Oncology · Radiation oncology
Proton therapy and heavy-ion therapy in China
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital (SPHIC) operates one of the largest dual proton + carbon-ion centres in Asia. Proton therapy USD 35,000–55,000 vs USD 90,000–140,000 US.
Cost comparison
All-in international-patient pricing in USD.
| Country | Typical price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China (Class A) | 35,000 – 85,000 | Proton USD 35–55k; heavy-ion USD 55–85k |
| United States | 90,000 – 140,000 | — |
| United Kingdom | 55,000 – 95,000 | — |
| Singapore | 65,000 – 120,000 | — |
What's included in the China price
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review
- Treatment planning (CT simulation, fusion with diagnostic imaging)
- Full course of proton or carbon-ion fractionation
- Daily on-treatment monitoring + weekly assessment
- Post-treatment imaging follow-up at month 3 / 6 / 12
Length of stay
35–60 days in country. Fly-home clearance typically at day 1–7 post-procedure.
Standard pre-procedure workup
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review
- PET-CT and MRI for tumour mapping
- Pulmonary function tests if relevant
- CT simulation with immobilisation devices
- Treatment plan QA
Outcomes signal
- SPHIC is one of few centres globally with operational dual proton + carbon-ion treatment
- Outcomes for paediatric CNS tumours, skull base chordomas / chondrosarcomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, and recurrent / radioresistant disease consistent with international benchmarks
Modality selection
The decision between photon, proton, and heavy-ion therapy is best made via multidisciplinary tumour-board review. A remote second opinion typically clarifies whether particle therapy is genuinely indicated for your case, or whether modern photon SBRT delivers comparable outcomes at meaningful cost saving. See our remote second opinion workflow.
Frequently asked
Plain-language answers about proton / heavy-ion therapy in China.
- When is proton or heavy-ion therapy appropriate?
- Most patients are best served by modern photon-based IMRT/VMAT/SBRT. Proton therapy adds value where reducing normal-tissue dose is critical (paediatric tumours, tumours near critical organs, re-irradiation). Heavy-ion is preferred for selected radioresistant tumours (some sarcomas, recurrent rectal cancers, selected hepatocellular carcinomas).
- Why SPHIC?
- Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Hospital operates both proton and carbon-ion modalities — one of few centres globally with both. The clinical decision between proton vs heavy-ion vs photon therapy can be made within a single multidisciplinary review at the same institution.
- How long does treatment take?
- Plan for 5–8 weeks of daily fractionation depending on tumour type. Trip planning should include 1 week pre-treatment workup + 4–8 weeks fractionated treatment + 1 week post-treatment monitoring. Affiliated guesthouse accommodation simplifies long-stay logistics.
- How does the cost compare to the US?
- Proton therapy at SPHIC: USD 35,000–55,000 for full course vs USD 90,000–140,000 US private. Heavy-ion: USD 55,000–85,000 vs limited US availability and higher cost.
Related specialty
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