Proton & Heavy Ion Therapy in China
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC) offers world-class particle beam therapy for cancer at 50–70% less than US costs. OriEast coordinates international patient access with bilingual support.
What Is Proton & Heavy Ion Therapy?
Proton therapy and carbon-ion (heavy ion) therapy are advanced forms of radiation treatment that deliver precise, high-energy particle beams to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This makes them especially effective for tumors near critical organs.
China's Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center is one of the world's leading facilities, using both proton and heavy ion beams. It has treated thousands of patients since opening, with clinical outcomes comparable to top centers in Japan and Germany.
Shanghai Proton & Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC)
SPHIC is China's first and most experienced proton-heavy ion treatment center, located in Pudong, Shanghai.
Who May Be a Candidate?
- • Head and neck cancers (skull base, nasopharyngeal)
- • Brain and spinal cord tumors
- • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- • Prostate cancer
- • Lung cancer (early-stage, non-small cell)
Cost Comparison
Proton and heavy ion therapy at SPHIC costs significantly less than equivalent treatment in the US, Japan, or Europe.
| Treatment | China (SPHIC) | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Proton therapy (full course) | $30,000–$50,000 | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Heavy ion therapy (full course) | $40,000–$60,000 | Not widely available |
| Initial consultation + imaging | $500–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
Typical Patient Journey
- 1. Submit medical records through OriEast for SPHIC review and eligibility assessment.
- 2. Receive treatment plan, cost estimate, and scheduling confirmation from the center.
- 3. Arrive in Shanghai. OriEast provides airport pickup and hospital orientation.
- 4. Complete simulation, treatment planning, and daily treatment sessions (typically 15–30 sessions).
- 5. Post-treatment review and follow-up planning before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is proton therapy available for all cancer types?
No. Proton and heavy ion therapy works best for solid, localized tumors. SPHIC evaluates each case individually based on tumor type, location, and staging. OriEast helps you submit records for eligibility review.
How long does treatment take?
A typical proton therapy course involves 15–30 treatment sessions over 3–6 weeks. Each session lasts about 20–30 minutes. Heavy ion therapy courses are often shorter (12–20 sessions).
How does OriEast help with proton therapy coordination?
OriEast handles medical record submission to SPHIC, appointment scheduling, visa guidance, bilingual escort during treatment, and translation of treatment plans and reports.
Get a Treatment Assessment
Submit your medical records for a free eligibility review at Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center.
Treatment decisions are made by SPHIC medical teams. OriEast provides coordination and logistics support.
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