International Medical Coordination Services
Particle (Proton, Carbon Ion) Therapy for Cancers
Precision therapy for unresectable, resistant, and recurrent cancers with fewer side effects
Particle Therapy in Korea: Proton & Carbon Ion Therapy
APIS provides specialized coordination for particle therapy in Korea, supporting international patients with unresectable, recurrent, or radiation-resistant cancers in whom conventional treatment options are limited.
Cases are reviewed by appropriate hospitals and physicians. When indicated, referrals are coordinated to tertiary treatment centers in Korea offering proton and carbon ion therapy for selected cancers, including pancreatic, liver, lung, prostate, and head and neck tumors.
In some healthcare systems, access to advanced radiation modalities may be constrained by coverage policies, institutional availability, or overall treatment cost. APIS focuses on coordinating alternative care pathways for patients seeking medically appropriate options beyond their local system.
Proton Therapy
In Korea, proton therapy is considered when minimizing radiation dose to surrounding organs is clinically important.
By delivering radiation with a defined depth of dose deposition, proton therapy allows high-dose concentration at the tumor while limiting exposure beyond the target.
- Targets tumors at a predefined depth with minimal exit radiation (Bragg Peak effect).
- Reduces radiation exposure to adjacent organs and normal tissues compared with conventional X-ray radiotherapy.
- Particularly suitable for tumors near the brain, spine, and head and neck region, as well as pediatric cancers.
- Can be considered in selected cases requiring carefully planned re-irradiation.
- Typically delivered five days a week over a course of approximately three to seven weeks, depending on the individual treatment plan.
Carbon Ion Therapy(CIRT, Heavy Ion Therapy)
Carbon ion therapy (CIRT, heavy ion therapy) may be considered in selected clinically appropriate cases. Carbon ion therapy is an advanced form of particle therapy characterized by high linear energy transfer and strong local tumor control.
Carbon ion therapy delivers stronger biological effects to cancer cells while maintaining precise dose localization. It is considered for selected tumors where conventional or proton radiotherapy may be insufficient.
- Higher linear energy transfer (LET) and biological effectiveness (approximately 2.5–3×) compared with protons.
- Effective for certain unresectable, recurrent, or radiation-resistant tumors.
- Commonly considered indications in Korea include unresectable pancreatic cancer, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), recurrent lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Additional indications are expected to be introduced progressively.
- Often completed in a shorter treatment course, typically over 3–4 weeks.
- Applied selectively based on tumor type, location, and prior treatment histor
Bragg Peak – Targeted Dose at the Tumor
Proton and carbon ion beams deliver their maximum energy at a defined depth corresponding to the tumor through the Bragg Peak effect.
This allows the radiation dose to be concentrated at the tumor target while minimizing exposure to surrounding organs, supporting treatment of inoperable, recurrent, or radiation-resistant cancers.
Benefits of Particle Therapy (Proton & Carbon Ion)
- Applicable to deep-seated, recurrent, or radiation-resistant tumors that are difficult to manage with conventional radiotherapy
- Reduced radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues through targeted dose delivery
- Shorter treatment courses in selected indications, particularly with carbon ion therapy
Leading Particle Therapy Centers in Korea
Access to these centers is coordinated based on clinical suitability and availability. Major particle-therapy centers in Korea include:
- Severance Hospital – Yonsei Heavy Ion Therapy Center
Carbon Ion Therapy (operational since 2023) - Samsung Medical Center
Proton Therapy (operational since 2015) - National Cancer Center (NCC)
Proton Therapy (operational since 2007; national research and clinical center)
- Additional particle therapy centers are under development or planning in Korea, reflecting the ongoing expansion of national particle therapy capacity.
Our Regional Partnerships
APIS collaborates with selected hospitals and organizations in Asia to support referral coordination for international patients requiring specialized cancer treatment.
Confirmed partnerships;
- Philippines – Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC)
- Indonesia – Lyfline
One such collaboration has been publicly disclosed by Asian Hospital and Medical Center [View Official News], a JCI-accredited tertiary hospital in the Philippines, describing a hospital-to-hospital coordination framework with APIS.
Exploratory discussions:
- Vietnam – Hanoi French Hospital
Preliminary Case Review
We provide expert screening to match your clinical profile with the optimal Proton or Carbon Ion (CIRT) center in Korea.
Clinical Focus: Specialized for unresectable, recurrent, or radiation-resistant cancers.
Risk Mitigation: Prevents unnecessary travel by aligning medical expectations pre-departure.
Process Efficiency: Eliminates referral delays through streamlined hospital communication.
