- What is heavy ion radiotherapy?
- History of heavy ion radiotherapy
History of heavy ion radiotherapy
World-leading Japanese heavy ion radiotherapy
1970s: The first clinical application, in the US
The clinical application of heavy ion radiotherapy began in the US. Clinical research with neon ion beams was initiated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (US) in the 1970s, and many findings were reported. However, this therapy was terminated in 1993 because of financial difficulties and ageing equipment.
1984: Start of the project to construct HIMAC, the world's first heavy ion beam system for medical use
Continuing the work begun in the US, in 1984 Japan initiated the project to construct the medical heavy ion beam system HIMAC in the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (Chiba) as part of the national strategy First-Term Comprehensive Ten-Year Strategy for Cancer Control. Japan initiated the world's first attempt to develop a heavy ion beam system for medical use.
1994: Start of HIMAC cancer therapy
After approximately 10 years of development, HIMAC began clinical trials and treatment of intractable cancer in 1994. In the course of accumulating therapeutic results, R&D was initiated to increase the sophistication of the irradiation technology and to downsize the system to encourage it to spread.
2003: Approval as advanced medical technology
As of 2001, more than 1,000 patients had been subjected to heavy ion radiotherapy. In 2003, heavy ion radiotherapy was approved as a "highly advanced medical technology" (now known as "advanced medical technology") by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
2010: Start of treatment with the heavy ion radiotherapy system for worldwide use (Gunma University)
In 2002, when heavy ion radiotherapy had been recognized to be effective, the Hyogo Ion Beam Medical Center was opened as a second Japanese heavy ion radiotherapy facility to respond to the need for this therapy among cancer patients throughout Japan. Subsequently, the first heavy ion radiotherapy system for worldwide use was installed at Gunma University, and a huge step forward was made for the spread of heavy ion radiotherapy. Heavy ion radiotherapy began at this university in 2010. In 2013 Kyushu International Heavy Ion Beam Therapy Center (Saga HIMAT) also started for treatment.
In January 2016, the Kanagawa Cancer Center (i-ROCK) started heavy ion radiotherapy using the high-speed 3D scanning irradiation method, which is the latest kind of irradiation technology. i-ROCK is working to reduce the burden on patients by suppressing damage to normal tissues around cancer lesions.
In 2013 Osaka Heavy Ion Therapy Center (OSAKA HIMAK) started as urban-center type heavy particle cancer treatment facility.
In 2020 the Seventh facility East Japan Heavy Ion Center (Yamagata University) started with small rotating gantries that use superconducting technology, allowing heavy ion beams to be delivered from any direction, allowing patients to receive treatment in a comfortable position.
From April 2016, several cancers such as Prostate cancer are covered by Insurance, heavy ion radiotherapy continues to gain recognition as an important cancer therapy in Japan. (11 kind of cancers are covered at 2024)
More than 43,000 patients have been treated at these seven facilities in Japan (as of end of 2023).
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