When Particle Therapy May Not Be Suitable
Particle therapy is a local treatment directed at a defined tumor area. It is not suitable for every clinical situation.
Particle therapy may be less appropriate when:
- Widespread or rapidly progressing disease requires systemic treatment
- Urgent symptoms or clinical instability require immediate local care
- Poor performance status or severe organ dysfunction makes treatment unsafe
- There is no clearly defined target for radiation treatment
- Previous radiation exposure leaves insufficient tolerance in nearby normal tissues
In some cases, surgery, systemic therapy, conventional radiation therapy, or supportive care should take priority.
For international patients, the patient must also be medically fit for travel and able to complete treatment away from home. An unstable condition or need for close local follow-up may make overseas treatment unsafe or impractical.
Hospital review considers the extent and pace of disease, current symptoms, tumor location, prior treatment, organ function, performance status, and whether treatment can begin within an appropriate timeframe.
APIS coordinates record submission and communication with relevant Korean hospitals for international patients seeking particle therapy review.
