Proton Therapy: Precise Radiation That Spares Healthy Tissue
Proton beams can be stopped exactly at the tumor, delivering little or no exit dose — a major advantage for brain tumors, lung cancer, and especially childhood cancers. We coordinate proton therapy and Gamma Knife radiosurgery at two leading Chinese centers: Guangzhou Concord Cancer Hospital and Hebei Yizhou Cancer Hospital.
Read: an Indonesian patient and an Iraqi patient treated with proton therapy in Guangzhou →
What Is Proton Therapy?
Unlike conventional X-ray radiotherapy, protons carry mass and charge and can be tuned to release their energy at a precise depth (the "Bragg peak"). Tumors in sensitive locations — near the brain, spinal cord, eyes, heart or lungs — can be treated with significantly reduced radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.
Proton therapy is frequently discussed for:
- Pediatric tumors — reducing long-term side effects is critical for children
- Brain and skull-base tumors, including those near critical nerves
- Lung, liver, prostate and nasopharyngeal cancers
- Re-irradiation of recurrent tumors after earlier radiotherapy
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
For selected brain lesions, Gamma Knife delivers a single high-precision session of focused radiation — often completed in one day without open surgery. Available at our partner Guangzhou Concord Cancer Hospital for appropriately selected cases.
| Modality | Best discussed for |
|---|---|
| Proton therapy | Pediatric, brain, lung, liver, prostate; re-irradiation |
| Gamma Knife | Selected brain tumors and metastases |
Both require individual eligibility assessment by the treating hospital.
Our Partner Centers
Guangzhou Concord Cancer Hospital
A modern, internationally oriented cancer specialty hospital in southern China's largest city, offering proton therapy and Gamma Knife radiosurgery within a comprehensive oncology program.
- Proton therapy system and Gamma Knife radiosurgery
- Located in Guangzhou — a major international hub with extensive flight connections
- Multidisciplinary tumor board approach
Official website: gzconcord.cn
Hebei Yizhou Cancer Hospital
A cancer specialty hospital operating a proton therapy center in northern China, convenient for patients combining treatment with consultations in the Beijing area.
- Dedicated proton therapy center
- Proximity to Beijing's international airport and medical ecosystem
- International patient coordination available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is proton therapy better than regular radiotherapy?
Proton therapy's advantage is precision — less radiation to healthy tissue. Whether it is the better option depends entirely on tumor type, location and your overall situation. Our free case review will help you understand what each hospital recommends.
How long does a proton therapy course take?
Typically several weeks of daily sessions, similar in duration to conventional radiotherapy, though the schedule varies by diagnosis. The hospital will confirm your exact plan after review.
Which hospital is right for me — Guangzhou or Hebei?
Factors include your diagnosis, treatment schedule, travel convenience and family accommodation needs. We help you compare both centers' recommendations and costs before you decide.