly urge that the CMS take these factors into consideration and continue to fund proton therapy.