Carbon-ion radiotherapy
Carbon-ion radiotherapy uses heavy charged particles that release most of their energy inside the tumour and little beyond it. They damage cancer cells more strongly than standard X-rays, which helps against tumours that resist ordinary radiation.
Who it may suit
- Selected pancreatic cancers that cannot be removed by surgery
- Skull-base tumours such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma
- Recurrent head-and-neck cancers, some sarcomas and prostate cancers
What happens
- The team reviews your scans, pathology and any previous radiation
- Planning scans and a custom mask or mould to keep you still
- Daily treatments, usually on weekdays, each lasting minutes
- Follow-up scans and a written report for your home oncologist
Usually 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the number of sessions.
There are no carbon-ion centres in North America. A few operate in Europe and Japan, often with long waits.
Things to know. Previous radiation to the same area may limit what is possible. Side effects depend on the area treated. It does not suit every tumour, and the team decides case by case.
Why an introduction matters
Many of China’s leading specialists work in busy public hospitals without international patient offices. They rarely answer enquiries from abroad directly, and a file sent without an introduction often goes unread. Cases usually reach them through people they already know and trust. Our team on the ground makes that introduction, presents your case properly in Chinese, and follows up until you have an answer.
Some programmes, especially stem-cell and other cell treatments, are experimental. We introduce them only if you ask and your own specialist agrees, and we never describe them as cures.