Proton & Heavy-Ion Therapy in China — Cost, Centers & Timeline
China runs one of the world's largest particle-therapy networks — and is the global leader in carbon-ion (heavy-ion) treatment for radio-resistant tumors. We coordinate your access to its public and private centers, with English-speaking support and transparent, quoted pricing.
We are a patient-coordination service, not a hospital. We help you reach the right center and specialist; all diagnosis, treatment decisions and prescriptions are made by the treating physicians.
Proton & heavy-ion therapy cost in China
A full course runs about $38,000–$52,000 all-in, depending on the center, the number of sessions, and whether proton or carbon-ion. The often-quoted base radiotherapy fee at the public Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center is about RMB 278,900 (≈ $38,700); the all-in figure — adding imaging, hospitalization and registration — is typically RMB 320,000–370,000 (≈ $44,000–$51,000). Private international hospitals such as Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center are similar. That fee is paid directly to the hospital — we do not mark it up; our own service is a separate, per-case coordination fee, quoted after we review your records.
✅ Commonly included
- Pre-treatment examination, fixation and localization scan
- Proton / heavy-ion plan optimization and physical verification
- Daily image guidance and the full course of fractions
- Standard care during treatment and case-closing records
– Usually not included
- Treatment of complications, if they occur
- Systemic therapy (e.g. chemotherapy), quoted separately
- Observation days beyond the standard schedule
- Flights, accommodation and daily living costs
China's proton & heavy-ion centers
China has a dozen public particle-therapy centers and several private ones. We coordinate access to the center best matched to your tumor — proton, carbon-ion, or both.
Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC)
China's only center offering both proton and carbon-ion, and among the world's busiest carbon-ion programs — over 9,300 patients treated since 2015.
Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center
Private proton hospital that has treated patients from 20+ countries, with an international care package (records translation, remote MDT, visa help, bilingual concierge) and MD Anderson / Mayo Clinic training ties.
Carbon-ion network
China's home-built heavy-ion centers concentrate carbon-ion capacity — the treatment of choice for radio-resistant sarcomas, chordomas and recurrent tumors.
Public proton centers
Shandong Cancer Hospital (highest national proton volume), Hefei Ion Medical Center and Wuhan's Tongji & Union hospitals run imported proton systems (Varian, Mevion).
Two particle beams — and China leads on both
Both beams stop inside the tumor (the Bragg peak), sparing healthy tissue in front and behind. The difference is biological power — and China is one of very few countries offering carbon-ion at scale.
● Proton
Gentle, precise dose that spares surrounding tissue — the preferred choice for children and for tumors wrapped around critical organs. Delivered at most Chinese centers.
● Carbon-ion (heavy-ion)
Two to three times more biologically powerful than standard radiation — the treatment of choice for radio-resistant tumors (sarcoma, chordoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma) and for re-irradiating previously treated areas, often in far fewer sessions. China runs several dedicated centers.
Cancers often treated with particle therapy
Particle therapy is especially valuable for tumors near critical organs, in children, or where sparing healthy tissue matters most. Suitability always depends on your diagnosis and imaging — confirmed by the radiation-oncology team.
How long you'll be in China
Particle therapy is delivered as a course of daily sessions, mostly outpatient, so plan to stay near the center for the full course. Short-course (hypofractionated) plans can cut the total considerably.
Why patients choose China for particle therapy
World leader in carbon-ion
China runs several dedicated carbon-ion centers — the Shanghai center alone is among the world's busiest — giving access to a treatment few countries offer.
Lower cost than the West
Comparable courses in the US or Japan often exceed $80,000. In China the all-in hospital fee is roughly $38,000–$52,000.
Shorter waits
For eligible patients, planning and scheduling can often begin within days of review.
End-to-end coordination
We handle the introduction, records translation, appointment booking, an English-speaking companion and your S2 medical visa paperwork.
From first message to treatment
Send your case
Share your diagnosis, imaging and treatment history. We reply the same business day (Beijing time).
Suitability & quote
We check suitability with the center's radiation-oncology team and return an itemized official quotation.
Plan the trip
Appointment, S2 medical visa, English-speaking companion, transfers and accommodation near the center.
Treatment & follow-up
On-the-ground support through planning, your daily fractions and post-course review.
Particle therapy in China: common questions
How much does proton / heavy-ion therapy cost in China?
What is the difference between proton and carbon-ion (heavy-ion) therapy?
Which cancers is it best for?
How long will I need to stay in China?
Where would I be treated?
Send your case for a free assessment
Share your diagnosis and imaging and we'll check suitability with the center's radiation-oncology team and return an official quotation — usually the same business day.
Prices shown are non-binding estimates as of 2026 and are always subject to the treating center's official quotation. Suitability for proton or heavy-ion therapy and expected outcomes are determined solely by the treating physicians. This page is general information and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.
