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Present status and actual results

Present status and actual results of heavy ion radiotherapy
Establishing a highly safe irradiation method with high therapeutic value

Japan is the world's top country in terms of treatment results and the number of facilities

Heavy ion radiotherapy is a minimally invasive therapy that preserves the body's functions while improving QOL and supporting social rehabilitation. At present, although other countries are advancing plans to construct heavy ion radiotherapy systems, Japan is the only country with six domestic facilities offering heavy ion radiotherapy. In the field of heavy ion radiotherapy, Japan is the world leader, and has the most facilities and experience in the world.

R&D status in various countries

With excellent local control, there is hope for an increase in the survival rate

In Japan, over 29,000 cancer patients have already been treated by heavy ion radiotherapy (as of end of 2019). Clinical research has been conducted on patients with intractable cancer unsuitable for surgery. The local control rate was high for all the indicated cancers, and it has been found that a survival rate exceeding that of conventional radiotherapy can be anticipated.

Actual results of heavy ion radiotherapy

Aiming to complete a sophisticated cancer therapy system in each region

Gunma University has begun treatment at the first heavy ion beam irradiation system for worldwide use, which has a much smaller installation area and much lower construction cost than those of previous systems. It is hoped that this system will become a model for the construction of a sophisticated cancer therapy system incorporating heavy ion radiotherapy in each region. Moreover, clinical studies have begun on respiration-gated 3D scanning irradiation, which is a technology desired for use in next-generation irradiation systems. With such developments, heavy ion radiotherapy will be further developed so as to be a more effective and safer cancer therapy.

Future of heavy ion radiotherapy