Can Proton Therapy in Korea Be Used for Pediatric Cancer? (2026 Guide)

Yes, pediatric cancer is one of the classic indications for proton therapy. The key strength of proton therapy is its ability to minimize the radiation dose delivered to normal tissue in a growing child's body.

Key Summary

• Proton therapy is a particle-based radiation treatment in which protons release their energy and stop at the depth of the tumor, meaning radiation barely reaches the normal tissue lying beyond the tumor (National Cancer Center Korea).
• Children, whose bodies are still growing, face a relatively higher risk of growth impairment or secondary cancers in normal tissue that has been exposed to radiation, and the NCCN Guidelines for Patients describe protection of normal tissue as an important consideration in pediatric tumors.
• Because a child must hold the exact same position at every session, sedation may be needed, and when it is, a pediatric anesthesia team is present throughout.
• The biological effect on killing cancer cells is similar to that of conventional X-ray radiation; the difference lies in delivering the same dose to the tumor while reducing the dose to surrounding tissue.
• Treatment takes place at a tertiary hospital equipped with an international clinic, and we compare hospitals that match your child's condition in the remote review (pre-arrival review) written opinion.

Why Is Proton Therapy a First-Line Option for Pediatric Cancer?

• Because it is essential to minimize the radiation dose to normal tissue in a body that is still growing. Protons have a property called the Bragg peak, where they stop and concentrate their energy release at a set depth, so radiation barely reaches the normal tissue located behind the tumor.
• X-rays deposit energy in tissue both in front of and behind the target as they pass through the body, but protons rapidly decelerate at the target depth, release their energy there, and stop. By scanning a pencil-thin beam point by point across the tumor volume, it becomes possible to spare tissue such as the optic nerve or spinal cord located as little as 1cm away.
• The same principle applies to tumors situated right next to structures that are difficult to recover if damaged, such as the eye, brain, spinal cord, or skull base, and pediatric cancers along with these tumors are considered the representative indications for proton therapy.

What Is the Treatment Sequence and How Many Sessions Are Needed?

• Step 1: Simulation imaging, fabrication of an immobilization device, and treatment planning and verification take 1-2 weeks.
• Step 2: Treatment is delivered on an outpatient basis 5 days a week for 10-35 sessions, with each visit taking around 30 minutes including preparation (per the Proton Therapy Note).
• Step 3: Given the large number of sessions, total stay is planned for 4-7 weeks. The exact number of sessions depends on tumor location and the treatment plan and will be confirmed in the written opinion.
• Step 4: When a child is undergoing treatment, meal and sleep schedules are kept consistent at the same time each day to support sedation; since this schedule shapes the entire family's daily routine, you will be briefed on it in advance.
• Step 5: Patients can generally return home within a few days after the final session, and treatment response is assessed with imaging over the following months.

What Reactions Occur in the Body During Treatment?

• There is no pain during the actual radiation delivery. Common reactions include fatigue and skin changes at the treatment site; other effects depend on the area treated.
• Treatment to the head may cause hair loss at that site, and treatment to the head and neck region may cause mouth sores, dry mouth, or changes in taste. Most of these resolve over the following weeks after treatment ends.
• In pediatric patients, growth and hormonal function need to be monitored over the long term, so we provide a multilingual handover document outlining the follow-up plan for your local medical team.

FAQ — How Is This Different From Heavy Ion (Carbon Ion) Therapy?

It's not a matter of which is better, but which is the right fit. Heavy ion therapy is a particle radiation treatment that accelerates and delivers carbon ions. In situations where protecting normal tissue is the top priority (pediatric cases, or tumors next to the eye, brain, or spinal cord), proton therapy is considered; for tumors that are resistant to conventional radiation, heavy ion therapy is considered. Which option fits your case will be laid out in the written opinion based on stage and tumor location.

FAQ — Why Is a Record of Prior Radiation Therapy Needed?

Because it serves as the key basis for determining whether re-irradiation is possible in cases of recurrence at a site that has already received radiation therapy. If you upload records showing the treated area, total dose, number of fractions, and dates, our review team will advise on feasibility. For pediatric patients, it is also advisable to prepare growth records, hormone test results, developmental assessments, sedation/anesthesia history, and vaccination records.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on the Proton Therapy Note (National Cancer Center Korea, NCCN Guidelines for Patients, HiKorea). The remote review (pre-arrival review) fee is KRW 1,000,000, and costs for testing, treatment, interpretation, lodging, and transportation are itemized separately in the estimate.
• This content is intended to provide general medical information, and actual diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. Please be sure to consult with a medical professional to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.