A precision particle-therapy option for cancer care
Particle Therapy
Proton and heavy-ion therapy can concentrate radiation on tumors while limiting exposure to nearby tissue. The treating center determines suitability and the appropriate approach.
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Includes planning, treatment, and recovery assessment; final timing depends on hospital scheduling and individual needs.
Converted at CNY 7 = USD 1. Costs are approximate and subject to individual assessment; the treatment center’s itemized written estimate prevails.
Treatment Advantages In China
Proton and heavy-ion beams deliver high doses precisely to tumors while reducing exposure to surrounding tissue. China's dual-modality centers can assess both modalities through a coordinated one-stop pathway.
A Distinctive Dual-Modality, One-Stop Program
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center is among the few centers worldwide able to provide both proton and heavy-ion therapy through one coordinated program, allowing the treatment team to assess both particle modalities without requiring separate overseas visits.
Extensive Proton And Heavy-Ion Treatment Experience
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center reports more than 9,300 cumulative treatments as of May 2026, covering over 50 common malignant tumor types, with substantial experience in nasopharyngeal, lung, breast, and other cancers.
High Treatment Capacity And Shorter Waits
The center reports more than 1,000 treatments per device annually for five consecutive years, including 1,267 treatments in 2025. High capacity can support shorter scheduling and faster treatment initiation, subject to clinical assessment.
Transparent Treatment Pricing
Published pricing is available at selected particle-therapy centers. For example, the Lanzhou Heavy Ion Center lists an estimated capped treatment-course fee of approximately RMB 198,000 (USD 28,286) for domestically developed carbon-ion equipment. Hospitalization, examinations, medication, and other costs are additional, and the center's written quotation prevails.
Quick Overview
Review the treatment principles, indications, and core advantages of proton and heavy-ion therapy. Suitability must be assessed by a multidisciplinary team.
What Are Proton Therapy And Heavy-Ion Therapy?
View detailsProton therapy and heavy-ion therapy are advanced forms of precision radiotherapy.
Which Tumors May Be Assessed For Proton Or Heavy-Ion Therapy?
View detailsParticle-therapy centers in China have established treatment programs covering more than 50 tumor types.
Core Advantages Of Proton And Heavy-Ion Therapy
View detailsPotential advantages include precise dose delivery, organ protection, reduced toxicity in selected cases, treatment of complex tumors, re-irradiation options, and individualized planning.
Proton And Heavy-Ion Therapy Centers In China
View detailsThe source material profiles Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Ruijin Hospital's proton center, and Wuwei Heavy Ion Center.
Care Journey
- 01
Communicating Non-Clinical Needs
Coordinate non-clinical arrangements such as language, travel, accommodation and accompaniment; no medical information is collected through the website.
- 02
Hospital Remote Assessment
The hospital confirms whether it is recommended to go to the hospital, what additional information or examinations are needed, and the clinical path.
- 03
Trip Planning And Preparation For Hospital Arrival
Assist with non-clinical arrangements such as medical visas, appointments, transportation, accommodation and translation.
- 04
In-Hospital Evaluation And Particle Therapy
In-hospital review, MDT, positioning, planning, physical verification and irradiation are all the responsibility of the hospital treatment team.
- 05
Hospital Discharge And Follow-Up Communication
Reviews, recovery arrangements and fitness to fly are subject to the opinions of the hospital's treatment team.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after treatment can I take an international flight?
There is no universal timeframe. The treatment team should assess blood counts, infection status, neurological status, and the medical support available at the destination.
How do proton therapy and heavy-ion therapy differ, and how is the appropriate option selected?
A multidisciplinary team should assess the appropriate treatment based on the tumor type, location, stage, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall condition.
Will the treatment be painful?
The treatment center will explain what to expect, including positioning time and how radiation is delivered. Tell the treatment team if you experience any discomfort.
Do I need an adult companion during treatment?
An adult companion may be advisable. Specific needs should be confirmed based on the patient’s condition and hospital requirements.
Will the treatment work?
Not guaranteed. The effectiveness of treatment is related to tumor type, stage, location, previous treatments and physical condition, and will be explained by the treatment team.
Is there any residual radiation after treatment?
The hospital will address these based on the specific treatment and the patient's condition.
Detailed information
What Are Proton Therapy And Heavy-Ion Therapy?
Precision Radiotherapy Technology
Proton therapy and heavy-ion therapy are forms of external-beam radiation therapy that use charged particles. Their physical properties allow the treatment team to concentrate radiation within the target while limiting the dose to surrounding healthy tissue. Potential benefits and risks depend on the tumor, its location, and the individual treatment plan.
How The Bragg Peak Works
Unlike X-rays, protons and carbon ions deposit relatively less radiation on entering the body and release most of their energy near the end of their range at the Bragg peak, followed by a rapid dose fall-off. By adjusting the beam energy, the treatment team can position this high-dose region within the target while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Which Tumors May Be Assessed For Proton Or Heavy-Ion Therapy?
China's established particle therapy center has established a mature treatment system covering more than 50 types of tumors. Proton therapy has a wide range of indications, covering almost all disease types treated with photon radiotherapy. It has significant advantages in reducing toxic side effects on normal tissues, and is especially suitable for children's tumors. The above is a summary of indications and does not replace formal medical evaluation. Whether a patient is suitable for particle therapy must be comprehensively evaluated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) based on tumor type, stage, location, previous treatments and physical condition.
Head And Neck Tumors
Nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors, salivary gland tumors, recurrent head and neck tumors
Central Nervous System Tumors
Glioma, meningioma, pituitary gland tumor, chordoma, spinal cord tumor
Chest Tumors
Non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (some patients), esophageal cancer, thymus tumors
Digestive System Tumors
Liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer (in some patients), bile duct cancer
Genitourinary System Tumors
Prostate cancer, kidney cancer (some patients), bladder cancer (some patients)
Gynecological Tumors
Cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, vaginal and vulvar tumors (some patients)
Bone And Soft Tissue Tumors
Osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, sacral tumors, pelvic tumors
Childhood Cancers
Neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, etc.
Core Advantages Of Proton And Heavy-Ion Therapy
Data source: Introduction to the characteristics of proton therapy in the Thoracic Oncology Department of Tongji Hospital; Popular Science China's "Three Giants of Precision Radiotherapy"
Precise Dose Delivery
The physical properties of the Bragg peak allow the radiation dose to be concentrated within the target while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Reduced Exposure To Nearby Organs
In selected cases, proton therapy may reduce the radiation dose to nearby organs compared with conventional radiotherapy. The extent of any reduction and its clinical significance depend on the tumor site and individual treatment plan.
Potential Side Effects
Treatment is non-surgical, but side effects vary by treatment area, dose, and individual factors. The treatment team will explain the expected short- and long-term effects of the proposed plan.
Assessment For Tumors Near Critical Organs
Proton or heavy-ion therapy may be considered for selected tumors near critical structures, such as the brain, spinal cord, or heart. Suitability must be assessed by the treatment team.
Can Be Used As An Option For Re-Radiotherapy
For patients with local recurrence after previous radiotherapy, the precision of particle therapy makes it possible to undergo further radiotherapy.
Personalized Precision Therapy
Based on the tumor type, location, stage and individual patient conditions, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) develops an individualized treatment plan to support precision medicine.
Proton And Heavy-Ion Therapy Centers In China
Shanghai Proton And Heavy Ion Hospital (Proton And Heavy Ion Center Of Fudan University Cancer Hospital)
Center Advantages
- It is the first medical institution in China to possess both proton and carbon ion radiotherapy technologies.
- It was officially put into operation on May 8, 2015; in September 2017, it was certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI) for Accreditation of Medical Institutions. It is the first proton and heavy ion center in the world to be certified by JCI.
- A mature treatment system covering more than 50 types of tumors has been formed. Key diseases include nasopharyngeal cancer, intracranial skull base tumors, lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.
Institutional Achievements
- International academic influence: Professor Jiang Guoliang, director of the hospital’s Clinical Technology Committee, served as chairman of the 53rd International Particle Radiotherapy Conference (PTCOG53).
- International academic influence: Leading the development of international consensus on heavy ion radiotherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma; clinical standards and specifications for particle radiotherapy have been updated to 66 items (14th edition).
- Treatment volume: As of May 7, 2026, a total of 9,317 patients have been discharged from particle therapy, with an average annual growth rate of 16.2%; the annual treatment volume has exceeded 1,000 cases for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025. It is the first proton and heavy ion center in the world with an annual treatment volume of more than 1,000 cases, ranking first among similar institutions in the world.
- Long-term survival data: The first international "Proton Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy Tenth Anniversary Survival Report" was released (May 2025), and an updated version was released in May 2026: the overall 5-year survival rate of patients reached 70.4%, including 83.8% in stages 0-I and 82.1% in stage II; the incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions was only 4.2% and 0.5%.
- Long-term survival data: 5-year survival rate by disease type: 93.8% for newly treated nasopharyngeal cancer; 45.3% for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer treated with heavy ion therapy alone; 73.8% for stage I non-small cell lung cancer and 42.7% for stage III; 5-year overall survival rate for localized prostate cancer 97.2% and 100% tumor-specific survival rate; 97.3% for breast cancer; 3-year overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer 33.1% (median survival 26.8 months).
- Long-term survival data: The 5-year survival rate of patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma is 62.5% and the local control rate is 90.2%.
Innovation and Core Strengths
- The world's first simple heavy ion therapy for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer: the patient's 5-year overall survival rate reached 45.3%, and the incidence of nasopharyngeal mucosal necrosis dropped to 16%; the hospital is also the particle center that uses heavy ion radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer patients the most in the world.
- It is the first in the world to use heavy ions for the treatment of solid nodular early stage lung cancer.
- Continue to carry out independent innovation of auxiliary equipment: the rotating treatment cabin, isocenter rotating treatment chair, 6 mm ridge filter, etc. are continuously upgraded; after the application of the filter, the average beam time is shortened by about 50%.
Equipment Overview
- The center is equipped with a German Siemens proton-carbon ion integrated treatment system. An accelerator is connected to 4 treatment output terminals, distributed in 4 treatment rooms, and uses active point scanning technology.
Treatment Costs
- The cost of a single course of proton and heavy ion radiotherapy is uniformly 278,000 yuan; the total cost of hospitalization (including radiotherapy, hospitalization, examination, nursing, etc.) averages about 330,000 yuan. The hospital is not a designated hospital for Shanghai Basic Medical Insurance, and related expenses cannot be reimbursed through Shanghai Basic Medical Insurance.
Source
- "Wen Wei Po" 2024-05-09 Page: Independent innovative equipment and beam efficiency of Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital.
- "Quality Control Testing of the Nation's First Proton and Heavy Ion Accelerator for Radiotherapy" (2015-05-28) by the Radiation Safety Institute of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Shangguan News "It's been ten years since the Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital opened, you may want to know these questions" (2025-04-07).
Ruijin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School Of Medicine Oncology Proton Center
Center Advantages
- The clinical transformation platform of China's first domestic proton therapy system (SAPT-PS-01) reflects the independent research and development and clinical application capabilities of proton therapy equipment.
- Clinical trials of the 180° rotating beam treatment room will be launched in 2022; in May 2026, the 360° rotating beam treatment system will be registered and approved by the NMPA and put into use to treat the first batch of patients.
Institutional Achievements
- As of May 2026, more than 1,300 cases of proton radiotherapy have been completed, all of which have been included in the standardized prospective follow-up database, and the local control rate exceeds 95%.
- 47 subjects in registered clinical trials have completed 4 years of long-term follow-up: the tumor-specific survival rate was 95.7%, and no grade 3 or above adverse reactions related to proton therapy were found.
- It is the first to carry out proton therapy for children/adolescent tumors, and as of May 2026, 62 cases have been treated.
Innovation and Core Strengths
- 360° rotating treatment room: The 93-ton rotating gantry realizes 360° rotation without dead ends, and cooperates with CBCT three-dimensional image guidance to realize "the gantry moves but the bed does not move", and the single treatment time is shortened by about 30%.
- The disease covers more than 50 types: common malignant tumors such as breast cancer, head and neck tumors, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, and malignant lymphoma, as well as complex cases such as skull base tumors, chordomas, various soft tissue tumors, and central nervous system tumors.
Equipment Overview
- The center is currently equipped with a fixed beam treatment room, a 180° rotating beam treatment room and a 360° rotating beam treatment room, which can meet the needs of proton therapy for solid tumors in various parts of the body.
Treatment Costs
- The maximum cost of each course of proton radiotherapy for the same indication is not more than 170,000 yuan: 40,000 yuan for the first treatment, and an additional 15,000 yuan for each additional treatment; the price item of this medical service is marked as "not paid" by medical insurance.
Source
- Shanghai Institutes for Advanced Study, Chinese Academy of Sciences "The first domestically produced proton therapy device starts clinical trials in a 180-degree rotating treatment room" (2022-05-05).
- Shanghai Institutes for Advanced Study, Chinese Academy of Sciences "The 360-degree rotating beam proton therapy system was approved for registration and started treating the first batch of patients" (2026-05-15).
- China Isotope and Radiation Industry Association "Domestic proton device has achieved a major breakthrough!" 360-degree rotating treatment room opened in Ruijin Hospital" (2026-05-26).
- Shanghai Municipal Medical Security Bureau "Compilation of Shanghai Medical Service Price Items (Radiation Therapy)".
Wuwei Cancer Hospital Of Gansu Province (Wuwei Heavy Ion Center)
Center Advantages
- my country's first medical carbon ion therapy system with completely independent intellectual property rights and approval for listing.
- On September 29, 2019, the carbon ion therapy system was approved for registration as a Class III medical device by the NMPA.
Institutional Achievements
- 30 interdisciplinary scientific research platforms, including the Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Beam Radiation Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have been established.
- It has published 9 monographs including "Standard Operating Procedures for Carbon Ion Radiation Therapy", building a knowledge system covering physical technology, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and health management.
- Treatment volume and efficacy data: As of March 15, 2026, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center has treated more than 2,800 patients, treating more than 100 types of diseases, covering common and difficult tumors such as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, brain glioma, and nasopharyngeal cancer.
- Treatment volume and efficacy data: The published central disease-specific data (different disease types, stages and follow-up lengths cannot be directly compared horizontally) show that the 1-year local control rate of non-small cell lung cancer is 95% and the 5-year overall survival rate is 61.7%; the 1-year local control rate of liver cancer is 94.1%.
Innovation and Core Strengths
- It is the first in the world to carry out precision heavy ion treatment under ventilator control.
- The world's first to carry out heavy ion therapy for bladder cancer under precise control of bladder capacity.
- It is the first in the world to carry out surgical placement of isolation pads between organs and cancer tumors to complete heavy ion therapy in a single session.
- The first in the world to complete multiple cases of heavy ion treatment for cardiac tumors.
Equipment Overview
- The center uses domestically produced carbon ion therapy systems to carry out clinical treatments. The relevant devices were developed by the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and completed domestic clinical transformation.
Treatment Costs
- The cap for a single treatment course is CNY 198,000: the first treatment of the first treatment site is CNY 49,500 per time; the second treatment of the first treatment site is a total of CNY 99,000; the first treatment site is a third treatment, a total of CNY 148,500; the first treatment site is capped at CNY 198,000 for the fourth and subsequent treatments (no additional charges will be charged from the fourth time).
- The second and above newly added parts: only one treatment fee of 49,500 yuan will be charged for each part, and no additional fees will be incurred for subsequent treatments of this part.
Source
- The National Medical Products Administration "my country's first self-developed carbon ion therapy system is approved for marketing" (2019-10-10).
- Gansu Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences/Wuwei Heavy Ion Center: Introduction to the center and data on scientific research, monographs and technological innovation (2026-06-01).
- Gansu Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences "Practical Summary of Heavy Ion Treatment for Gastric Cancer" (2026-05-20).
- "Development Status and Prospects of Medical Particle Radiation Therapy in China" (Science in China: Physics, Mechanics and Astronomy, 2025).
- Gansu Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences: Introduction to Heavy Ion Clinical Innovation Technology (2025).
- Gansu Wuwei Heavy Ion Center "Fees Introduction" (2026-01-01).
