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Published on: May 26, 2019
New accelerator facility for carbon-ion cancer-therapy
Koji Noda1, Takuji Furukawa, Takashi Fujisawa
1Department of Accelerator and Medical Physics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences.
Journal of Radiation Research
|May 22, 2007
Summary
Carbon-ion therapy, utilizing the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator of Chiba (HIMAC), has successfully treated over 3,000 patients since 1994. New facilities are being developed to expand access to this advanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Oncology
- Accelerator Technology
Background:
- Carbon-ion therapy has demonstrated significant clinical advancements since its inception in 1994.
- The Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator of Chiba (HIMAC) has treated over 3,000 patients, leading to its recognition as advanced medical technology in Japan.
- High-reliability operations and technological advancements in beam delivery and accelerators have underpinned the success of carbon-ion therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the development and future plans for carbon-ion therapy facilities.
- To detail the design and R&D of a new accelerator facility for widespread carbon-ion cancer therapy in Japan.
- To outline the ongoing design of a new treatment facility at HIMAC for further therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging ten years of operational experience with the HIMAC facility.
- Developing key technologies for accelerator and beam-delivery systems, focusing on facility downsizing for cost reduction.
- Initiating design and R&D studies for a new accelerator facility and a new HIMAC treatment facility.
Main Results:
- Construction of a new carbon-ion therapy facility began at Gunma University in April 2006.
- Ongoing development of accelerator and beam-delivery technologies for a proposed new facility.
- Design work has commenced for a new treatment facility at HIMAC.
Conclusions:
- Carbon-ion therapy, particularly using HIMAC, has a proven track record and is recognized as advanced medical technology.
- New facilities are under development to enhance the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of carbon-ion cancer therapy.
- Future developments at HIMAC aim to further advance carbon-ion therapy techniques.
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