APIS · U.S. Carbon-Ion Status
Is Carbon-Ion Therapy Available in the United States?
Clinical carbon-ion therapy is not currently available in the United States. Mayo Clinic plans to begin treatment in Florida in early 2028. Patients seeking carbon-ion treatment now would need review at an operating overseas center. Proton therapy already operates in the United States.
Current status / Last verified: October 23, 2026
Planned Mayo Carbon-Ion Program
Mayo describes its planned Florida program as the first clinical carbon-ion service in the Americas. Early 2028 is a target opening date, not current treatment availability. Its Florida proton program is planned for early 2027.
Official Mayo program information checked October 23, 2026.
Operating Options Outside the United States
Korea’s Yonsei Cancer Center offers carbon-ion treatment. Its published program includes selected difficult-to-operate ACCs, sarcomas and locally recurrent rectal cancer. Korean Centers and Cancer Types provides the hospital program details.
Treatment Timing and Existing Options
Discuss the treatment timing with your current oncology team. Proton therapy is already available in the United States, and surgery, conventional radiation or systemic therapy may address the immediate need. A future carbon-ion opening date is not a reason to delay appropriate current care.
Relevant Clinical Guides
Considering Treatment in Korea
A clinical review and a practical travel plan are separate requirements. Check the review process and treatment time and total costs before committing to travel.
Explore an Operating Program
Review a current option without waiting for a planned future opening.
Sources and dates
- Mayo Clinic, Radiation Oncology overview. Updated August 21, 2026. Current Florida schedule and first clinical carbon-ion program in the Americas
- Mayo Clinic, medical-professional program update, May 23, 2026. Corroborating planned dates.
- Yonsei Cancer Center, August 19, 2026. Operating Korean carbon-ion program.